Esme Patterson, In Her Own Words

Esme Patterson’s new album Woman to Woman will be released on CD and LP by Greater Than Collective this coming Tuesday the 13th. The album finds Esme writing songs from the perspective of women who’ve been sung about in other tunes – her “Valentine” tells the story from the point of view of Elvis Costello’s famous “Alison,” the Beatles’ “Eleanor Rigby” and so forth. She’ll also be playing a live in-store performance here at Twist & Shout on Friday the 23rd at 6PM. Twist’s own Natja Soave sat down with Esme to ask her a few questions about the new record, the tour, and other subjects.

Twist & Shout: Why did you decide to do a response album?

Esme Patterson: My last record was autobiographical to a fault, and it felt great on this record not to write about my own life for a bit, to write about someone else's problems.

T&S: What made you choose to respond to the songs you did for the album?

EP: The songs I responded had to be titled a woman's name, they had to be a song that I liked, and they had to have some room for a response. For example, I love the tune Mustang Sally, it fits the first two criteria, but there isn't much room for a good response. What would she say? “Yeah, I've got a car, pretty nice-looking, huh?”

T&S: What was your favorite part of this process?

EP: I really loved this whole process. It was a lot of fun, and kept being surprising and interesting to write as well as record. I love having limitations and structure with expression; paradoxically, it can be really freeing.


T&S: How are people receiving Woman to Woman?

EP: The reception of this album has been really amazing. When I wrote it, it wasn't necessarily meant to be a feminist work, although I consider myself a feminist and a lot of the work I do is colored by that, but a lot of feminist media that I deeply respect has praised this album, as well as media that focuses on the craft of songwriting, and if those two camps dig what I'm making, I feel like I must be doing something right.

T&S: How’d it feel to have Elvis Costello post “Valentine” on his Facebook page?

EP: I felt like bathwater must feel when a radio falls into it, but in a good way.


T&S: You recently did a video with Extra Kool for the song “Cape & Cowl.” Most people couldn’t imagine you in a hip-hop video, how did that collaboration come about?

EP: Extra Kool is a good friend, I love his stuff. When I worked at the Tattered Cover on Colfax he would come in and order a chocolate milkshake and we would kick it. I love singing hooks on hip-hop songs, it's a lot of fun, and Extra Kool asked me to come up with a hook for a track of his and I jumped at the chance.

T&S: When you tour will it be with a full band or just you and your guitar?

EP: The nice thing about touring with my solo project is having the freedom to do either. I do love playing with at least a drummer, though, since I've switched over to electric guitar, I'm having a lot of fun playing loud and rocking out, and that's harder to do alone.

T&S: Where will your tour lead you this summer?

EP: All over. As long as there's a bowling alley or a swimming hole nearby I'll be happy.

- Natja Soave


*More about Esme performing live at Twist and Shout here



 

Interview with the Epilogues

The Epilogues have been called the hardest working band in Denver. They've played almost every venue in Denver and have put their foot down solidly in the local scene. Earlier this year they were signed by a local label and shortly thereafter got national attention with the debut single, “The Fallout.” We are lucky enough to have them come perform for us, here at Twist & Shout on October 2nd, and they were gracious enough to answer a few questions for me.

 

Who or what got you into music to begin with?

I think most of us grew up with music in the house. Both Nate and I (Chris) had mothers who sang, and I know Jason’s dad played the drums. I’m not sure about Jeff’s family, but I do know there was A LOT of pop punk in his upbringing. We don’t hold it against him, but we do tease him about it from time to time.

What is it that first drew you to the synthesizer?

I remember buying my first real synth. It was like 2000/2001 and those stupid all-in-one workstations were a huge craze at the time, but they sounded like complete shit. I remember trying out about 15 different keyboards until I came across a Roland JP-8000. At the time I was listening to NIN’s The Fragile and Moby’s Play. Again, it was the year 2000, haha. But I finally found a synth that spoke to me, and was tonally comparable to the style. In the long run, I’m really fortunate that I chose the JP-8000. The synth itself has like 40 knobs and sliders on the front. At the time I had no clue what the hell I was doing, but it forced me to learn about synthesis from the ground up.

Who were you inspired by growing up?

I listened to a lot of The Beatles growing up. There was a good amount of Billy Joel and George Michael as well. I know Nate listened to a lot of Soul/R&B. Jason listened to pretty much anything. I think mainly punk and other rock music. But Jeff, pop punk all the way!

