BandWagon Magazine – March 2016 – The Panoramic by BandWagon Magazine

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album reviews WE Speak Imaginese PG 5 ST. Lucia pg 7

ARTIST PROFILES

the panoramic PG 20 concert calendar PGS 26 bandwagon games PG 37 SHOT OF THE MONTH PG 24 bandwagon pix PG 39

EL TEN ELEVEN PG 12 LEWIS BLACK PG 14 HEIRoGLyPHICS PG 16 FIRST PLATOON STUDIOS PG 18 songs you need to hear this month PG 10

GPO / FANTASIA pg 12

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

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BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

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WE SPEAK IMAGINESE Self-Titled

WE. S PEAK. IMAGINE SE

Jay Wallace

BandWagon Magazine

We Speak Imaginese is a “folkgrass” band out of Grand Junction. What is Folkgrass? It’s what you’d expect: A mix of Folk music and Bluegrass. We Speak Imaginese is harmonious folk music with a little bit of spunk to it. The group’s first album, released last year, is good to listen to while swiggin’ a beer, but I’m not sure I would say it’s great. While listening to this album repeatedly, I kept thinking to myself, ‘I’ve heard this style of music before. Where? Have I heard it in passing while out somewhere?

Could it have been another band’s show I went to?’ We Speak Imaginese sounds distinctly generic, which is disappointing when you see some of the names of the seven songs on the album: “Dirt Trout Slayer.” “Wolfgrass.” “Slut Red.” Names that indicate a little bit of whimsy, a little bit of uniqueness. The rest of the songs are ordinary-sounding “Moving On,” “Shelter,” “Here We Go,” and “Sunday Monday Morning,” the last of which looks like a spelling error. And then there’s the name of the band itself. We Speak Imaginese sounds like a fake hipster band in a movie that makes fun of youths. Despite listening to the album multiple times, I simply could not get into it. There is really nothing wrong with the band’s work; anyone with a love of bluegrass or folk music should absolutely check them out. But for me, personally, I’ve heard music like this before, and none of it sticks with me emotionally. So, take my criticism with a grain of salt. A large grain of salt. Like, the size of a saltlick. For more information on We Speak Imaginese, check them out online @wespeakimaginese.

WANT US TO REVIEW YOUR ALBUM? SEND SUBMISSIONS TO:

BANDWAGON MAGAZINE 802 9TH ST. GREELEY, CO 80631 OR BANDWAGMAG@GMail.com

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

ST. LUCIA Matter

Jaida Gibson

BandWagon Magazine Synth-pop band St. Lucia, created in 2012 by South African native, Jean-Philip Grobler, have just released their second studio LP, Matter. The sounds blended together in the tunes by St. Lucia are a creative twist of Grobler’s love for R&B, ‘80s pop, and alternative rock. Matter has been one of the most highly anticipated albums since the single, “Dancing On Glass,” was released in early November. The song is full of synth beats and electric drums, though topping the Alt Nation

charts for many weeks, is strangely antiintellectual with lyrics such as, “How long ‘til we learn dancing is dangerous,” and surges with a familiar spontaneity. By the time you reach the fourth song “Physical,” you’re already enervated with the album. Though the beat of the song is exhilarating, the lyrics are annoyingly repetitive as a good portion of the song is Grobler yelling “Phys-Phys-Phys-Physical,” at the listener. The song builds layer upon layer creating a richness not quite in depth. St. Lucia were signed by Neon Gold, the label that broke Passion Pit and Ellie Goulding. They signed the band in 2012 and released their first EP and LP, the latter under a relationship with Columbia Records. While St. Lucia have close ties to Passion Pit, the band that hangs gargantuan over the entire discourse of synth-pop for the last decade, you can see how Grobler tries to follow their pattern in all the excess in Matter. In the lead track, “Do You Remember,” the song sets an ebullient keyboard loop against roaring synthesizer blasts like the vibe other St. Lucia songs desire. It is a chanting hook shifting between a few pitches, an expression inspired by modern pop radio. Now we move onto the six and a half minute track, “Rescue Me,” an amassed

and somniferous addition to the record. This song feels endless, with no sense of idleness like a postmodern march through recent pop history. For the snapping, slow jam “Love Somebody,” the band teamed up with Jack Antonoff, the founder and lead vocalist for indie-pop band, Bleachers, to write the song “Help Me Run Away.” Listening to this song is almost comedic as the influence of Antonoff entirely masks the sound of St. Lucia themselves. This song is a party anthem that turns out to be a call of despondency, especially in the lyrics: “Thought I was living under cover / Now I’m a child, child without a mother,” and “Who was a stranger to

the American Way / But now I’m fully ingrained to toe.” Matter is an album that posses a powerful misplaced optimism. It uses touches of early 2010s house music and ‘80s synth allure. While it’s full of big drums and memorable hooks, it gives an undertone of dissatisfaction that is new to the band. All the songs in isolation might be gratifying, but together is inordinate. As a fan of St. Lucia who has enjoyed the lively, awe-inspiring sound of Grobler’s debut EP and LP, I am left here in slight discontent. Each song is honorable on its own, but creating such a diverse sound throughout the album was disorderly and tiring.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

New on 94.3 The x: Songs you need to hear this month... Shelby Taylor-Thorn | On Air Mon.-Fri. 3pm-7pm The Neighbourhood – “Cry Baby” They presumably made stores sell out of ‘those little high-waisted shorts’ in 2013 with “Sweater Weather.” Now, The Neighbourhood is back with their next west coast dream-hip-hop song (yes, I made up that genre), “Cry Baby.” Miike Snow – “Genghis Khan” Probably not the first way I’d think of telling someone I’d like to be exclusive with them, but Miike Snow makes it work. We haven’t heard much from the Swedish duo since 2011, but they’re returning in 2016 with their signature indie pop sound.

