2013 UMS Band Interviews #1

DJ Alf Sat, July 20, 2013 5:00 pm  Li'l Devils

 DJ Alf

Where/ When are you playing for the UMS?

Saturday evening.

In twenty-five words or less, describe what somebody who has never heard of your band might expect from your performance at UMS this year.

A DJ set featuring local and national musicians performing along with the vinyl I'm spinning.

What was the first music you remember using your own money to buy?

"Theme from Rocky (Gonna Fly Now)" by Bill Conti on 45.  Purchased from The Gap in San Francisco, before they stopped selling vinyl and started only selling clothes.  I was seven.  The weird thing is - I don't remember actually really loving this song.  Not sure what prompted that purchase.

What has been your favorite album of 2013 so far?
Lots of A-s and B+s, but nothing earth-shattering for me so far.  The Daft Punk has been very enjoyable.

Do you have any advice for new bands?

Don't get mad at all the people who didn't show up to your gig.  Be appreciative of the ones that actually did.

Have you planned out who you want to see at UMS this year? Who are some of your highlights?

(can't answer until I see the schedule)

If you've been to UMS before, what three words would you use to describe it?

Intense, exhausting, life-affirming.

What has been your most memorable experience at UMS to date?

Slow Magic last year was a fantastic - playing in front of just a handful of people at the Compound.

Any tips you'd like to give the novices for making the UMS experience even better?

I love getting to see a bunch of bands that I otherwise wouldn't get to see.  Because of this, I prefer coming alone.  I can go check out bands, stay for a song, then wander off to find another band. 

Is there any place you're looking forward to eating during UMS?

I like the margherita pizza at Walnut Room Pizzeria - I think I ate it three times during UMS last year.

What is your favorite shop on South Broadway? 

I love a bunch of them, but I still miss American Aces.

You're working the counter at Twist & Shout, and a customer is interested in expanding his music collection.  What three albums would you recommend?

Herbie Hancock's "Head Hunters", Duran Duran's "Rio", and "Mirrored" by the Battles.

Is there anything we forgot to ask you about the UMS that you think people need to know?

Don't stress.  This is supposed to be fun. 



Katey Laurel Sat, July 20, 2013 12:00 pm Punch Bowl Social 

Katey Laurel

Where/ When are you playing for the UMS?

I wish I knew.  Stay tuned.

In twenty-five words or less, describe what somebody who has never heard of your band might expect from your performance at UMS this year.

Intimate, beautiful, honest and painstaking prose that will make you think AND feel.  Simultaneously.

What was the first music you remember using your own money to buy?

A cassette tape of Debbie Gibson "Out of the Blue."  My two best friends in third grade and I started our own "Debbie Gibson Club."  We were the exclusive members.  :)

What has been your favorite album of 2013 so far?

A fan of mine from Australia just sent me Gabrielle Aplin's "English Rain."  Love that and Alpha Rev's "Bloom."

Do you have any advice for new bands?

Write and play the best music you can...and then write some more.  Meet as many people as you can, this business is all about who you know.

Have you planned out who you want to see at UMS this year? Who are some of your highlights?

Covenhoven (Joel Van Horne) for sure.  Haven't looked at who else is playing yet.

If you've been to UMS before, what three words would you use to describe it?

I played UMS a few years ago...great convergence of the Denver Music community.  Lots of fun to be a part of it.

What has been your most memorable experience at UMS to date?

Watching John Common and Blinding Flashes of Light at an outdoor parking lot stage with hoola hoopers in the crowd.

Any tips you'd like to give the novices for making the UMS experience even better?

Wear sunscreen.  Just kidding.  Drink water.  Well...enjoy the music anyway.  ;)

Is there any place you're looking forward to eating during UMS?

I haven't thought about it yet!  So many great places to snack along South Broadway.  Walnut Room pizza is always a sure bet.

What is your favorite shop on South Broadway? 

Decade and Boss.

Who is your all time favorite Colorado band?

Whoa, that's a hard one.  Probably Meese or The Fray.

You're working the counter at Twist & Shout, and a customer is interested in expanding his music collection.  What three albums would you recommend?

What genre?!  I guess if I were recommending locals, I'd start out with Jessica Sonner, Andy Palmer and Rachel and the Kings for a cross-section of Denver artists.  I love Singer/Songwriters though, so that's not fair...

If it were open to anything, of course I'd recommend my two favorite albums of this year so far (see above).

Is there anything we forgot to ask you about the UMS that you think people need to know?

Will there be more good music than you can catch all at once?  The answer, undoubtedly is...YES. 



Mancub (Final Show) Sat, July 20, 2013 9:00 pm  Blue Ice

Man Cub

When are you playing for the UMS?

Saturday night 10 pm at Compound Basix

 In twenty-five words or less, describe what somebody who has never heard of your band might expect from your performance at UMS this year.  

 A Genre Confused, Noise Infused Dance Party

What was the first music you remember using your own money to buy?

 Reel Big Fish - Why do they rock so hard?

 What has been your favorite album of 2013 so far?

Portugal. The Man - Evil Friends

Do you have any advice for new bands?

Be yourself. Don't try. Do.

Have you planned out who you want to see at UMS this year? Who are some of your highlights?

This year, my UMS revolves around seeing HUMANS Saturday night at Compound Basix

If you've been to UMS before, what three words would you use to describe it?

Everclear + Mountain Dew 

What has been your most memorable experience at UMS to date?

So Gnar's a truck named Art. 

Any tips you'd like to give the novices for making the UMS experience even better?

Moderation. 

Is there any place you're looking forward to eating during UMS?