What have you taken with you into who you are now from those inspirations?

I put a lot if stock into our songwriting. There are so many bands out there that I call “soundchasers.” They put so much focus into their sound, but there isn’t much going on with the song itself. Ultimately, once the trends change, they’re left with nothing. I definitely appreciate good songwriting. If the song is good, it doesn’t really matter how it’s produced. It will always be good, and it can always be re-recorded/produced to sound a specific way. I think the Beatles are a perfect example.

The Epilogues have been called the hardest working band in Denver; you guys have played every venue in town. What are some of your favorites?

Red Rocks was hands down the most impressive. However, we probably played 30+ shows at the Marquis Theatre. That place will always be a home to us.

How do you feel the band has grown since its inception in 2004?

Considerably! We started out right around the time The Killers blew up. At the time, they were really the first band that used synth in dance/pop. We listened to bands like NIN and the Prodigy, but this was the first time that synths in indie rock made sense. I think we latched onto their sound as a starting point, and grew from there. Granted, we were just awful when we started out, but we were passionate and driven. Over time we learned to refine our sound, and it eventually became what it is today.

In April 2012 the band was signed to the Greater Than Collective label and in July got “The Fallout” accepted by MTV and VH1. How has this changed The Epilogues’ vision of themselves as a band?

It’s a great feeling having the resources and support to follow our passion. We’ve been DIY for most of our careers, and to finally have a team as involved and supportive as Greater Than is absolutely incredible. I think “The Fallout” was just a stepping off point – we just premiered our first single, “Paradigm Shift,” in Rolling Stone - and I can’t wait to see how the rest of the album is received.

The video for “The Fallout” is beautiful. Where did the idea come from and who worked on it with you guys?

Dillon Novak was the brainchild behind all of our videos. Dillon came to us a few years ago needing a band to fill in for a video shoot. We actually missed the opportunity and Brightwood got the video. However, it gave us the introduction we needed. I remember we wanted to film a video for “Hunting Season.” So we (Dillon included) literally scrapped together all the cash we could. We had about twenty people on crew volunteering their time, and we shot the video in one day. It was one of the best times we’ve had in this band. After that we followed up with a video for “The Fallout.” We brought on Greg Ephraim as cinematographer and had a considerably larger budget thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign. Dillon drew up the treatment again and we shot in two days. Despite the cold, it was a great experience!

As often as you guys play how hard is it to find time to sit down and write?

That’s actually one of the hardest parts about being in a band. It’s a full time job keeping the business side thriving, so it can be tricky keeping up on practicing. We’ve had to become more diligent about fitting in practice, despite our hectic schedules. When we don’t practice, we tend to lose focus and forget why we enjoy this in the first place.

What's your process for songwriting at this point?

Typically I (Chris) do the initial songwriting. It’s more like giving the band a roadmap. From there, everyone gives their input and it usually takes on a new sound or direction.

It's been a little while since The Epilogues have released a full album. Can we expect one soon?

Yes, our new album, Cinematics, will be releasing in Denver Oct 2, 2012 at Twist and Shout. We’re playing our release show on Oct 6, 2012 at Summit Music Hall. Cinematics will release nationally on Nov 6, 2012.

            - Natja

Interview With Chali 2Na

Charles Stewart (a.k.a.Chali2na) has had quite the career. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago he was inspired by the young, underground sound of House music. After moving to Los Angeles it didn't take long before he was performing spoken word and starting to rap. In his work with such groups as Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli and his countless collaborations, Chali2na has gained respect as one of the Hip-Hop's most prolific MC's. While he's noted for his music he's also a painter, has scored a few video games and has even managed to add Actor to his resume. Recently when he came in to Twist & Shout to shoot a scene for an upcoming video, he also agreed to answer a few on-line questions for our loyal Spork readers.


When we met, we talked about tattoos. What is your favorite and why?

My favorite ones are memorial tattoos because they mean so much to the person who has them. Usually they would have done their homework and searched for the best thing they could think of to celebrate the occasion.


You're currently shooting a video, tell me a little about the project you're working on.

Well it's called Against the Current and it'll be broken up into five genre-specific EP's that will allow me to draw on my inspirations musically. Each EP will represent a genre or style of music that inspires me such as Caribbean, Electronic, Live instrumentation and just straight Hip-Hop.


What inspires your painting?