Declan McKenna— “Brazil” He may only be 17-years-old, but in an interview with Sky News UK, McKenna stated he wrote the song after the 2014 FIFA World Cup (Brits and their football). He said he saw a country like Brazil that’s “terribly poor in some places and terribly rich in others,” be used for gain by a major corporation, and while his anti-FIFA anthem, “Brazil,” gives us hope that at least one kid out there is paying less attention to social media and more attention to social justice, we mostly love it because it’s catchy as hell.

The Strumbellas – “Spirits” These six Canadians dub themselves on ‘folkpop/rockgrass/alt-country’ their website, and, to be honest, ‘rockgrass’ sounds like something I would make up. Their album is set to drop this spring, but their single “Spirit” has been haunting my personal playlist for weeks, and let me just say that there Lukas Graham — “7 Years” Denmark’s Lukas Graham is new to will be no sage burning or exorcism our station, and is just the kind of Dan- happening here because I want this ish we like to enjoy with our coffee. The spirit to stick around. band’s smooth R&B-alt rock hybrid, “7 Years” is a coming-of-age ballad in just under four minutes of string, keys and music box — and it is in English.

Halsey – “Colors” After just one spin of this song, I could already envision the lyrics superimposed onto a Tumblr photo. “Colors” is yet another one of Halsey’s dark, poetic pairings of pill-popping millennials and a good indie-pop hook.

Lukas Graham

The Strumbrellas

Get more new music news at TheXFrontRange.com and find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr!

The Neighbourhood

Halsey

Miike Snow

Declan McKennna

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

Jay Wallace | BandWagon Magazine Nineteen-forty’s Fantasia was one of Walt Disney’s more interesting projects. Starting life as the elaborate musical short, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, with the intention to boost Mickey Mouse’s popularity, it slowly morphed into an eight-part animated feature film showcasing classical music. It also spawned a sequel, Fantasia 2000, spearheaded by Roy Disney, Walt’s nephew, and now it will be screened at the Union Colony Civic Center in Greeley on March 11 – with the music scored by the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. Glen Cortese, Maestro of the GPO, said over the phone that the live scoring of Fantasia was one of many collaborative projects the Orchestra is doing with the UCCC. “The first project was a concert with Judy Collins,” says Cortese, “and that was a big success in terms of how it was perceived

by the public and how the collaboration worked with the two organizations.” Cortese said they wanted to be able to offer these kinds of more popular programs to the community so there was choice in their season, both in the great classical music concerts but also lighter programs. “We started talking about some other options, not only popular artists but also film,” he said. “There’s a big push now in the symphony orchestra world to create these concerts where orchestra play live with films, and Fantasia was kind of the original one. And what Disney did was, they put together parts of the original Fantasia and Fantasia 2000 into this one amalgamation of both versions and then created this new film that’s intended specifically to have the orchestra play with it live. So we thought that would be a great way to in-

troduce a film music type of event to the Greeley audience.” Before the show, the GPO is also having a fundraising dinner, a three-course meal sponsored by Sears Real Estate on the second floor lobby of the UCCC. Kenny’s Steakhouse is catering and a free glass of wine is included, and you might get a chance to speak to the Maestro before the show. Seventy-five dollars gets you tickets to the dinner and the show; proceeds from the dinner go to the GPO. If you only want to see Fantasia, tickets are on sale at the UCCC; call 970-356-5000 or visit http://www.ucstars.com. Remember, the show is on March 11. For the GPO fundraising dinner, call the GPO office at 970-356-6406

Greeley Philharmonic to score Disney’s Fantasia at UCCC on March 11

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

By Kyle Eustice | BandWagon Magazine

l Ten Eleven isn’t the typical “post-rock” band. They don’t have a singer, aren’t aided by a laptop and the music is entirely instrumental. Core members Kristian Dunn, who plays the double neck guitar, and drummer Tim Fogarty formed El Ten Eleven in 2002. They began gaining notoriety after some of their songs were used in documentaries like Helvetica, Objectified and Urbanized.

Their self-titled debut was released in 2004 and drew comparisons to artists like Sigur Ros and The Mercury Program. In support of their most recent album, Fast Forward, Dunn and Fogarty are back on the road. In this candid interview, Dunn opened up about his wife’s struggle with alcoholism and how he learned how to play his instruments.

