The Riff Rag - December 2024

VOL. 11, NO. 2, DECEMBER 2024

XANTHE ALEXIS

Photo by Madison Thorn

ABSTRACT DELUSIONS PLUS: ONE OF THESE NIGHTS

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COLORADO SPRINGS

Photo by Dennis Nejtek

XANTHE ALEXIS What all instruments do you play? I play guitar and some piano. I write sometimes on piano.

How did you get into music? I come from a musical family and started in musical theater. When I discovered songwriting, my love of writing and performing came together. And that was it for me.

How would you describe your music? It’s been called “Folk Noir” which I like. It’s feminine rock and roll at its heart.

What’s the subject matter of your lyrics? The female experience, storytelling, magic and matters of the heart.

What are your musical influences? I am influenced by old school jazz and Motown and Laurel Canyon 70s folk rock.

How many recordings do you have out? I have two solo studio albums, and I am working in Nashville on my third full-length record. They are available on all streaming platforms.

Where can people find you online? www.xanthealexis.com has links for music and features.

What’s your upcoming show schedule look like? Jan. 23 and 25 in Nashville, TN and Jan. 30 at Lulu’s Downtown in Colorado Springs with Madeline Hawthorne.

COLORADO SPRINGS/FLORIDA

What are each member's musical influences?

Both members are heavily influenced by the early 2000's pop-punk/emo sounds of their youths.

Notable influences include anything Tom Delonge related (Blink 182, Boxcar Racer, Angels and Airwaves), New Found Glory, Alkaline Trio, Motion City Soundtrack, Sum 41, Saves the Day, etc.

What are some of your memorable show highlights? Getting to open for Guttermouth at the Black Sheep in April 2022 was pretty exciting. It was neat getting to play with a band that we'd grown up listening to. Of course, every band remembers their first outof-town show - ours was at Brues Ale House in Pueblo. Finally, any time we play Vultures is a blast. It's our favorite venue.

ONE OF THESE NIGHTS Who are the members of One of These Nights?

David Gashaw - vocals, guitar, bass, and keys.

Daniel Oglesby - drums, production/programming, guitar, bass, keys, backing vocals.

How would you describe your music? Alternative pop-punk.

When and how did the group come together? Formed in 2020, One of These Nights started as a three-piece featuring David Gashaw (vocals/guitar), Dominic Gonzalez (bass) and Daniel Oglesby (drums). The trio played a number of shows in the local area and released a self-titled EP in 2021 before taking a hiatus through most of 2022. In early 2023, the group returned as a two-piece with Gashaw and Oglesby as the remaining members. The duo has since released six singles. Their latest single, "Ya Gotta Have It," was released on Dec. 4 and is available everywhere you stream music.

How many recordings do you have out and where are they available? The group has released one self-titled EP and six singles. All music is available on the band's Spotify page.

Where can people find you online? https://linktr.ee/oneofthesenightsco Do you have any upcoming live shows? In March of 2024, Oglesby moved to Florida, while Gashaw remains in Colorado Springs. The two continue to write and record remotely, sending tracks back and forth. They just released a new single on Dec. 4 titled "Ya Gotta Have It." While there are no upcoming shows scheduled in the near future, the two still work together and keep the possibilities for live shows open. Stay tuned for more!

LONGMONT/COLORADO SPRINGS

ABSTRACT DELUSIONS Who are the members of Abstract Delusions?

Tyson Wolff - vocals Kirk Fehlberg - vocals Jesse Camargo - drums Brennan Peck - bass Dillon “Skwerl” McCurry - guitar How would you describe your sound? Abstract is going through an evolution, stepping up the game with more tech, crushing breakdowns, and a dash of blasts topped with thick riffs and layering vocals, it truly is a onestop shop for heavy listeners, two steps to slams to blasts to riffs to chugs to infinity and beyond, will be bringing more ass beaters sooner than you think.

When and how did the band come together?

This band was originally started by Tyson and a former member who has since moved across the U.S. How many recordings do you have out, and where are they available? We have one EP, three singles and a total of seven recordings. They’re all available on most streaming platforms.

What's the subject matter of the lyrics? The majority of our lyrics are written about mental health struggles, the way I view things going on in the world and around the U.S., as well as a heartbreak song or two. You know deathcore and heartbreak go hand in hand, haha!

What are each band member's musical influences?

Tyson: Waste, The Acacia Strain, Signs of the Swarm Kirk: System of a down, Slipknot, Korn Jesse: A Night In Texas, Disembodied Tyrant, Beneath the Massacre, Angelmaker and Infant Annihilator Brennan: My musical influences definitely come from punk. I’ve been inspired by Matt Freeman since I picked up the bass and I think it comes through when I play my noodly fills. Play loud and fast!

Skwerl: Fit For an Autopsy, Suicide Silence, The Acacia Strain, Extortionist.

What is one of your favorite show highlights or moments? Our first show at the Black Sheep this year was amazing, seeing the pit breakout for our newest single at the time was everything we could ask for. Participation, excitement, the crowd matching energy with us is the fastest way to show us what songs you the fans like most.

What's your upcoming show schedule look like? Currently we are working on new material as well as some updates to existing favorites to bring the new chapter of Abstract Delusions forward in 2025.

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