Fat Sully's

What is your favorite shop on South Broadway? 

Fancy Tiger - Both of em.

Who is your all time favorite Colorado band?

Colorado Symphony Orchestra 

You're working the counter at Twist & Shout, and a customer is interested in expanding his/her music collection.  What three albums would you recommend?

- HUMANS - Traps, Devotchka & Colorado Symphony - Live at the Beottcher, Django Django - S/T.

Is there anything we forgot to ask you about the UMS that you think people need to know?

Is mainstage the best stage? NO! Bands are everywhere, see em! Make Friends, buy merch, "get loose, have fun." - Listen to The Dirty Few.

Andy Thomas' Dust Heart Thu, July 18, 2013 8:00 pm  Skylark Lounge
Andy Thomas' Dust Heart

Where/ When are you playing for the UMS?

I'm not sure I know that yet, does anyone know that? Quick, to the internet!

In twenty-five words or less, describe what somebody who has never heard of your band might expect from your performance at UMS this year.

Dark and sometimes creepy mood music from one of the guys in Tin Horn Prayer and some of his friends. 

What was the first music you remember using your own money to buy?

Nirvana, "Nevermind" was the first casette I remember buying with my own money. Before that I'm sure I had tons of Another Bad Creation and Bel Biv Devoe tapes. 

What has been your favorite album of 2013 so far?
"Southeastern" by Jason Isbell is fucking incredible, The new Bronx simply shreds and mine is ok. 

Do you have any advice for new bands?

Don't expect anything "big" to ever happen. Just like the quote, "life is what happens while you're making other plans" there are so many great musical moments that occur while you're waiting for your big break. Enjoy those moments and let things progress organically. 

Have you planned out who you want to see at UMS this year? Who are some of your highlights?

I try not to keep a schedule at any festival I attend because there is just too much to see. I am playing in three other bands this year that I hope people will check out; The Knew, Blood Lines and Shining Wires! Come see us, please!

If you've been to UMS before, what three words would you use to describe it?
Drink lots of water.

What has been your most memorable experience at UMS to date?

Standing on a table at the 404 Club (RIP) watching Dirty Few for the first time. Playing with Tin Horn Prayer to a packed 3 Kings, drinking tall boys in the alley (every year) 

Any tips you'd like to give the novices for making the UMS experience even better?

Try to see bands you have never seen but always wanted to. Don't be afraid to take a break. Buy me a beer when you see me. 

Is there any place you're looking forward to eating during UMS?

New Illegal Pete's on Broadway! 

What is your favorite shop on South Broadway?
Mutiny Now Books! Rev Jim is the Jesus of South Broadway. Or the Beatles, whichever you feel is more important. 

Who is your all time favorite Colorado band?

hmmmm, that's a tough one. Pinhead Circus was always one of my all time favorites, at various other points in my life I've had an affinity for Bad Luck City, Ian Cooke, Crestfallen, Qualm, Planes Mistaken for Stars and a million others. Fucking Denver, man. You're alright! 

You're working the counter at Twist & Shout, and a customer is interested in expanding his music collection. What three albums would you recommend?

This is like a space alien that has never heard music before or like someone from the Suburbs who only listens to Top 40? Or is it both? How tall is this Suburban Alien? Does he/she even speak English? There are just too many factors to know what the right answer but I guess if I had to give one I'd say The Rolling Stones "Exile on Main St.", The Clash, "Combat Rock" and some sort of rap something. 

Roniit Sat, July 20, 2013 4:00 pm  Main Stage at Goodwill

Roniit

Where/ When are you playing for the UMS?

I'll be playing the Goodwill main stage at 4:00pm on Saturday the 20th.  

In twenty-five words or less, describe what somebody who has never heard of your band might expect from your performance at UMS this year.

Dark electro pop vampire people playing in the daylight for the first time ever.  We are a 5 piece synth driven band with female vocals, you will be entertained. 

What was the first music you remember using your own money to buy?

I remember going to the record store when I was 10 to buy the Christina Aguilera Genie in a Bottle single but had to splurge and get the full album because the single was sold out.  

What has been your favorite album of 2013 so far?

I'm obsessed with Exile by Hurts.  They are the modern day swedish version of Depeche Mode. 

Do you have any advice for new bands?

Start studying business & entrepreneurship. 

Have you planned out who you want to see at UMS this year? Who are some of your highlights?

I'm excited to open for Small Black on the main stage then catch some of locals... The Ever, Bop Skizzum, Mancub, Munly & The Lupercalians, Grant Sabin.  

If you've been to UMS before, what three words would you use to describe it?

Boisterous, Sprightly, Inebriated 

What has been your most memorable experience at UMS to date?

Last year was my first UMS experience! 

Any tips you'd like to give the novices for making the UMS experience even better?

Get a program and highlight the bands you want to see before you get the night started.  That way you won't be mad at yourself for missing one of the bands you wanted to see.  If you're not into planning, wear comfortable shoes.  

 Is there any place you're looking forward to eating during UMS?

I'm hoping there are going to be a ton of food trucks!  Sweet action ice cream is always a must.  I hope they have coffee oreo in stock.   

What is your favorite shop on South Broadway? 

Iron Wood - they have nice cacti.   

Who is your all time favorite Colorado band?

Mancub & Rainbowdragoneyes 

You're working the counter at Twist & Shout, and a customer is interested in expanding his music collection.  What three albums would you recommend?

Exile - Hurts , IAMX - The Unified Field , Anamanaguchi - Endless Fantasy

Is there anything we forgot to ask you about the UMS that you think people need to know?

Get there early this year for the day time shows (and for my set at 4pm on Saturday)!