Hi Pioneers and beyond—welcome to Mile-High Soundwaves! This blog is all about what’s happening and who’s who in the Denver music scene. There will be lots of cool content on this page in the summer, including top local acts, concert reviews, playlists and more. Denver is sometimes left out in regards to top music cities, but us Denver locals know that we have some of the best music in the country, so keep checking here for newest and best Denver tunes.
You hear a lot about bands from across the globe—bands from across the United States, England, Australia, Japan and beyond. But sometimes people miss the true gems that are in their own backyard. Denver has a thriving music scene, and here are some acts you should give some local love.
Tommy Freed and the Sound, a talented psychedelic soul group, recently played a successful show at the Marquis Theater with other Denver bands Metafonics and LSD Bags. Fronted by Tommy Freed himself, this group showcases solid instrumentals with soulful lyrics that are enveloped with dazzling stage lights that only add to the trippy experience. Tommy Freed and the Sound will be playing at the Gothic Theater in July to celebrate the release of its LP “Come On Shining,” and will also be playing at the Underground Music Showcase in July.
2) Shady Elders
Dream pop with elements of shoegaze has never sounded so good. Fox Rodemich, singer for Shady Elders, creates an ethereal experience with sultry smooth vocals over instrumentals from Miles Eichner, Dan Vollmar and Nick Berlin. Shady Elders is highly regarded amongst the Denver music scene—a kick-off show was held and supported by other local acts like Male Blonding and Kissing Party. The band is about to embark on a West Coast tour, but will be back playing for the Denver crowd on July 2 at the Larimer Lounge; Shady Elders is also slated to play the Underground Music Showcase.
3) Bud Bronson & The Good Timers
Think of dudes with long hair, trucker caps and lots of beer, and you get Bud Bronson & The Good Timers. These guys not only know how to party, but also know how to play party rock. Despite being obviously influenced by classic rock, Bud Bronson & The Good Timers are not simply repeating past formulas-—hey’re making their own genuine music and just having a good time doing it. But don’t take their happy-go-lucky natures as something not to be taken seriously; Bud Bronson & The Good Timers are creating some truly solid music and are playing numerous shows, including a single release show at the Hi-Dive later this month. Bud Bronson & The Good Timers will also be playing the Westword Music Showcase.
American Culture’s vague hometown listing of “Four Corners Desert” on Facebook does not negate its hold over Denver music. This bubblegum pop rock outfit (think King Tuff) is a unique mash of aliens, pop culture, and low-fi noise. The band has opened for acts such as The Growlers and The Districts at local venues like the Larimer Lounge. American Culture describes their music as “music for introverts”—a constant theme throughout their album “American Gum.” With song likes “Actual Alien” and “I Like American Culture,” this band is looking towards a bright future that the local scene will be proud of.
5) Zea and The Copper Children
Zea and The Copper Children is singular member Zea Stallings, an incredibly talented guitarist, singer and lyricist that is a standout of the Denver folk scene. Stallings’ album “Copper Child” seems to include a deep sense of self-reflection and struggle, but also passion and discovery that emanates deep hopefulness. Raw honesty is at the front of Zea and The Copper Children, and this honesty comes across in Stallings’ live performance as truly sincere. Zea and The Copper Children will be performing at Tommy Freed and the Sound’s album release party next month.
Local music shouldn’t be disbanded because it’s local—with support from Denver music fans, where we live can finally be on the map as a thriving city of artists, and these are the ones to look out for.
https://play.spotify.com/user/jrockhold2/playlist/1ypph4TwWHnpp1iD2R4LSj