BandWagon Magazine (Kyle Eustice): Where did you learn how to play guitar? Kristian Dunn: I’m really a bass player and I learned when I was 13. I just started taking lessons. The guy teaching me was actually a really good guitar player, but after a year or so I was actually better at playing bass than he was. Then I just kind of had to teach myself. This was before the internet so I would just listen to my favorite records and try to figure stuff out. It was pretty hard. So I’ve been a bass player this whole time until El Ten Eleven when I decided to try to play the double neck. I thought I would just play the bass line, loop it, play the guitar part, loop that and play the high bass part on the other. But when I was messing around on the double neck, I figured out I could use some techniques to play them at the same time. Nobody taught me. I had to teach myself. Necessity is the mother of invention. That’s how I learned, too. I read somewhere that you are on the fence about the use of laptops in live bands. You said it could be done if it’s done well, but most people don’t do it well. Yeah, that’s pretty much how I feel. We don’t use them at all. Everything we do is live. I think that’s part of why we’re succeeding. People aren’t excited about going to shows anymore. At least, not like they used to be it seems to me. I think part of it is because it’s just boring. Why would you pay somebody to lip-sync? That being said, some of our favorite artists are electronic artists use laptops, but they do it well. To me it seems I find myself excited when an artist either dives 100% into the laptop/ electronic world and does things within that world or is 100% organic without them. It’s when I see a band or something that has a bass player, drummer, guitar player and a singer, and there’s a laptop they try to hide. That’s when I’m kind of like why? This seems like cheating. I’ve seen lots of tracks mess up, too. It’s awkward. Everything drops out. I saw The Motels. It’s a long story, but I’m kind of friends with the singer. She’s incredibly talented. She had a three-piece band behind her, they came out and they were all looking at each other and shrugging their shoulders. I was like, ‘What are they trying to communicate?’ It sounded great. Between the first and second song, there was a bunch of running around. What had happened was when they were playing the first song, the laptop wasn’t working. I swear it sounded better without it. It sounded emptier, but they were forced to be real.

It’s worse in hip-hop. You could easily throw an emcee on a lot of your tracks and it would probably work out just fine, especially your album, Transitions. I’ve heard some solid beats on that record. Thank you, yeah, a lot of people will actually use our music and do mash-ups and put raps on top of it. It works really well. I love it. Speaking of Transitions, I read that both of you were literally going through some pretty big changes during the making of the album. Have things smoothed out? Tim’s divorced, but he’s stabilized [laughs]. I’ve remarried and had a child so that’s a lot of what that’s about. So it wasn’t all negative stuff. It was crazy. It was a roller coaster of a couple of years there. I bet. I guess that’s what life is all about. I’m happy you got some great music out of it. Without pain, there wouldn’t be art. It’s true. A lot of great art does seem to come with pain, sadly. Do you feel artists have any sort of responsibility when it comes to what they put out into the world, especially now that you’re a father? Well as a father, yeah. As a band member, I don’t know if I have a responsibility, but it’s inevitable if you’re in my position, you can influence younger people and their thinking. I’ve heard some artists say, ‘Well I’m not a role model. I never asked for that.’ Well, yeah actually you are. Even though you didn’t want to be, you are. You may not want to deal with that, but you have to know that you are. I mean, my wife has been sober for six years. We have a song on Transitions called “Thanks Bill.” It’s in reference to Bill Wilson, founder of AA. Oh I know what you’re talking about. I have almost 10 years. I went through my own struggles and learned the hard way what I can and cannot handle, which is apparently nothing [laughs]. [Laughs] Yeah.

That’s really interesting that your wife went through that, too. What made you decide to do that track? Well, she was an inspiration for sure, but that really is a thank you to Bill Wilson for founding AA. AA works really, really well for my wife and continues to work well for her. She goes to meetings and she’s thriving. I feel very emotional when it comes to Bill Wilson because he invented something entirely selfless. He made no money from it and it continues to be free. I get emotional when I think about that guy. I think how if it wasn’t for him, we probably wouldn’t be married or have a kid. That’s such a cool story. We were together years ago when she wasn’t sober and we basically split up because of it. One of the main ingredients was her alcoholism. Now that she cleaned up, we were able to get together. Now we have the best marriage ever and have a kid and we’re super happy. I feel very grateful for Bill Wilson. I could see how that could easily tear some couples apart. It’s very cool she is so committed to it and even cooler that you made a song about it. It’s the least I can do [laughs]. I think a lot of bands hide behind their lead singers and the musicianship is lost. I think it’s amazing that you’re strictly instrumental. Was that the plan from the beginning? Yeah, only because I can’t sing and Tim can’t either. Honestly, if one of us could sing there would probably be vocals. I can sing. I’ll shoot you some vocals on Garage Band [laughs]. [Laughs] Please do.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

TIP: IN CONCERT @ Hodis half note in Fort Collins March 9th 2016

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

TIP: IN CONCERT @ lincoln center in Ft Collins on MARCH 20th 2016

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

rant on...

k c a l b s i w le

Kyle Eustice | BandWagon Magazine Comedian Lewis Black is sitting on a cruise ship in Puerto Rico when he picks up the phone. His voice is unsurprisingly raspy from (presumably) a long night of ranting—his signature style and one that has taken him from a struggling student at Yale to a prolific one-man show. Black is renowned for giving his uncensored opinion on pretty much everything, but particularly politics, religion and cultural trends. As a regular on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, his brand of humor was consistently broadcast out into the world and reeled in a loyal legion of fans. Prior to his Fort Collins stop on “The Emperor’s New Clothes: The Naked Truth Tour,” we caught up with Black to discuss Trump, Beyonce’s Superbowl performance and bake sales. ON DONALD TRUMP: Lewis Black: I never thought it would go this far. It goes to show how angry people are. I don’t think it has much to do with what he’s saying. I want to say, ‘Go fuck yourself.’ It also goes to show pretty much the Republican party exhibits a certain level of self-control. Twenty percent of Americans respond to the nonsense, which is racist, sexist, idiotic; ‘Oh I built a building, I can build a wall.’ Doesn’t follow. ‘I can make the money’ Doesn’t follow. I negotiated contracts. Doesn’t follow. He bankrupted a casino, ok? Part of it also has to do with the media not having any self-control. They’re so desperate for eyeballs that for the first time in my lifetime, they let somebody call up and actually talked to him on the phone. They’re on television for a reason, ok? They can’t give him enough time. It is crazy. They are just worried about ratings and so is the Republican party. After he already said the Mexican comment and the fence. Once he said that, the Republican party should have said, ‘Well, um, you can run as an independent, but we don’t want you representing us.’

