It’s not pretentious to want to be the one friend that is constantly in the know on the most underground local music, is it? Whether or not it is, you’re not wrong for wanting to learn more about Colorado’s local music scene. Here is a playlist of recent releases from local acts to help you get started.
Juanners brings a bedroom pop and funk-infused track with “Moment.” The groovy synth and smooth vocals make it danceable and fitting for a casual hangout with friends, as it’s a crowd-pleaser for any music lover. Check out Juanners’ other music.
Craving some pop punk nostalgia? Give “Hopeless” a listen. This track is filled with sunny vocals and acoustic guitar that are tastefully juxtaposed with pessimistic lyrics and thundering percussion. One Flew West is one of Denver’s most successful pop-punk bands that pay homage to the skatepark anthems of the early 2000s, giving a modern face to the genre.
If you’re a fan of Mac Miller, Chance the Rapper and 90s hip hop then you’re sure to enjoy this song from Boulder-based artist, The Kid Kung Fu. Packed with groove and artful lyricism, this song will lift your spirit and have you bopping along to the emotive raps. If you enjoy this song, listen to the rest of The Kid Kung Fu’s album, it won’t disappoint.
If you missed The Velveteers latest album, “Nightmare Daydream,” here’s your introduction. Motel #27 is a song packed with fierce female vocals and intense instrumentation. Motel #27 is exemplary of The Velveteers’ ability to blend rock and punk to deliver an exciting musical experience.
Don’t Think Your Love Has Given Up, The Mañanas
Twangy indie vocals and bright guitar riffs are shining characteristics of this song off of The Mañanas’ latest album. With a fun and fast-paced inside feel, The Mañanas deliver a sound that is simultaneously nostalgic and new.
Cheerful and dancy, Fort Collins favorite Lady Denim delivers a smashing indie hit with “Old and New.” With a pinch of pop punk in the vocals, Lady Denim exemplifies a new style on this track, while still staying true to their alt-pop roots.
Upon first hearing this song from Denver-based, Julian St. Nightmare, I was reminded of punk and alternative classics, Gang of Four and Joy Division. If you enjoy darker music, you’ll have this song on repeat. Mysterious, eerie and riveting, this song is a great introduction to the other dynamic songs from Julian St. Nightmare.
You can’t have a local music playlist without a Crooked Rugs song. If you haven’t heard of them yet, the Crooked Rugs are a Fort Collins band that deliver amped-up rock tracks. “Slugface” is off of their latest album “THAT!” This song, as well as the rest on the album, are charged with intensity in true rock n’ roll fashion.
Surely the most slow-paced song on this list, April Bloom’s “Valerian” is a dream-like ballad for fans of Beach House, Mitski and Phoebe Bridgers. Gloom’s angelic vocals and steady synth throughout the track will ground you in the moment. This song is for romantics and dreamers. Every time I listen to this song, without fail, I feel like I’m living in a movie. Give it a listen to experience it for yourself.
New to the music scene, Denver’s N3ptune blends pop and R&B on their most recent single, “Black Horse.” N3ptune’s sonorous vocals are packed with power on this track. Paired with harmonizing backup vocals and a gut-wrenching bass line, this song is sure to give you chills (in the best way.)
