Late Night Radio: The Exclusive Interview

Late Night Radio comes to The Ogden for his long-awaited return on November 20th. Joined by the infamous Michael Menert, Bad Snacks, Def3, and Kaptain, the electro-funk DJ is a local favorite and never fails to put on a blast of a show every time. The budding producer and DJ, who’s real name is Alex Medellin, grew up around music, attending church and experiencing live music from a very young age. Gospel progressions, hip-hop, and funk sounds have played a huge role in influencing Medellin’s sound.

The multi-faceted and genre-bending DJ brings a fusion of live instrumentation plus the more electronic elements which combine to create sets of pure magic. We sat down with the artist to chat about his upcoming Ogden show in Denver! Check it out below.

The Man Behind The Beats

Getting Into the Interview

Late Night Radio: The Official Interview

Party Guru Press: Hey there! We’re stoked you’re coming to The Ogden. What do you remember about your Denver fans that you’re ready to experience again on November 20?

LNR: The feeling of community and family.

Party Guru Press: What is one memory you have from Denver that you’ll always remember?

LNR: The Sunday release party will always have a special place in my heart.

Party Guru Press: How would you say your style has evolved since you first became an artist?

LNR: Really I’m just more comfortable in doing whatever I feel at the moment.

Party Guru Press: How will this set differ from your last?
LNR: New music….

Party Guru Press: Do you have any upcoming releases or projects we should know about? What about merchandise?
LNR: Ya, I’m in the process of wrapping up my new bass heavy Ep Back Around 

Party Guru Press: What does a typical day in your life look like?
LNR: I’m pretty much either holed up in the studio or romping around a river somewhere in the mountains fly fishing. 

Party Guru Press: If you could describe your sound in 3 words, what would they be?
LNR: Keep Soul Alive

Party Guru Press: Where do you see yourself as an artist in the next 5 years? 10?
LNR: 10 years ago I could have never imagined being able to have the life I have now so I have no idea. 

Party Guru Press: Any upcoming festivals or events you’re playing?
LNR: NYE Philos Takeover in Detroit is going to be one for the books. 

Party Guru Press: Last question…do you consider yourself a Party Guru?
LNR: Well since I can count the amount of afterparties I’ve been to my entire career on two hands I’d say no. 

Photos Provided By Late Night Radio

We’d like to say thank you to Alex for taking the time to chat with us before his headlining show. We’re stoked to check out the infamous Late Night Radio at one of Denver’s best venues, The Ogden Theater. If you enjoy funky beats and DJ’s that bring a level of talent unlike any other, this show is for you. Grab your tickets below before they sell out!

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Gettin’ Funky with Marvel Years

Guitarist and producer Cory Wythe (A.K.A. Marvel Years) gave us a glimpse behind the curtain in this interview. In July 2013, Wythe had his first live performance supporting Pretty Lights in Boston, MA. Later that year he supported GRiZ on his Rebel Era tour. In the Spring of 2014, Marvel Years began his first national tour–The Retro Electric Tour. Fast forward and he has played with amazing acts including: The Floozies, Exmag, Break Science and even Gramatik.

The Beginning

Wythe began playing guitar at eleven years old. “I played in a few bands for fun throughout middle school and high school,” he said, “I started messing around making beats in my senior year of high school just to pass the time and ended up posting it on my YouTube channel.” This snowballed into his first offer to play a show in college and taking a leave from college and playing shows as his career.

When asked about his growth, Wythe said, “I just try to make music that I enjoy creating and listening to. I feel like you have a better chance to stand out making music that is true to yourself.” Obviously, a major part of the Marvel Years sound stems from guitar. “I try and make that a focal point throughout my work.”

Behind the Curtain

Next we ask, they can’t all be bangers right? “I just recently started to accept this fact,” Wythe said laughing, “I spent so much time lighting myself up when every new track I was writing wasn’t my best track.” In some regards, this can push an artist to be better. “I have accepted the fact that not every track is going to be amazing and that is ok. It’s all a part of the process.” he tells us. Wythe gains inspiration from traveling and experiencing new places. Additionally, his musical friends push him to work harder and keep pumping out music.

Wythe has said each song takes a different amount of time to finish. “It really depends on my creative head space at the time. Some songs kind of just flow out of you where you know exactly what you want to make. Other times I start with a cool idea like a guitar or drum loop and then build on it over time.” No matter how long the song takes, Wythe is confident in his music.