is still mad

to raise money. I actually talked about it in my act years ago. You can make money the old-fashLB: I didn’t even notice. I mean, I watched it, ioned way and have a bake sale. but I didn’t really realize they were Black PanI think there will be some different ingredithers. ents at the bake sales in Colorado. Coldplay, of part watched I honesty, all In LB: Exactly. That’s what it is. It’s a bake sale. two-seconds of Bruno Mars and two-seconds of Beyonce. I didn’t realize that either. Colorado is proof of it. There’s a town there and within two weeks the police force was covered LB: I spent time in the ‘60s actually hanging for the next year. That’s good. Half the country, well, who knows how many, around places where the Black Panthers were represented from time to time. I didn’t recog- but there’s a lot of people smoking it. All it really takes is somebody paying attention to dosages nize these people as Black Panthers. and levels of THC. I didn’t either. I thought it was just entertainment, but people are flipping out online. Yeah, make sure it’s not harmful or too There are so many articles about it I can’t strong. even keep up. LB: There’s a certain level I know that will LB: I was just looking at her performance. send you around the block three of four times.

ON BEYONCE’S SUPERBOWL SHOW:

Were they holding guns?

ON DAVID BOWIE: bullets wearing were they No, it looked like LB: I was a big Bowie fan, but I was so busy in an ‘X’ formation across their chests with black berets. All of sudden, it was like, ‘Oh doing my own crap, I never got to see him in this is a huge political statement and Be- concert, which was a disappointment. I’ve seen yonce is starting a revolution,’ but I really felt some great concerts in my life, but by the time like it was nothing more than entertainment. Bowie was around I was already too wrapped up trying to make a living. It took too much of time LB: If you’re looking for some kind of mean- and I was broke. I couldn’t afford it. ing from a Superbowl halftime show, you really need to get psychiatric help. You’re being bom- ON HIS MOST MEMORABLE CONCERTS: barded with five million commercials that are LB: I saw the Allman Brothers with all the trying to manipulate you on much deeper levels than Beyonce does by singing. In the end, I Allman brothers. I saw Janis Joplin with both didn’t notice nor did I care, nor did I think of it bands. I saw Ike and Tina Turner. I saw Chias a political statement. If that’s a political state- cago. I saw Blood Sweat and Tears before they ment then I’ve lost complete touch with reality. were shitty. I saw Simon and Garfunkel’s first tour. I saw The Rolling Stones first tour. ON THE LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA:

LB: It’s about time. I mean, seriously. I think there’s a bunch of stuff to figure out. Dosages, etc. and making sure—this whole idea of making sure it doesn’t get in the hands of kids, well, I lived in Santa Fe for many years and he was good luck. If they don’t get it one way, they’re even talking about building a fence around going to get it another. The fake marijuana is New Mexico. Are you kidding me? really unbelievable. LB: Like I said, I think 20 percent of voters buy the bullshit. The real problem is Congress not doing anything. You say you can do a better job getting Congress to move, good luck.

Oh the synthetic stuff? LB: It’s horrifying. I think this is also a way

That’s amazing. Have you been able to meet any of your heroes? Not really. I got to meet Greg Allman for a minute. I got to meet Ringo Starr, that was the biggest. I got to meet Joe Walsh. I met Ringo because of Joe Walsh. Your show in Omaha at The Holland Center was phenomenal. I don’t think I laughed so hard in a minute. That’s great, well thank you.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

TIP: IN CONCERT @ AGGIE THEATRe in Ft Collins on MARCH 25th 2016

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

Kyle Eustice | BandWagon Magazine

Good news has descended upon the hip-hop community: not only is the entire Hieroglyphics crew reunited for a tour, but they’re bringing Del the Funky Homosapien along with them. It’s only fitting considering he is one of the founding members of the prolific Bay Area hip-hop collective. Along with Tajai, Pep Love, A-Plus, Casual, Opio, Domino, Phesto, and DJ Toure, Del has become an icon in the underground hip-hop world. The Hiero logo itself has become one of the most recognized symbols in the industry and helped propel them forward as a group. After 25 years of touring and recording, the Hiero crew is going strong, a rarity in the often fickle world of hip-hop. “We’ve always stayed true to who we are,” Tajai says. “I think sticking together and sticking to the script to stay original has given us longevity.” As a crew, they’ve released just three studio albums, including 1998’s 3rd Eye Vision, 2003’s Full Circle and 2013’s The Kitchen. Tajai, Opio, Phesto, and A-Plus, however, teamed up for a Hiero offshoot, Souls of Mischief. The group’s seminal album, ’93 Til’ Infinity, has lived up to its name and is a timeless piece of music, featuring classic songs like “Make Your Mind Up” and the title track. While the guys have grown older, their lyrical content hasn’t changed much. On 3rd Eye Vision, they tackled some pretty heavy subject matter such as gang warfare and the global