Like my music, everyday events inspire my paintings. I'm a sucker for detail so I go for things that tell a story through the amount of detail present. Weird angles catch my eye and I try to translate what I see with a message behind it.


It's been several years now since your head injury, how do you think that has affected you as an artist, both an MC and as a visual artist?

Well my biggest lesson from the crash was to seize the moment. You never know when the time to leave is now so live as if the next moment is that moment. Now I have a newfound sense of urgency that pushes me a bit further than I'd normally go I guess.

Who are you listening to right now?

Believe it or not, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Chill Rob G, Percee P, StesaSonic! Riding in my car reliving those days and appreciating how innovative these guys were and still are today!

What's the most memorable show you've ever done?

That's almost impossible to answer. I've been blessed to be at shows where there were 80 thousand people as well as shows in small clubs where people like Prince have shown up so it varies quite a bit.


What do you think of Hip Hop now compared to when you were first coming up?

The kids today don't know a world without Computers, Internet, Hip-Hop. So in my opinion they take it more for granted as something that's just gonna be there than we did watching it being created, and defined into what it is today. It's treated more like a piece of disposable chewing gum than a great book that you'd share with all your friends.


You've always worked with incredible crews, how does that compare to being a solo artist?

It doesn't really. Being solo is much more work with a different kind of reward at the end. But being a part of the crews I've been blessed to be a part of was just that... a blessing!!


Knowing the political climate in the US today, what are your thoughts on the state of Civil Rights today?

It's apparent that Civil Rights in this country haven't moved forward much when you finally have a black president whose very existence brings out the inner racist in people you'd least expect.


How does that manifest itself into your music?

I'm a freedom fighter using the only weapon God gave me which is my art. So musically or visually you will find that I'm pushing for a change for the better in whatever I can effect change in.


What's your favorite thing to do after you've created something you really love?

Show it to as many people as I can....lol!!

- Natja Soave

B&W photo by: http://aarondavismusic.com/

Rich Robinson: Through a Crooked Sun

Rich Robinson’s second solo album, Through a Crooked Sun, “is all about getting through things, starting on a new path, looking forward,” the co-founder of the Black Crows told Spork in a recent interview. The release comes on the heels of a rocky stretch in the artist’s life that included a divorce and a pair of hiatuses for his band, and its lyrics and music convey the wisdom, maturity and confidence of a man who’s better for having gone through them. It’s the kind of record that would feel good to play over and over during hard times.

In the album’s opening track, “Gone Away”, Robinson takes the bad medicine straight, singing an unambiguous call and response with himself: “I fell the distance of the deepest canyon drop/ That’s how you bleed, sir/It took me years to climb back to the top/ That’s what you need, sir.” From there, the lyrics take turns through self-reflection, philosophy and spirituality, never shying away from the negatives of life but never giving in to them fully either. “Bye Bye Baby” is full of metaphors of loss – curtains falling, birds dropping from the sky – and is punctuated with the question, “Is this world done with me?” But the query isn’t sung in the sorrowful tone of a person who is about to throw in the towel. It’s a rhetorical question; the answer is clearly “no.” In “It’s Not Easy,” “Hey Fear” and “Follow You Forever,” he stands tall with insights about materialism, emotional vulnerability and family.

The album’s positive vibe is affirmed by the mood of the music. The twelve songs on this album feel much more fully developed than those of his first solo album, Paper. They’re unrelentingly beautiful and at times magnificent, each with a foundation laid sturdily with acoustic guitar and honest vocals and adorned with layers of electric guitar, pedal steel and organ that build to peaks of emotion. They were recorded in Woodstock in January and February of this year at a studio on a 12-acre farm with llamas and horses all around, and the record reflects the laid-back beauty of the surroundings. “All Along the Way” is particularly gorgeous, with veils of pedal steel drifting throughout and a rapturous solo by Robinson on a B-Bender to close it out. Same with “Hey Fear,” except here the core melody and rhythm are more emphatic, and the build-up is to a tapestry of electric guitar solos. Joe Magistro plays drums throughout, and there are also appearances by Larry Campbell, who played for many years with Bob Dylan, John Medeski of Medeski, Martin and Wood, and Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule, the Allman Brothers and the Dead. “This is the third album I’ve recorded in Woodstock,” Robinson says. “It’s beautiful up there. Very pleasant. Very creative vibe. Recording this album was a great experience.”

