The Denver Post Underground Music Showcase
Thursday- Sunday July 23-26, 2015 The Denver Post Underground Music Showcase
It has become a Denver tradition. Where else can you see 300-400 local, regional & national acts in multiple venues in Denver. This is UMS’ 15th year and it is bigger & better than ever. There are over 60 acts that have women in them. As much as we would like to hi-light them all, here are our top choices.
Church Fire – Shannon Webber & David Samuelson have made something magical. Their EDM duo is filled with beats & synths and lyrics and melody that signal they are the next new thing.
Edison – Sarah Slaton, Dustin Morris & Maxell Hughes are a band we never get sick of seeing or talking about. In less than a year they have pushed the accelerator and been at SXSW, and touring nationally.
Eros & the Eschaton – The recently won the Westword Music Showcase and have also received funding from Colorado Creative Industries. Signed to Bar None Records this 5 piece alt dream band is one to pay attention to.
Force Publique – Cassie Graves & James Wayne make up this Portland grunge dream duo. Their latest release is Bloom.
Holly Lovell – She is a Colorado native who spent some time in Australia. She is a singer-songwriter who has worked with people from Churchill.
Inner Oceans – Inner Oceans has gone through some changes. When we first caught them they were a 3 piece down from a 5 piece. They are now a 6 piece. Lead singer Julia Mendiolea also has a side project called Freaky North.
Leggy – This 3 piece band from Cincinnati is pure pop rock.
Lila Rose – This SF artist has evolved over time. She has hints of Bjork, and Patty Griffin to her. She is about performance. Her latest album We.Animals takes no prisoners in regards to animal rights and the environment.
Megan Burtt – It’s been a big year for Megan Burtt. She’s played with the Colorado Symphony and now she’s getting ready to release her sophomore album, The Bargain.
Povi Tamu – There is soul around. Povi Tamu is a California transplant to Colorado. She brings with her an electric style and mesmerizing vocals.
The Raven and The Writing Desk – This Denver 4 piece has changed in the past year. Before they were a lyric driven melancholy group. Now they have found their rock heart.
South Of France – We first got to know this band at UMS a couple of years ag. They were on the main stage. They call both Denver & LA home and release only digitally. They are a 3 piece pop band not to be missed.
Strawberry Runners – There are times where we must admit fault. When we saw SR last year as a 3 piece we assumed they would have a slow learning curve on playing out & developing as a band. We were wrong. SR is now one of our top picks for the year. They have been featured on NPR and have an amazing rhythm section with horns. This 5 piece led by Emi Knight is a must see.
Sun Blood Stories – This Idaho band is psychedelic in a good way. They just released Twilight Midnight Morning.
Tennis – Again this year as a headliner, Tennis is back. Founded by Patrick Riley & Alaina Moore as a surf rock band, Tennis has become a 4 piece rock band with their latest release Ritual in Repeat.
Toi et Moi – Brian Fausett & Maia Fortis make up the core of this retro band. As their name implies they take a French pop style.
Tomahawk Fox – TF will be playing Red Rocks later this year after winning a highly competitive battle of the bands. Led by Brianna Straut this 4 piece indie folk rock band is in fire.
Tyto Alba – It has been our pleasure to see Tyto Alba become a household name. We first heard of name because Melanie Steinway and her prior band Howl Moonshine Howl. Now she is part of an indie rock group that has been heard from SXSW onward.
Zodiac Empire – Stephanie Webb leads the line-up with this 4 piece pop band signed to Air Caste Records.