pharmaceutical trade, and still dive into some complex issues. “Maybe our perspective has changed over the years because of maturity,” he says. “But not what we’re talking about.” Tajai, who prefers to do most of his writing in the car, often pushes outside his comfort zone, creatively speaking. Most recently, Souls of Mischief teamed up with revered producer Adrian Younge for 2014’s There Is Only Now, the group’s sixth studio album. It was an all analog recording with a live band and a producer with a vision. They had to craft each song as they went along in order to make the album sound as cohesive as possible. As their unmistakable voices spit thoughtprovoking lyrics over Younge’s soulful production, the album tests the boundaries of what most contemporary hiphop artists do these days, something Tajai finds nothing short of comical. “It’s really crazy that making actual music is revolutionary in this time,” he says. “‘Oh I play instruments and make music’—what a novel concept for a musician. It’s kind of crazy that that’s how far we’ve fallen in regard to our musicianship in one generation—literally. Our parents’ generation grew up with all people that played instruments, sang and composed. That would produce something like a Prince, which is probably someone between our parents’ generation and now. Now when we get guys that can play music, it’s an anomaly.” He notes that a lot of schools have cut

out music programs and, in general, pursuing a path in music is an expensive habit. It’s, however, much more possible because of technology. We also live in a different time, one where music blogs and magazines pay way too much attention to gossip about the Kardashians, Kanye West or Taylor Swift than the actual music. “That’s the sad part about the music industry,” he says. “It’s a funnel and the funnel is basically run by or controlled by these taste makers that have bad taste. The funnel is just because you gotta give people what they want and whatever’s popular is what they want. I can’t fault them, however it doesn’t help music at all. It just perpetuates bullshit, really.” The Hieroglyphics and Souls of Mischief crews have, thankfully, never caved to the pressure of straying from what makes them innovators in the first place. The music they make is necessary in a world full of Drakes and Lil’ Waynes. At the end of the day, Tajai understands it’s about balance. “There are still people that are really about music,” he says. “They’re the kids that are in the crowd at the shows, so music matters to some people, but as far as magazines, music doesn’t matter to the fucking magazines. Like if something else made them make more money, they’d write about it. I don’t take that personally. It’s just a job. You can’t be mad that people who sell donuts aren’t pushing fruits and vegetables. Donuts are good, too.””

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

By Jed Murphy | BandWagon Magazine

kipdogg tha Souja is a man of the Greeley hip-hop scene. Few people have dedicated themselves to the development of local talent like Skipdogg, and for the last 10 years Skipdogg built First Platoon Studios into the go-to place for local hip-hop. From his home studio where he lives with his wife, Lady Evo, and three kids, Skipdogg works to promote and develop the best and brightest in local talent. While he does have rates for anyone looking for studio time, if he sees potential in what you are doing and you have the drive Skipdogg will get you what you need to get started. “These street guys don’t have to act stupid and sit here and think they have hits on a laptop and a mic,” says Skipdogg. “They can come to someone who knows what the hell they’re doing.” First Platoon Studios is an all-inone operation. They offer everything from the ground up. From beat making, production, vocal recording,

graphic design, to printing of the CD, if Skipdogg believes you have what it takes, then he will help you make it happen. “I’d rather be known very well locally and trusted locally. If a local artist needs something they can come to me. And we take care of them. We’re a family business, we don’t allow drugs or alcohol in the studio. They can have a beer or two if it’s a Friday night or something, but I have my son here learning. We’re drug free,” Skipdogg says. Skipdogg prides himself on setting a good example for his son, Lil Janus who not only raps and makes beats himself, but is set to inherit the studio when Skipdogg is done. First Platoon Studios truly is a family enterprise as Skipdogg, his wife Lady Evo, and son Lil Janus all rap and produce with several family collaborations under their belt. The family side of things is the bedrock of the operation. Skipdogg

got involved with hip-hop after his older brother was murdered. Before he passed away, he was an avid rapper who would record his own demos to tape, which Skipdogg still has today. Wanting to keep his brother’s spirit alive, he devoted his life to the craft. “When I moved from California to here, I built all this for him. He helped me build this. For any big decision musically I think, ‘what would my brother think about it?’” Now that he has hit the 10 year mark, it is clear he thinking of the future. Both he and his wife are releasing one final solo album in 2016 called Juggernaut and Moonshinnin’ respectively. “When I’m done I want to leave a mark on Greeley. They’ll say ‘you know what? There was one guy in Greeley who put his heart and soul into all of it and put out some of the best local talent as far as hip-hop goes.”