“What makes a good song is definitely subjective and different for everybody, but for me it’s the emotional reaction I feel,” he said. This holds true with his song, Friends–released a few months ago. The song originally began as a beat challenge Marvel Years put on Instagram. He later began the song and added his friends to it. “It ended up turning into a monster collab with 9 artists in total and it’s something I’m really proud of.” Wythe says.

Marvel Years has performed with legends like Pretty Lights, GRiZ, and Gramatik. He shared that all of these artists are major inspirations in his life and music. “It’s obvious that they are putting 100% of themselves into their [music], but it’s also the amount of time and effort they put into the behind the scenes that makes them the best in the game.”

Quarantine and the Road Ahead

Quarantine has affected us all. Marvel Years has stayed busy by performing ten live streams and he even played a socially distanced halloween festival. Wythe regarded his New Year’s Eve stream as his favorite.

“I’ve really been using this time to make music and collect myself mentally.” I’ve spent the last couple years on the road so it’s been nice to have some downtime and time to create.” While Wythe has stayed busy, he has many plans for the upcoming year including: New music, merch, and there have even been rumors of vinyls. “We are in the process of choosing the songs and getting the mixed and mastered for wax,” Wythe tells us. We are looking forward to everything Marvel Years has in store for 2021. Click the links below to learn more about Marvel Years and stay up to date on all of his plans ahead!

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Marvel Years Website

Instagram

Sound Cloud

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DJ Craftmatic: A Jack of All Trades

In 2008, Jordan Craft started expanding his musical status as a DJ, beginning in the bar scene and growing into the larger Colorado music scene. While he still performs at bars every now and then, DJ Craftmatic has performed in a variety of settings including weddings, fashion shows, and art showcases.

Who is Craftmatic?

DJ Craftmatic began his musical journey as a rapper when he was young. “I was in a group with my eldest brother and cousins,” he said. The group even went on tour with Bone Thugs n’ Harmony Jordan tells us. “Things never panned out so I transitioned to being a DJ in 2010,” said Craft. While this is an amazing beginning, Craftmatic kept growing. During his growth, Craft has used his own life as inspiration.

“My family, my surroundings, my experiences, my blackness–It’s all an inspiration to me.” DJ Craftmatic draws upon and looks up to many artists in the industry from all genres. For example: Prince, Roy Ayers, Flume, D’Angelo, and Todd Terry just to name a few. “I want to take bits of pieces of every musician and artist that I love and incorporate them into my sound and create a new sound–they all influence me,” he said, “It shouldn’t be about a banger all the time. If that’s what you’re hunting for, then you’re going to be miserable.” Jordan believes it is not always about bass and drops, the love of the music keeps him going. “Some will like it and some won’t but as long as you’re happy with it, then that’s all that matters,” he tells us.

When creating his own work, DJ Craftmatic looks for crisp and unique sounds with intoxicating rhythms. Some of his favorite producers like Timbaland, EPROM, Chris Lake, Dillon Nathaniel, Mr.CARMACK, or The Kount use what DJ Craftmatic refers to as “texture.” He said, “[It] could be something as little as including the old vinyl record sound lowly in the background to inverting, filtering and layering a kick drum to give you a certain depth on that sound. It’s a science.” While Craft believes he is just beginning on his “sonic journey,” he has already developed a unique and amazing sound.

Depending on his flow, Craft can pump some of his music out in a few hours, while other tracks can take days or weeks. “I really try not to force myself to finish anything because it messes up my creative process,” Jordan says. DJ Craftmatic likes to begin with foundations and loops then build upon the track, changing and adding sounds such as samples, drums, and sound textures. Craftmatic believes that a good song makes you feel.

“Melodies, groove, and swing bring that,” he said, “I am a sucker for live instrumentation and incorporating analog sounds to give the track warmth.” Personally, I knew this guy was a winner when he named two of his favorite artists as FKJ and Tom Misch–my top two as well. The top albums being French Kiwi Juice and Geography, respectively. Craft said, “Emotion intertwined and infused into the very fabric of the music–I love that kind of music.”

Events on Events

Craftmatic has performed at a variety of events so we asked him about how each of those differ. After performing in Colorado venues such as The Church, The Pikes Peak Center, Ophelia’s, and Marquis Theater, Craftmatic is ready for anything.

“I perform the same no matter the size. There could be one person there or 10,000. You treat it exactly the same, as long as one person enjoyed my music and set I’ve made an impact.” Craft has even hosted his own events, including a sneaker event, Beats, Eats, and Sneaks.

