While lots of folks are doing "year in review" lists for 2010, today we're going to do a different twist and focus on Denver bands and artists to watch in the upcoming year, based partly on what they've accomplished this year. This is by no means a comprehensive list--there's so much great music activity happening in Denver that it's nearly impossible to keep up with it all--so forgive the oversight if your favorite band is not on this one writer's radar just yet. That said, in no particular order, these are some bands and artists that have momentum and are performing well, and who are worthy of your attention in 2011.
AIR DUBAI
This rookie hip-hop band has taken great strides in 2010, from winning the opener slot for OneRepublic at Broomstock (May) to a capacity-crowd CD release at The Gothic Theatre (October) to winning this year's Hometown for the Holidays band competition (December). High energy hip-hop with a twist of rock; definitely worth seeing live.
This rookie hip-hop band has taken great strides in 2010, from winning the opener slot for OneRepublic at Broomstock (May) to a capacity-crowd CD release at The Gothic Theatre (October) to winning this year's Hometown for the Holidays band competition (December). High energy hip-hop with a twist of rock; definitely worth seeing live.
THE EPILOGUES
Besides sweeping just about every competition they entered in the past 12 months (including 2009's Hometown for the Holidays, which got them a slot on this year's Not-So-Silent-Night roster, and 2010's Westword Music Showcase, which won them a slot at the 2010 Mile High Music Festival), this alt-rock band has a tremendous amount of momentum going into this next year. Go see them play once, and you'll know what the buzz is about. These guys are ready for the majors. We're also on watch for a new release from them sometime this year.
Besides sweeping just about every competition they entered in the past 12 months (including 2009's Hometown for the Holidays, which got them a slot on this year's Not-So-Silent-Night roster, and 2010's Westword Music Showcase, which won them a slot at the 2010 Mile High Music Festival), this alt-rock band has a tremendous amount of momentum going into this next year. Go see them play once, and you'll know what the buzz is about. These guys are ready for the majors. We're also on watch for a new release from them sometime this year.
CHURCHILL
Another newer band that has garnered plenty of attention this past year, Churchill continues to win over a growing audience with their attention-grabbing acoustic indie-rock sound, placing two years running in Hometown for the Holidays and playing at most of Denver's local music festivals this year. The audience that showed up to hear them play at last summer's Underground Music Showcase read like a who's-who list of local bands, demonstrating that Churchill is also earning the respect of their peers. Be watching for their first full-length release Happy/Sad, due out in February.
Another newer band that has garnered plenty of attention this past year, Churchill continues to win over a growing audience with their attention-grabbing acoustic indie-rock sound, placing two years running in Hometown for the Holidays and playing at most of Denver's local music festivals this year. The audience that showed up to hear them play at last summer's Underground Music Showcase read like a who's-who list of local bands, demonstrating that Churchill is also earning the respect of their peers. Be watching for their first full-length release Happy/Sad, due out in February.
SNAKE RATTLE RATTLE SNAKE
Another band that took great strides in 2010, Snake Rattle Rattle Snake was voted Best New Band of 2010 by readers of Westword Magazine, and at one show exhausted their repertoire in front of an enthusiastic packed house when they headlined at the Bluebird Theater. A powerful blend of atmospheric guitars and heavy rhythms. Go see them play this year. (Just don't get too close.)
Another band that took great strides in 2010, Snake Rattle Rattle Snake was voted Best New Band of 2010 by readers of Westword Magazine, and at one show exhausted their repertoire in front of an enthusiastic packed house when they headlined at the Bluebird Theater. A powerful blend of atmospheric guitars and heavy rhythms. Go see them play this year. (Just don't get too close.)
DANIELLE ATE THE SANDWICH
Proof that you no longer need a record deal to get a national following, Danielle Anderson's quirky, tongue-in-cheek style has won over audiences from all over, thanks to the wonders of YouTube. Her full-length release Two Bedroom Apartment last summer charted in the Top 10 in iTunes singer/songwriter category, and her YouTube videos have gotten clicks in the millions. She also was one of several local acts showcased at this year's Mile High Music Festvial. She plays the ukulele. It's pretty fun. Go see her.
Proof that you no longer need a record deal to get a national following, Danielle Anderson's quirky, tongue-in-cheek style has won over audiences from all over, thanks to the wonders of YouTube. Her full-length release Two Bedroom Apartment last summer charted in the Top 10 in iTunes singer/songwriter category, and her YouTube videos have gotten clicks in the millions. She also was one of several local acts showcased at this year's Mile High Music Festvial. She plays the ukulele. It's pretty fun. Go see her.
JOHN COMMON & BLINDING FLASHES OF LIGHT
Along with gathering a top-notch band of musicians (collectively, Blinding Flashes of Light), the release of Beautiful Empty in early 2010 signified a major shift for vetaran singer/songwriter John Common. From all appearances, it was a shift in the right direction, resulting in the best year musically of his career. This past year the band played almost every major local festival, including Mile High Music Festival, was listed in Denver Post's Top 20 Underground Bands, and was titled Best Indie/Folk Acoustic Band in this year's Westword Music Showcase. The path continues upward for JC & BFOL in 2011.
Along with gathering a top-notch band of musicians (collectively, Blinding Flashes of Light), the release of Beautiful Empty in early 2010 signified a major shift for vetaran singer/songwriter John Common. From all appearances, it was a shift in the right direction, resulting in the best year musically of his career. This past year the band played almost every major local festival, including Mile High Music Festival, was listed in Denver Post's Top 20 Underground Bands, and was titled Best Indie/Folk Acoustic Band in this year's Westword Music Showcase. The path continues upward for JC & BFOL in 2011.
Comments
Awesome... five more blurbs on the five most over-blurbed, milquetoast, art-free, overproduced, harmless, dancable groups most likely to appeal to a college-aged demographic and win lots of corporate-sponsored contests due to their media contacts and lowest common denominator appeal. At least now I know the bands to see if I quit drinking, want to take my mom to a concert or need to entertain a Young Life group.
Just curious, what would your list be Casper?
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