COVER PHOTO AND CENTERSPREAD BY DYLAN ADAMS | BANDWAGON MAGAZINE

By Zach Shepherd BandWagon Magazine

“The main theme that threads itself through the record is the teaching of value,” The Panoramic frontman Stefan Lopez says. Sacred Anatomy, the debut album from The Panoramic, is one of the most intense metal albums Northern Colorado’s music scene has ever seen. With bonecrushing grooves, rigorous guitar leads, a driving rhythm section, and soul splitting vocals with brutality to match, the LP is as ambitious as the men who sought out to create it. “The most difficult aspect of recording the LP for the band was accepting artistic and musical changes. Our producer, Greg Thomas, essentially reformatted our entire record and pushed us to rewrite aspects of the record that some members of the band had felt comfortable and convicted by,” Lopez continues. Upon listening through the record, it is apparent that this is much more than just another local band. The attention to detail and the ability for members of the band to see past parts they initially wanted in this record only to go above and beyond their

sacred anatomy and the teaching of value own expectations speaks to the professionalism and maturity they hold in regards to their art. “We would start tracking at 2 in the afternoon and go until 2am everyday,” adds guitarist Austin Garner. “And hearing from Greg that he didn’t like a part we wrote or something needed to be changed was challenging at first. It hurts the ego, but we all knew it was going to happen that way.” The Panoramic set out to record the LP last July at Silver Bullet Studios in the small town of Burlington, Connecticut. The guys spent two long weeks with studio owner and Producer, Greg Thomas (guitarist of Misery Signals, Shai Halud), vigorously tracking. Upon meeting Greg, the band was pushed with a barrage of challenges not anticipated at first. “We sucked it up and realized the changes that were happening were to benefit the record as a whole piece. It’s frivolous to get caught up in being attached to a single part,” says Garner. Greg exercised the group by making them critically think about parts they originally had written,

often times helping them make changes which both pushed them to new levels in their musicianship, and made the record even more exceptional. Lopez goes on, “The finished product was better than we could have hoped for, and the changes were necessary for us to make the best record we could.” Aside from the incredible amount of precision and production put into the LP, it is clear this album means so much more to the band and the Northern Colorado music scene. Sacred Anatomy shatters the barrier between the physical being and the soul. With critical yet uplifting lyrics, the LP urges the listener to a new awareness of self-value. “I believe that showing others their importance is possible through our particular infatuation with extreme and brutal metal music,” states Lopez. The dedication put into this album is equally as inspiring. Garner adds, “The finished product personally showed me what happens when you’re passionate about something and take action and work hard to make that passion a part of your daily

life. For the longest time we all sat around and wondered why we weren’t finding success with our music, but we finally realized that the world doesn’t owe us anything. We have to work hard and fight for what we want. No one is going to hand us success. We have to make our own.” The LP is a testament to what can be achieved when one puts everything on the line to fulfil their passions, and is a great inspiration for others in the music scene to do the same. Though the release of Sacred Anatomy is a great accomplishment for the band, The Panoramic isn’t stopping there. “We are going to tour, tour, tour, and then tour some more. We are going on a week long west coast run at the end of March,” says Garner. “As far as new material goes, we never stop writing. At our first practice back from the studio we started working on new material, and while in the studio recording this album we were already talking about the next album. We are constantly trying to improve what we do and are always trying to top ourselves.”

SHOT OF THE MONTH PHOTO BY BEN STIVERS

SILVER & GOLD | MOXI THEATER «2.12.16

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

CONCERT CALENDAR Tuesday March 1st Gonzo (of Tribal Seeds) @ The Moxi Theater Greeley — 9pm w/ Johnny Love Audio Social Dissent 2016 @ The Larimer Lounge Denver — 9pm w/ Wolf Eyes, Tommy’s Organism, Video Cash’d Out: The Ultimate Johnny Cash Tribute @ The Bluebird Theater Denver — 8pm w/ Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts Animal Collective @ The Ogden Theater Denver — 8pm w/ Ratking

Wednesday March 2nd Evergreen Grass Band @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins — 8pm w/ Aaron Kamm and the One Drops Mc Lars @ The Bluebird Theater Denver — 8pm w/ Mega Ran

Thursday March 3rd Irish Session @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley — 10pm Greener Grounds @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins — 9pm w/ / Kinetic Groove VS Homemade Spaceship

BLAZE YA DEAD HOMIE Friday March 4th @ Moxi Theater in Greeley

Kung Fu @ The Bluebird Theater Denver — 8pm w/ Evanoff Beacon @ Lost Lake Denver — 9pm w/ Natasha Kmeto Montoneros EP Release @ Hi-Dive Denver — 9:30pm w/ Gleemer, I Sank Molly Brown They Call Me Hero / Skye 96 (Album Release) @ The Marquis Denver — 7pm w/ The Solid Ocean, Post / War, Little Flock Leftover Crack @ The Gothic Englewood — 8pm w/ Anti-Flag, Potato Pirates, Rotten Blue Menace

Friday March 4th Blaze Ya Dead Homie @ The Moxi Greeley — 8pm w/ Lex The Hex Master, Trilogy Re-stalk - The Magic Beans, Zoogma and Turbo Suit @ The Aggie

Fort Collins — 9pm w/ Special Guests DJ Ktone Birthday Bash @ The Bluebird Denver — 9pm w/ Eric Bellinger Iration & Pepper @ The Fillmore Denver — 9pm Rubedo @ Larimer Lounge Denver — 9pm w/ Male Blonding, The Milk Blossoms, Throught The Mountain Defy You Stars - Youth On Record Fundraser @ The Marquis Denver — 8pm w/ The Midnight Club, Silver & Gold, 1000 Miles Of Fire, Tyler Glasgow

Saturday March 5th Mike Ring @ The Moxi Theater Greeley — 8pm w/ Hypnotic Vibes, Disguise The Silence, Viretta, Kevin Johnston Baby E aka E3 @ The Pit Greeley - 7pm w/ Outspoken Bad Guy, RiTch, Miss Rice, Az & Tazz, Verbal Pimp

