5 Colorado Bands and DJ’s Worth Listening to

Not only is Colorado home to the world renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater, it is home to artists proud to have formed or been born in the this great state including The Fray, One Republic, Pretty Lights, the Big Gigantic and The Lumineers. In recent years, Colorado has repositioned itself as a world-class music hub. In fact, between 2011-2016, the Colorado music industry grew by 22.8 percent. That growth is no easy feat. However, there are vibrant and growing music scenes in every corner of the US. So, what sets Colorado’s exploding music scene apart? The Artists. Here are 5 Colorado bands or DJS Worth Listening to Modern Suspects A staple of the Colorado music scene, Modern Suspects has frequented venues such as The Gothic, The Bluebird, and The Black Sheep, as well as appearances at Broomfield's 1st Bank Center and Fort Collins' Moby Arena. Comprised of Garret Myers (vocals, synth), Bart Williams (guitar) and Tyler Frees (bass, synth) Modern Suspects formed in Colorado in 2014, playing their first show at the Westword Music Showcase. Photo courtesy of Modern Suspect's Facebook Page Watch: ‘Worth It’ Amzy Photo by Greeblehaus AMZY blends rock and modern textures to create a genre all their own. In their music, empathy comes first. Each member’s inner conflicts — from struggles with identity, societal pressures, depression and simply being human — are interlaced between each track. AMZY carved out their place in Colorado with detailed and energetic live performances that blend passion, humor and heart. Watch: Sorry Not Sorry Wildermiss Wildermiss are one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the Mile High City. The promising quartet built up a strong, impassioned grassroots following that helped propel it to a pair of back-to-back wins in KTCL’s benchmark promotions, the annual Big Gig this past summer and Hometown for the Holidays- not to mention multiple sold-out headlining shows of their own. Photo by Anthony Isaac Watch: Carry Your Heart Late Night Radio Photo by Shutterfinger Hustling to make his mark in Denver, Colorado’s electronic music melting pot, Late Night Radio is earning the respect of fans and peers alike through prolific production, innovative experimentation, and a dogged dedication to the craft. Alex Medellin has put in his time in the industry, coming up in Texas and California, but his ascension in the Colorado scene speaks to his ability to not only create a stunning array of original tracks, but bring them to life on stage, practicing what he preaches—guided by the mantra “emotion over energy.” Listen: Late Night Radio DJ Mixes Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats Photo by Brantley Gutierrez Nathaniel David Rateliff is an American singer and songwriter based in Denver, whose influences are described as folk, Americana, and vintage rhythm & blues. Rateliff has garnered attention with Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, the soulful R&B combo he formed in 2013. Fans will know he also released two solo albums and one album under the name Nathaniel Rateliff and the Wheel. Praised by the New York Times, Spin and Billboard this is one Colorado based artist you shouldn’t missed. Watch: Hey Mama