The Riff Rag - February 2025

VOL. 11, NO. 4, FEBUARY 2025

AUNT CARLEEN

MINERAL PALACE

PHOTO BY VICTOR ROLLINS

PUBLISHER: ANTHONY WELCH THERIFFRAG@GMAIL.COM FACEBOOK.COM/THERIFFRAG INSTAGRAM: @ANTHONYTHERIFFRAG SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE NOW FREE! EMAIL OR MESSAGE US TO GET ON THE LIST!

FORT COLLINS

AUNT CARLEEN Who are the members of Aunt Carleen?

Lucy - lead vocals El - bass, vocals Michael - keys, vocals Emmanuel - drums, vocals How would you describe your sound? Aunt Carleen is an indie/alternative sound with heavy jazz and funk influences. We all also have a background in singing so we prioritize creating an interesting sonic experience using our voices.

When and how did the band come together?

Lucy: We came together in March of last year. I spearheaded the charge after a previous project had ended, and I had a lot of musical ideas I really wanted to see come to light. So Michael and I started writing based on ideas of his, as well as lyrics of mine. Then we recruited El, who we work with at School of Rock, as well Emmanuel, a good friend of mine from college. We began playing together, and the musical chemistry of the four of us was an instant spark.

What's the subject matter of the lyrics?

Lucy: I have written a majority of the lyrics thus far, and I would say that I try to write about things that are relatable to anyone who listens. For example, one of our songs - “Day by Day” - is about being stuck in traffic on your way to work and feeling like you’re wasting your life away slaving to the 9-to-5. But also we have songs that are just plain fun, like our song about a shark because why not?

How many recordings do you have out, and where are they available? We have two tracks on our Soundcloud, they are called “Supernatural” and “La Veriti.” There’s definitely more to come!

What are each band member's musical influences? We all have pretty similar tastes in listening, and our biggest influences are modern soul like Hiatus Kaiyote, Vulfpeck, as well as Amy Winehouse, and more recently Clairo, especially her latest album which is heavily jazz influenced.

What is one of your favorite show highlights or moments? We’re at the beginning of our journey playing live, but getting onstage to show others what we’ve created is really special. It’s especially exciting when the harmonies lock in.

What's your upcoming show schedule look like?

The Atrium in Fort Collins on March 14th! More are in the works, so keep an eye out on our socials!

Where can people find you online?

Instagram: @aunt.carleen SoundCloud: Aunt Carleen

PUEBLO

MINERAL PALACE Who are the members of Mineral Palace?

Kristen Avitia - bass Jesse McCoy - vocals and guitar Anthony Soto - drums How would you describe your sound?

Jesse: I guess it’s like sludgy punk rock? That’s always a tough question.

Is loud, dark and pissed off a genre?

Anthony: We’re influenced by a lot of 80’s and 90’s alternative and punk rock.

When and how did the band come together?

Anthony: Jesse and I were in a band together a long time ago, and the three of us played in a Black Flag c over band for Halloween a while back. Fast forward to 2021, and I somehow ran into Kristen in Las Vegas a few days after having a conversation with Jesse about asking her to jam with us.

Kristen: Yeah, I happened to be in Vegas and I ran into Anthony on Fremont Street. He was in full “Vegas-Twan” persona complete with cornrows, grillz and an open Hawaiian T-shirt asking me to play in this band. I think they only asked me for my basement.

What’s the subject matter of the lyrics?

Jesse: So how’s this weather we’re having?

Kristen: Elaborate on that?

Jesse: No, lol.

How many recordings do you have out, and where are they available?

Jesse: We have a three-song EP and a couple singles available for streaming. We also have cassettes of the EP you can pick up on our website or at a show.

What are each band member’s musical influences?

Jesse: Killing Joke, Blood Brothers, Failure.

Kristen: Sonic Youth, Jawbreaker, Superchunk.

Anthony: Helmet, Quicksand, Descendents.

What is one of your favorite show highlights or moments?

Kristen: Probably Rescue Fest.

Jesse: Rescue Fest is an event we did in 2023 to raise money for local animal shelters and services. It was a huge Halloween party at Blo Back Gallery. We had guest vocalists, cover sets featuring all the bands that played, vendors, a food truck, costume contest.

Kristen: We were Josie and The Pussycats! We came out to the theme song!

What’s your upcoming show schedule look like?

Anthony: We’re playing at Creepatorium in Denver on Thursday, Feb. 20th.

Jesse: We’ll be announcing some more dates soon.

We’ve been quiet for a bit but 2025 is looking like a busy year for us. Can’t wait to get back into it.

Where can people find you online?

Jesse: We are most active on Instagram, but our website is a great place to get to know us. mineralpalacemusic.com or @mineralpalacemusic on Instagram.