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

Monday March 7th The Cairn Project @ The Moxi Greeley — 9pm w/ Giants & Pilgrims, Quinten

Tuesday March 8th CODY CANADA Wednesday March 9th @ Moxi Theater in Greeley

Kung-Fu @ The Aggie Theatre Fort Collins — 9pm w/ Earphunk, Miscomunicado

Sunday March 6th

Carly Rae Jepsen @ The Gothic Theatre Englewood — 8:30pm

Whitney Peyton @ The Pit Greeley -- 7pm w/ Supreem Da Rezarekta’, Stitchy C, RIP Soldiers, Outspoken Badguy, Mista Hood, Sally B, Loktavious

Vince Staples @ The Bluebird Denver — 9pm

Hippie Sabotage @ The Aggie Fort Collins — 8pm

Eldren @ Hi-Dive Denver — 9:30pm w/ Wild High

Bronze Radio Return @ The Bluebird Denver — 9pm w/ Howard

Nerd Prom 2016@ The Summit Denver — 8pm w/ Andy Rok & The Real Deal, DJ Hollow (Lipgloss)

Kaleo @ The Larimer Lounge Denver — 9pm w/ Firekid

Ron Pope + The Nighthawks @ The Bluebird Denver — 8pm w/ Jonathan Tyler, Truett Cody Canada & The Departed @ The Marquis Denver — 8pm

Wednesday March 9th Cody Canada & The Departed @ The Moxi Greeley — 8pm w/ Sean Curtis Band El Ten Eleven @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins — 8pm w/ Shallou, Wire Faces McLovins & Hog Magundy @ The Aggie Fort Collins — 9pm w/ Special Guests

Thursday March 10th Decadon @ Moxi Theater Greeley - 7pm w/ Joey Trouble, A.Zebra, JFish, Luster, NastyNiko Irish Session @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley — 10pm Cabinet @ The Bluebird Denver — 9pm w/ Pert’ Near Sandstone Jackie Green @ The Gothic Englewood — 8pm Sound Of Ceres - Album Release @ Hi-Dive Denver — 9pm w/ Pale Sun, Freaky North

Friday March 11th Christie Buchele ft. Alan Bromwell @ Syntax Spirits Greeley — 8pm w/ Nate Brown, Rachel Weeks RETRO: Ultimate 80’s Tribute Band @ The Pit Greeley - 8pm

and present

THURSDAY MARCH 10 th Featuring

JP HODGE Join us at SpokesBUZZ for a local music meet-and-greet, and our monthly Magnolia Sessions music video series. This month’s session features soulful singer-songwriter JP Hodge, who will be in the house for the video viewing, followed by a casual Q&A and complimentary New Belgium beverages.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

Pert Near Sandstone / Cabinet @ The Aggie Fort Collins — 9pm w/ Lineage Music Project Finish Ticket / Vinyl Theatre @ The Bluebird Denver — 7:30pm As The Sky Darkens @ The Summit Denver — 8pm w/ Special Guests Ty Segall & The Muggers @ The Gothic Englewood — 9pm

Saturday March 12th Monsters Of Mock Vol. 2 @ The Moxi Theater Greeley — 9pm w/ OPEN FIRE, Maiden Denver March Massacre @ The Pit Greeley - 7pm w/ Swag Toof, Rozxz Dyliams, Mars Giggawatt @ Key Largo Lounge Greeley - 9pm Pusha T @ The Ogden Denver — 8pm Teenage Bottlerocket @ The Marquis Denver — 8pm w/ The Gamits

Sunday March 13th

LETLIVE Sunday March 13th @ Aggie Theatre in Fort Collins

The Wonder Years @ The Aggie Fort Collins — 7pm w/ Letlive, Tiny Moving Parts My Body Sings Electric @ Lost Lake Denver — 9pm

Monday March 14th August Burns @ The Summit Denver — 6pm w/ Between The Buried And Me, The Faceless, Good Tiger Counterparts @ The Marquis Denver — 7pm w/ Expire, Kublai Khan, Knocked Loose

Tuesday March 15th Daughter @ The Ogden Denver — 8pm

Coleman Hell @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins — 9pm w/ Ria Mae

Banquet @ Hi-Dive Denver — 9pm w/ Warhalk, Poison Rites

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Viretta @ The Larimer Lounge Denver — 8pm w/ Overslept, Silver & Gold

Future @ The Fillmore Denver — 9pm

Friday March 18th

Wednesday March 16th Hog Magundy @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins — 9pm Born Of Osiris @ The Summit Denver — 7pm w/ Veil Of Maya, After The Burial, Erra

Thursday March 17th Irish Session @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley — 10pm The Drunken Pets ft. The Drunken Hearts & The Heavy Pets @ The Aggie Fort Collins — 9pm

Mimosa @ The Aggie Theatre Fort Collins — 9pm Coleman Hell @ The Marquis Denver — 8pm w/ Ria Mae

Saturday March 19th Naive Melodies Plays Talking Heads @ The Aggie Theatre Fort Collins — 9pm Chon @ The Larimer Lounge Denver — 9pm Koffin Kats @ The Gothic Englewood — 8pm w/ Royal Dead, Reno Divorce, Nasty Bunch Of Bitches