Robinson was a lot more relaxed while working on this album, he says - more sure of himself and where he wanted to take the music. “I felt much more at ease making this record,” he explains. “It flowed much more than Paper.” And while the there are no immediate plans for the Black Crowes to record again and tour, Robinson seems to feel quite good about being his own man.  “It’s my vision,” he says. “It’s what I want to see and hear. It’s a chance to play with other people. It’s cool to get out and work in a different way.”

Rich Robinson will perform live at Twist and Shout Friday, November 4, at 6 pm.

2011 UMS band Interviews #4

Twist and Shout has asked some bands performing at the UMS to answer a few questions for us- check out these bands July21st-July24 at the UMS.

John Common and Blinding Flashes Of Light

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/john-common-and-blinding-flashes-of-light

Where and when are you playing at the UMS?

Saturday, July 23 at Skylark Lounge (Verizon Wireless Stage) for the Green Room Music Source Showcase.
10PM Slot - 45 minutes
21+

Sunday, July 24 at Goodwill parking Lot (Groove Automotive Stage) - OUTDOOR SHOW
5:15PM Slot - not sure - thinking 45 minutes- I will verify
All Ages

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout?

Hell yes we do.

How long has your band been together?

Couple of years. But if feels like forever, really.

What was your band's first live show/ performance?

I don't remember.
 

What was the first album you purchased?

Outlandos D'Amour, The Police.

Do you have any (quick) advice for new bands?

Do things that make you feel uncomfortable. Learn to sing with your real voice. Be kind to everyone around you--remember what you make them endure. And write a lot.

Besides your own band- who do you want to see at the UMS?

A bunch... Tim Pourbaix, Achille Lauro, Science Partner, The Caves, Mike Marchant, Bad Weather California, Jen Korte, Corey Teruya are some.

Best past UMS experience?

Last year we played by the Goodwill on an outdoor stage just as it got dark... the wind came up and then the lights turned on and we played to a couple hundred people. Everyone was in a good mood -- you could fee lit. It was just a gorgeous moment.

Do you have any tips for festival goers?
Sleep a lot before the UMS. Then, be undaunted.  Also, take chances on bands you don't know or love (yet).  It's worth it.

What's the best food people can find on Broadway during the festival?

Beatrice and Woodsley

Who is your all time favorite Denver band?

Not fair.

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers?

Somethin' Else by Cannonball Adderly, Dvorak's 9th Symphony (New World) by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Daniel Lanois' Acadie.

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

We are John Common and Blinding Flashes of Light and we are built to love.

The Dendrites:

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/the-dendrites

Where and when are you playing at the UMS? 

Sat July 23rd 9pm at Thrifty Sticks

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout? 

Yes, both are for sale at Twist and Shout

How long has your band been together? 

Fall 2003

What was your band's first live show/ performance? 

We opened for King Django at the Climax Lounge in 2004 or 05

 Do you have any (quick) advice for new bands? 

Keep playing.  We didn't get any local recognition until this year in terms of media coverage.

Besides your own band- who do you want to see at the UMS? 

Pink Hawks, Tin Horn Prayer, Constellations

  

Do you have any tips for festival goers? 

Bring your dancing shoes!

Who is your all time favorite Denver band? 

The Messyhairs or Man Alive!

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers? 

Foundation Ska by the Skatalites, Otis Blue by Otis Redding, Any Delroy Wilson album, any Alton Ellis album.

Patrick Dethlefs 

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/patrick-dethlefs

Where and when are you playing at the UMS? 

Saturday July 23rd, 8pm at Michelangelo's Coffee & Wine Bar

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout? 

Yes I do! Patrick Dethlefs - Stays the Same

How long has your band been together? 

Right now its mainly just me, so since 1990, but really been playing for the past 2 or 3 years.

What  was your band's first live show/ performance? 

Sometime before highschool in Evergreen, Colorado, But started playing more seriously the past 2- 3 years.

  

Do you have any (quick) advice for new bands? 

Have fun and keep pushing yourself to improve and keep going after things you want.

Who is your all time favorite Denver band? 

ah this is so hard, I love Nathaniel Rateliff, and have always had a love for Paper Bird.

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers?

 Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues,  Paper Bird- Carry On,  Nathaniel Rateliff- In Memory of Loss, those are just 3, I have so many more to suggest! Any Ray Lamontagne Album.

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

Check out my newly released Daytrotter Session for a little taste and free music!

Eolian

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/eolian

Where and when are you playing at the UMS?

