In KXDU’s latest Tiny Dorm Session, a creative take on NPR’s tiny desk concerts, CU Denver band Blackberry Crush delivered an electrifying four-song set, showing off some recent releases. The band consists of Charlie Laxague and Pyper Tiffany on guitar and vox, supported by bass player GG Tyler and Nick Schell on drums.
The Tiny Dorm series is facilitated by the radio club’s tiny dorm committee. Michael Dahm is the production manager, handling video camera rentals, scene setting and more. Grady Dionne is the sound designer and also handles the majority of outreach and communications. Bella Kraus is the other sound manager who works with Dionne on the mixes and audio.
The session opens with “Colder,” immediately establishing the tone of the set with haunting vocal harmonies between Laxague and Tiffany. The climax of the song was matched with KXDU’s decision to use a fisheye lens, capturing unique angles as the vocals and body language intensified. The cinematography is particularly noteworthy, with KXDU’s camera work zooming in on the guitar fingerings before the song dramatically shifts tone just before the three-minute mark.
Without pause, the band transitions into “Ghost,” which was the first song they ever put out as a band. This track showcases a more mysterious, groove-oriented sound before the vocals even enter the scene. The second half features Laxague taking over lead vocal duties, with Schell and Tyler in perfect melodic sync.
Between songs, the band’s playfulness shines through in a moment where Laxague professes his love for “so many sandwiches,” adding a charming glimpse into the band’s personality.
The third untitled song (referred to by the band as “D and B” for its drum and bass pattern) emerges as a standout, opening with an impressive drum introduction before settling into a radio-like melody. The two vocalists moved toward each other while playing, creating a visual and sonic symmetry.
After a brief pause where Laxgue switches guitars, the band closes with their recently released single, “goodbye.” Tiffany takes the lead on vocals for this slower and solemn number. The pace of the piece gradually intensifies before returning to the original somber mood. The alternating vocals toward the end of the track created a mesmerizing effect, before an abrupt end leaves viewers wanting more.
“Recording is a huge part of our process,” Laxague said, when discussing the band’s approach to songwriting. “We will usually spend a lot of time in the studio trying to get unique sounds that fit what we want to express.”
He compared finishing up a studio recording as similar to finishing a triathlon, because the entire process is in the hands of the artists themselves.
This attention to detail is evident throughout their performance, which benefits from the intimate setting of KXDU’s Tiny Dorm format. According to Laxague, the band’s creative process often begins with “an interesting chord or sound” before building outward, sometimes incorporating an unconventional lyric-writing technique where the band members record improvisational vocalizations and then “decipher the lyrics from the subconscious ramblings,” explained Laxague.
What’s next for Blackberry Crush?
Laxague shared that the band is putting the finishing touches on a record that’s coming out under the indie label Mean World Records.
“We’ll be hitting the road in the fall to support it,” Laxague shared.
The video serves as yet another impressive addition to KXDU’s growing Tiny Dorm series, which now spans eleven sessions highlighting local artists. Blackberry Crush thanked KXDU for all of their hard work and creativity.
“Even if we lost all the video files, I wouldn’t be upset because it was such a good time,” said Laxague.
KXDU’s Vice President Anya McCann spoke on the collective process of the tiny dorm series.
“It’s such a collaborative project, we have so many different hands touching these projects,” said McCann. “It’s a project of love, obviously, but it’s also a project of all the hard work all of us as students and as music appreciators do.”
The chemistry between the band members is palpable, and KXDU’s production quality continues to improve with each release.
Blackberry Crush can be found on Instagram and on all major streaming platforms.
Stay up to date with KXDU’s upcoming projects and collaborations through their Instagram page.