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016 Sunday March 20th

Sam Lee : Album Release @ The Bluebird Denver — 8pm River Whyless @ Hi-Dive Denver — 9pm w/ Patrick Dethlefs, Low Lyers Gogol Bordello @ The Ogden Denver — 8pm

Monday March 21st Alex G / Porches @ Lost Lake Denver — 9pm w/ Your Friend Bag Raiders @ The Larimer Lounge Denver — 8pm w/ Plastic Plates

TRAPT Saturday March 26th at Moxi Theater in Greeley

Thursday March 24th

Rachel Platten @ The Gothic Englewood — 9pm w/ Eric Hutchinson, Hunter Hunted

Magma @ The Gothic Englewood — 8pm

These Jokes Are For You @ Moxi Theater Greeley - 8pm Live Comedy w/ Patrick Richardson, Justin Going, Marc Zemel, Emily Coates, Nate Brown

Taking Back Tuesday : Emo Night @ The Marquis Denver — 9pm

Irish Session @ Patrick’s Irish Pub Greeley — 10pm

Acid Mothers Temple @ Hi-Dive Denver — 9pm w/ Orphan Goggles, Tjutjuna

Prawn @ Hi-Dive Denver — 9pm w/ Weatherbox, Enemies

Everlast @ The Aggie Fort Collins — 9pm w/ Special Guests White Denim

Jakubi @ The Larimer Lounge Denver — 9pm

Geographer @ The Bluebird Denver — 9pm w/ The Crookes

Sol: The Headspace Tour @ Hodi’s half Note Fort Collins — 9pm w/ Brothers From Another, Otieno Terry

Tuesday March 22nd

SWMRS @ Lost Lake Denver — 9pm w/ The Frights, Hinds

Wednesday March 23rd Hog Magundy @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins — 9pm They Might Be Giants @ The Gothic Englewood — 7pm Young Fathers @ The Larimer Lounge Denver — 9pm

@ The Bluebird Denver — 8pm w/ Sam Cohen Santigold @ The Ogden Denver — 9pm Glitteratti @ The Larimer Lounge Denver — 9pm

Friday March 25th NAKland Fundraiser @ Moxi Theater Greeley - 9pm

This Will Destroy You @ The Bluebird Denver — 8pm w/ Vinyl Williams

Jacob Rupp ft. Mutt Rogers @ Syntax Spirits Greeley — 8pm w/ Mallory Wallace, Dan Weflen, Kevin Klatman

Brian Fallon and the Crowes @ The Summit Denver — 8pm w/ Austin Plaine

Hieroglyphics @ The Aggie Fort Collins — 9pm w/ Thin Air Crew, Qbala

Mothers / New Madrid @ Lost Lake Denver — 9pm

Unearth @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins — 6pm

Anuhea / Through The Roots @ The Bluebird Denver — 9pm

Into It. Over It. @ The Marquis Denver — 8pm

Saturday March 26th Trapt @ The Moxi Greeley — 8pm w/ Shatterproof, Scarlet Canary Glitteratti @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins — 9pm w/ Banjo Dave Carroll and Tim Saxhaug of Trampled By Turtles

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016 Everlast @ The Marquis Denver — 8pm w/ Tattooed Strings Excision @ 1st Bank Center Broomfield — 7pm w/ Figure, Bear Grillz MC Chris @ The Summit Denver — 8pm w/ Nathan Anderson

Sunday March 27th Set It Off @ The Marquis Denver — 7pm w/ Tonight Alive, SayWeCanFly Coheed and Cambria @ The Fillmore Denver — 9pm

Monday March 28th The Wild Feathers @ The Bluebird Denver — 8pm w/ Bird Dog

Tuesday March 29th Shannon and the Clams @ The Bluebird Denver — 8pm

THE BLASTERS Thursday March 31st @ Moxi Theater in Greeley

Chairlift @ The Gothic Denver — 8pm

A Great Big World @ The Marquis Denver — 8pm w/ Genevieve

Wednesday March 30th

Thursday March 31st

Hog Magundy & Chain Station @ The Aggie Fort Collins — 9pm

The Blasters @ The Moxi Greeley — 7pm w/ Kerry Pastine & The Crime Scene, Brent Loveday

The Queers @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins — 8pm w/ Wiredogs

Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad @ The Aggie Fort Collins — 9pm w/ Special Guests

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong @ Hodi’s Half Note Fort Collins — 8pm

Dopapod @ The Bluebird Denver — 9pm w/ Consider the Source Sammy J @ Marquis, Denver — 8pm w/ Tenelle

Come Play With Us! k the Bloc n o y e n r Bla pm-6pm h 12th, 2 Marc n Downtow

nhouse: Jay Owe ntic e Authe

Th t in Illusionis eve! Beli Dare to 30pm th, 7:

March 5 UCCC

Sudoku

WORD SEARCH

Find and circle... Complete the grid so that every row, collumn, and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1-9.

SUDOKU © 2013 Knight Features. Reprinted with permission of Universal Uclick. All rights reserved. WORD ROUNDUP by David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek © 2012 Reprinted with permission of Universal Uclick. All rights reserved. CROSSWORDS © 2015 BandWagon Magazine. Reprinted with Permission of BandWagon Magazine. All rights reserved.

BandWagon Magazine northern colorado arts & entertainment MARCH 2016

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