7pm Sunday at 3 Kings. After Overcasters and before Lion Sized.

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout?

 Both vinyl and CD are on display in beautiful origami nests.

  

What was the first album you purchased?

 cassette - Buddy Holly. CD - Fugazi - 'Steady Diet of Nothing'

Besides your own band- who do you want to see at the UMS?

 Lion Sized, End Hits, The Raven and The Writing Desk, 

Do you have any tips for festival goers?
Watch Eolian.

   

Who is your all time favorite Denver band?

 CRESTFALLEN.

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers?

 Richard Buckner - The Hill, Jethro Tull - Heavy Horses, NOFX - The Decline, 

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

Sean and Adam play with A Shoreline Dream sunday at Moes at 4pm. Sean and Ian play with Ian Cooke sunday on the outdoor stage at 9pm. 

      

More interviews to come!

2011 UMS band Interviews #3

Twist and Shout has asked some bands performing at the UMS to answer a few questions for us- check out these bands July21st-July24 at the UMS.

Achille Lauro:

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/achille-lauro

Where and when are you playing at the UMS? 

we have the distinct pleasure of playing the skylark friday night at 11:55 pm.  going to be an excellent way to cap off day two of the Denver Post Underground Music Showcase.

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout? 

indeed we do have last years release, "Indiscretions", in the vinyl section at twist and shout. VINYAL ONLY BABY.    we also released our own scented candle (with a download code good for the two newest tracks we recorded earlier this year) and it will be available soon at twist and shout.  but you can always go to http://hotcongressrecords.com/ and pick one up online.

How long has your band been together? 

we have been playing together for about six years.  but only two years with the current lineup.

What was your band's first live show/ performance?

like many denver bands our first show was at the infamous Larimer Lounge. Voices  Underwater, Pena, and the then virgin Achille Lauro.  thanks la lo.  we owe it all to you.

What was the first album you purchased? 

Moving Pictures by Rush.  no shit.  all of us.  the first and only record we own.  literally.  that's the only album any of us own.

Do you have any (quick) advice for new bands? 

never bring a guitar stand to a show unless your are prepared to forget it or have it stolen by someone.  always bring your own drum kit.  you have to remember everyone else's drum kit sucks.  and last, be humble.  

Besides your own band- who do you want to see at the UMS? 

vicious women, spires, amazing twin, hot white, el ten eleven, glass hits, kingdom of magic, tommy metz, accordion crimes, hindershot, vitamins, dendrites, land lines, SAUNA, 200 million years, zebroids, lil slugger, flashlights, hearts in space, fingers of the sun, faceman, king mob, tinhorn players, blueberry cake, to name a few.

Best past UMS experience? 

every year blends together into a fun/sweaty/drunk/tired/ears blown out/sunburned/blistered feet/rejected by that girl you like or maybe you really didn't like but hey it was the dpums so anything goes right? mess.  but last year.  wow.  last year was the shit.

Do you have any tips for festival goers? 

don't be afraid to have fun.  the dpums come but once a year.  

What's the best food people can find on Broadway during the festival? 

food?  here's another tip for festival goers. don't eat food!  it takes up valuable space in your stomach that can be easily be filled with fun loving booze.  

Who is your all time favorite Denver band? 

vitamins.....or lil slugger.  which is funny cause both of them started out in greely.

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers? 

"Alopcia" by Why?.  "Surfer Rosa" by the pixies.  "whokill" by tune-yards.

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

love actually is everyfuckingwhere,  -jonny and the lauro  

Bonnie and The Beard

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/bonnie-and-the-beard

Where and when are you playing at the UMS?

 We are playing Sunday the 24th at the Irish Rover at 4pm.

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout?

Yep-- Right now it is in the UMS display. 

How long has your band been together?

Been together about 18 moons long.

Best past UMS experience?

Hmm. Last year The Beard was chased over several blocks by a drunken, shirtless Scotsman and Bonnie took a flying beer can to the eye later that evening...

Do you have any tips for festival goers?
Hydrate!

Take To The Oars

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/take-to-the-oars-

Where and when are you playing at the UMS?  

We are playing at Moe's BBQ (5th and broadway) at 10pm Saturday, July 23rd.

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout? 

Yes we do.

How long has your band been together? 

This lineup has been together for 3 years, but we did not coin ourselves as Take To The Oars until June 2010.

What was your band's first live show/ performance? 

With our current lineup we played the Bluebird for a friends CD release show.  We love playing that venue.

