Desciples- Still Got Dah’ Riddum’ Mon’ by Charlie Sullivan
CSullivan@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Main stays on the local music scene, dread rockers the Desciples (Bob Marley meets Pink Floyd) have gone through some major changes in 2013. In June the bassist and the drummer walked, leaving founding members Stephen Hashbarger (guitar, vocals) and Chilli Moreno (congas) without a rhythm section. “We had a show scheduled at the Marquis Theatre and Chilli gets a text message that Terry and TJ are not going to do the show”, relays Hashbarger, “It pretty much sucked what the hell were we going to do.”
Q + A With Steele & Colfax by Tru Blu
trublu@ColoradoMusicBuzz.com
Steele & Colfax produces as unique a sound as any band in Colorado. Their brand of original music can be described as hard driving southern blues blended with harmonies and hooks from 50’s and 60’s rock and topped with a Motown vibe. Have they discovered something new and relevant? Maybe… Have they put together a steller line-up of amazing musicians? Definitely! Steele & Colfax is Tim Yunker , Tyler Callihan, Shelby Britton and Dalton Callihan. CMB: Your vibe and sound are so unique. What inspired you guys to do something so different musically? TY: I think it started as an idea inside the mind of our lead guitarist, Tyler Callihan. We were introduced through a mutual friend, he had heard one of my previous albums and didn’t believe that I didn’t use any pitch correction or auto tune. He immediately recognized the potential of what kind of sound we could create. He heard my voice in an entirely different context than I was used to, and it just clicked. We started reaching back to the golden era of Mo Town/Atlantic etc. What we created surprised us both! We’ve been trying to get this project together for a while now, it’s great to see it getting off the ground and how positive people are reacting. We’re thrilled! CMB: Do you write all the songs with the full band and who takes the lead? How often do you guys write new material? TY: This project is a collaboration in the true sense of the word. The early material was primarily written by Tyler and myself. However, after adding another great song writer to the mix, bassist Shelby Britton, it gave us the freedom to truly explore the concepts and ideas that we created individually. There are some songs, such as our single City on a Hill, which were written by the entire band. We sit down and bounce ideas off each other until we all come to something we enjoy. We’re all songwriters, we write constantly. We’re just very picky about which songs make the cut!
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CMB: What are some of your previous or current projects besides Steele & Colfax? TY: The three older members, Shelby Tyler and myself, have been involved in several projects, all successful in their own rite. Tyler was involved with the extremely popular band out of Fort Collins, Tickle Me Pink. He was also involved in Swear By This. Shelby was involved with We Were Cosmonauts and is involved with his solo project as well. I was the man behind the curtain, so to speak, in The Sound Junkies, who were blessed enough to make it to the finals in last years bandwagon. I’m really excited to be returning this year with Steele & Colfax! What’s truly remarkable is the story of our drummer, Dalton Callihan. He’s Tyler’s little brother. Not only is this his first project, but this is his first musical experience period. He happened to have a drum set, we were in need of one, he dropped it off, Tyler showed him how to play some of our songs, and before we knew it, he earned a permanent spot in Steele & Colfax. I’ve never seen anyone pick up on an instrument and work as hard at it as Dalton. We’re all very impressed with his work ethic and intuitive musicality.
But small miracles are known to happen, local artist Apex Vibe also went through a major shake-up and low and behold Dubs (drums), Derek Smith (bass), and Sam Caudill (keyboards) magically appeared and Hashbarger’s prayers were answered. “We hooked up with Steve, figured out was going on, and jumped on board,” say Caudill and Smith, “He taught us four of their songs and we pretty much winged it from there.” Recently Moreno decided it was time to hang up the congas and Hashbarger found himself with the three newest members. “I really lucked out when these three guys came knocking,” states Hashbarger, “Things are lot less stressful than they were a few years ago, we were in a retrogressive groove, and things were stagnating with the old line-up.” “Dubs, Sam, and Derek are talented professionals,” adds Hashbarger, “On stage it’s loose, instinctual, we can just let the show take over, be part of the live experience, and have some fun”
band helping to add body to the music offering counter melodies to Hashbarger’s guitar. Also Caudill’s backing vocals are a pleasant surprise. “It’s nice to have someone to harmonize with,” says Hashbarger, “It’s helping us expand our boundaries as a band.” “It’s nice to play with someone who has some substance behind his music,” adds Smith. Six months, a dozen shows, and coming off of last summer’s Roots Down, a stunning two CD release with a great mix of electric and acoustic pieces, the band rolls into 2014 with high expectations. The band can immerse you in melodic grooves without overwhelming you like so many reggae/ ska bands manage to do. Hashbarger is still focused on writing new material and getting the new crew into the studio. The band rehearses regularly, “We run through the songs, covers and originals,” states Dubs, “It’s regimented and when Steve shows up we have to have only green M&M’s and six and a half bottles of water for him.” The act has been landing some private shows to help bolster their resume and actively seek dates at live venues in town. When asked what direction they want to take the band, besides weddings, Hashbarger responded, “We want to be the band in town that opens for national acts. We want bands to say we want the Desciples to open for us.” You can find more info on the band at desciplesmusic.com and desciples.bandcamp. com. “One good thing about music, when it hits- you feel no pain.” Bob Marley February 8th, Bob Marley Birthday Bash @ Herman’s 21 and Up April 19th 420 Bash @ Herman’s
The new line-up comes with some added perks. Caudill’s keyboards are welcome addition to the
CMB: Where can people find your music? TY: You can find our music and everything you want to know about us at facebook.com/ steeleandcolfax. Throw us a like :) CMB: Do you guys have some live performances scheduled in the near future? TY: We have a lot coming up. We’ll of course be playing Band Wagon, stoked, we’re headlining Lost Lake on feb 15th along with Sarah & The Meanies and The Driftin’ Suns, 2nd place winners at last years Band Wagon! What we’re really, really excited about is South By Southwest in March. We’ll be playing the festival on the Spokesbuzz Stage with some of the best acts in Colorado. We’re so proud to be playing a long side these bands and to have the privilege to be involved in such an awesome event. Online: facebook.com/steeleandcolfax
February Placements: - Nuela Charles “Good In Me” on Single Ladies - airs February 10th
- GUNFNGR “Never Stop” on Giuliana & Bill - Airs in April - Nuela Chalres “Final Round” on Basketball Wives - April 21st
- Ally Rhodes “Deadbolt” on Giuliana & Bill Airs in April
- Grant Sabin Catalog in Tunechat App
- Andrew James “Broken Now” on Couple’s Therapy Episode 408 - Air date TBA
- Roniit “Don’t You Forget About Me” cover featured in movie Hobbes and Phil Vs Zombies - Summer Premier
- West Water Outlaws “Come On” on Giuliana & Bill - Airs in April
February 2014 | ColoradoMusicBuzz.com