What was the first album you purchased? 

Record actually, Michael Jackson's "Bad."  First CD was Nirvana "Nevermind."

Do you have any (quick) advice for new bands? 

You have to dive in and go after it with reckless abandon.  Most importantly you have to believe in your music and enjoy the process, because that is the only thing that is guarantee.

Besides your own band- who do you want to see at the UMS? 

We always enjoy the Photo Atlas & Epilogues, Caleb Slade is fantastic, Sage Francis should be great...honestly the local pool of talent in Denver is ridiculous, so I plan on doing a little bit of exploring.  Sarah Slade, in addition to keeping us in line, has a great way of involving the crowd.  We are just excited to be a part of it.

Best past UMS experience? 

Seeing Gregory Alan Isakov at the Hi-Dive last year was very cool, and intimate.  Also I saw Snake Rattle Rattle Snake for the first time at UMS and it was like "okay I see what the buzz is about."  Plus you can't beat cold beers and rock n roll in the sun.  Denver really gets out and supports and anytime you can be a part of that, it is memorable.

Do you have any tips for festival goers? 

get there early and stay late, because the lineup this year is stacked.  You might want to request Monday off from work or, at the very least, practice your "I'm sick" phone call to the boss.

What's the best food people can find on Broadway during the festival? 

Moe's BBQ is delicious... everyone already knows about Sputnik and for the record it is worth the wait.  If you can't afford to eat out, then I recommend packing a lunch, but keep the tomato and lettuce in a separate bag or else it will soak the bread and potentially ruin your sandwich. 

Who is your all time favorite Denver band?  

that's a tough one...My favorite recent album out of Denver is Nathaniel Ratliff's "In Memory of Loss"

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers? 

The previously mentioned "In Memory of Loss," Outkast "ATLiens," and I'm sorry, but I have to do this because I'm biased and damn proud of our debut album. Take To The Oars "American Volume."

 

Churchill 

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/churchill

Where and when are you playing at the UMS?

-We are playing Sunday night at 6pm on the main stage.

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout?

-yes

How long has your band been together?

-we've been together for a little over 2 years.

What was your band's first live show/ performance?

-  We played our first show as a whole band at the meadowlark. lots of our early shows were played there. 

What was the first album you purchased?

- tim bought Jars of Clay 

- Mike bought 'I am' by Nas

-Joe bought Offspring

- Tyler bought 'upbeats and beat downs' by Five Iron Frenzy

Bethany bought the men in blck soundtrack

Do you have any (quick) advice for new bands?

-Play alot of shows, write a lot of songs, get to know as many denver musicians as you can. they're all cool. 

Besides your own band- who do you want to see at the UMS?

Gregory Alan Isakov

Archeology

The Centennial 

Dan Craig

Best past UMS experience?

-we had a blast playing our show last year at moe's. by the end of our set you couldn't find where the stage ended and the audience began. it was a free for all and it was an awesome experience. 

Do you have any tips for festival goers?

-Go to as many shows as you can. Go see bands you've never heard of, and at least one show at the church on south broadway. that room is amazing. 

What's the best food people can find on Broadway during the festival?

-so much amazing food. late night menu at the hornet is great. and sweet action ice cream. 

Who is your all time favorite Denver band?

- Too many great denver bands to decide! some of our favorites are Meese, The Fray, Five Iron Frenzy, Gregory Alan Isakov, Nathaniel Rateliff and Dan Craig, and there is always a new band we're into as well. 

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers?

- the new bon iver album

- Nickel Creek 'why should the fire die'

-The Black Keys 'Brothers'

2011 UMS band interviews #1

Twist and Shout has asked some bands performing at the UMS to answer a few questions for us- check out these bands July21st-July24 at the UMS.

the Knew:

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/the-knew

Where and when are you playing at the UMS?

We are playing the outdoor stage at 6 on Saturday as an 8 piece and the Rover on Sunday at 9 as a 5 piece.  Lots of numbers in that last sentence - I know - but both sets will be as different as they are fun.

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout?

We do.  We have our full length, Pulperia as well as our 7" Before it Ends.  Twist and Shout has always been super nice to us.  

How long has your band been together?

For many moons and many moods

What was your band's first live show/ performance?

 Herman's Hideaway to our parents.  

What was the first album you purchased?

P.M. Dawn "Of the Heart, of the Soul and of the Cross 

Do you have any (quick) advice for new bands?

Don't get caught up in anything besides making good music and being good to one another.       

Besides your own band- who do you want to see at the UMS?

Trees, Ha Ha Tonka, The Fling, Oh No Oh My, The Dendrites, Vicious Women, the Blackheart Procession, Greg Al Isakov, Pink Hawks, Lord Steven Fuzz. 

Best past UMS experience?

After our show a couple years ago we went to the Brown Barrel and drank until we couldn't anymore.  They had a free taco buffet.  

Do you have any tips for festival goers?
Stay away from the free taco buffet at the Brown Barrel.

What's the best food people can find on Broadway during the festival?

You should try the free taco buffet and almost free draws at the Brown Barrel.

Who is your all time favorite Denver band?

Slim Cessna's Auto Club and The Beebs 

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers?

Van Halen I, Van Halen II and Jimmy Cliff's The Harder They Come

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

Its more important to try to have as much fun as possible than it is to try to look cool.  

Mane Rok

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/mane-rok-w-deejay-tense

Where and when are you playing at the UMS? 

11pm Sunday at Club 404

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout? 

"The Ugly Truth" & ManeLine titles are there, but the newest opus "En Stereo" is at shows only for the moment.

How long has your band been together? 

I've been performing with Deejay Tense since about 2004 in different capacities...but went solo with Tense as of 2009

What was your band's first live show/ performance? 

First live solo show...was at the Marquis Theater with The Pirate Signal in March of 2009.

What was the first album you purchased? 

Full Album...Kris Kross. First anything..was a maxi-tape single by Heavy D & The Boyz...RIP Trouble T Roy.

Do you have any (quick) advice for new bands?

 Be prepared for the worst...expect the best....and you'll land somewhere in between.

Besides your own band- who do you want to see at the UMS?

 The lineup is so extensive...can't really say...I prefer what happened to me at my first year playing...being amazed by random bands at random venues...like the pink hawks.

Best past UMS experience?

Refer to previous question.

Do you have any tips for festival goers?
Comfortable shoes. Lots of water.


What's the best food people can find on Broadway during the festival?

 The yogurt shop...the thai spot...and Sputnik.

Who is your all time favorite Denver band?

 Deca

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers?

 Mane Rok "The Ugly Truth" Prime Element "Set IN Stone" and ManeLine "...& Sew Its Seams"

Jessica Sonner

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/jessica-sonner

Where and when are you playing at the UMS?

The Hornet 9pm Sunday night. WOO!

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout? 

Yes, both my albums are available at Twist.  'All We Need' and 'The EP'

How long has your band been together?

I have been playing and touring for 7 years. 

What was your band's first live show/ performance?  

Starbucks every Thursday night in Anderson, Indiana. 

What was the first album you purchased?  

Jewel  - 'Pieces of You'

Do you have any (quick) advice for new bands? 

No one will work harder for you than you will for yourself. 

Besides your own band- who do you want to see at the UMS?  

Nathan and Stephen

Best past UMS experience?  

Hearts of Palm (Nathan and Stephen)'s secret show last year at 2 am. fantastic. 

Do you have any tips for festival goers?  

Go to as much as possible.  Wear sunscreen.  404 has the best Bloody Mary.

What's the best food people can find on Broadway during the festival? 

Walnut Room pizza... or the Steuben's kitchen on wheels. LOVE IT!

Who is your all time favorite Denver band?  

Yikes. um... undecided. 

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers? 

Churchill, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Dan Craig's new record... coming out this fall...  

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

You can sleep when you're dead.

Overcasters 

http://www.theums.com/artists/detail/overcasters

Where and when are you playing at the UMS? 

Sunday July 24th @ 6pm 3kings tavern

Do you have your cd for sale at Twist and Shout? 

Yes, The Whole Sea is Raging on Colored Vinyl and CD

How long has your band been together? 

5 years

What was your band's first live show/ performance? 

Weather Center, Sept 2007

Besides your own band- who do you want to see at the UMS? 

Land Lines

Do you have any tips for festival goers? 

Come see Overcasters @ 3kings Sunday

What's the best food people can find on Broadway during the festival? 

Food Trucks!

Who is your all time favorite Denver band? 

Tarmints

If you were behind the counter at Twist and Shout, what three albums would you recommend to our customers?

 BRMC Baby 81, Echo and the Bunnymen Ocean Rain, Black Angels Directions to see a ghost 

More interviews to come!