“Doing the sneaker event was actually more in my element to be honest. Events are events and hosting can be tailored to any event, but I think because it was my event, it added that extra spark. You believe in it a little more.” Overall, Craftmatic believes 2020 was a slow year, he was happy with his growth though. Jordan was excited to mention the Silent Disco events and “Doses and Mimosas” brunches with COATI Uprise. While many of these were before quarantine or limited due to restrictions, Craftmatic is excited for life to return to some sense of normalcy and get back to planning and performing at events.

Looking Forward

Craftmatic has plans for 2021 to be all about the music. He plans to drop three EPs of hip-hop, house, and EDM trap genres. “I want to show the versatility of my sound and show the rest of the world what I have to offer musically. Especially in the house scene. As black artists have become marginalized in a genre created by black DJs.”

Coming soon in 2021 is Craftmatic’s first house single, I Feel Like I’m on Dope. Be on the lookout for that dropping soon, you will not want to miss it! In the meantime check out more about DJ Craftmatic below.

Find Artist On:

Instagram

Craftmatic Website

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NGHTMRE and Friends Took Colorado to a New Dimension With The Portal Tour

Known for his heavy dubstep tracks and with a deep influence in the many other genres, notably hip hop, Tyler Marenyi, better known as NGHTMRE, has been sweeping the states with his musical stylings. The Portal Tour was announced back in October. It developed as a way to showcase his talents along with a wide range of artists and friends. The tour features Wavedash, Kompany and a special treat for Colorado, Svdden Death in support.

The Openers

The show kicked off quite early with local DJ, Contra Scandal holding down the decks. Not only did he display his unique sound (inspired by the likes of Caspa, Rusko and Liquid Stranger) but he also showed off his chops by incorporating a live violin into the set. In the continuing trend of live instrumentation incorporated in cutting edge production – Denver was in for a real treat.

Next up was WaveDash. The three of them have been gaining a lot of traction. Especially, because they are so heavily supported by the Gud Vibrations crew. Many were anticipating the trio’s newest track with Slander, “Move Back”, and boy did they deliver. The track dropped to a frenzy of lights and sound, which got the crowd reacting. Also, in support was Kompany, LA-based drummer-turned-producer who has been making his rounds on the touring circuit. With his wildly aggressive, in-your-face dubstep, Kompany destroyed the stage and the venue.

Svdden Death was a big surprise to many when the tour was first launched back in the Fall. The energy was electric as banger after banger was dropped. Both the lights and sound collided into a frenetic fury. The performance truly set the tone for what was to come.

Suspended between glowing rings, NGHTMRE opened up with one of the most amazing live visual setups seen in quite some time. Flames, waves of lasers and stunning visuals accompanied the performance. NGHTMRE spared no expense, weaving in and out of familiar classics like “GUD VIBRATIONS” and “Aftershock” and new collabs with Wiz Khalifa and Gunna. As well as a plethora of dubstep and riddim one-two-punches. Perhaps the most stunning moment of the night was a drum-and-bass rendition of “Griztronics.”

Conclusion

Overall, The Portal Tour was dubstep heaven – bringing some of the best producers and DJ’s for an unforgettable night in the bass music capital. Track after track of amazing EDM, amazing live visual setup and a stellar crowd made the night unreal. There are so many great things in store for these DJ’s and everyone will be waiting for them to make a reappearance in Colorado.

Photos by: Patrik Essy

RJD2 Graced Denver With His Iconic Chilled-Out Trip Hop Sound

Columbus-raised deck-slayer Ramble Jon Krohn, better known by his stage name RJD2, brought his signature chilled-back vibes plus a touch of Funk sound to The Ogden Theater in Denver, CO, this past Saturday. Loyal fans long awaiting new song releases flocked to the mid-sized stage Saturday to catch a glimpse of this somewhat elusive artist. RJD2 has been held in high regard by his followers as a classic in the Hip-Hop inspired Electronic Dance Music scene.

Surely, his funked out performance did not disappoint! He shared the stage with a backup band composed of Funk-inspired Rap vocalists, guitars, drums as well as a Daft Punk-esque synth player. With supporting acts from rising DJs MIDIcinal and Lucid Vision on the bill, the night was a dance-filled blessing to all those in attendance.

The Insane Warrior

Since 2011, RJD2 has been releasing new music under the moniker The Insane Warrior. Songs under this pseudonym come off moodier, darker and fundamentally as more of an artistic act of self expression for this seasoned DJ.

RJD2 released In Rare Form vol. 2 in June 2018, which is a follow-up to a 2004 album. Earlier last year in February, he came out with his second The Insane Warrior album Tendrils.

RJD2 laying down the soundtrack for the evening

Saturday’s performance came in hot with a Big Band Trip Hop energy that the crowd could not resist. Trip Hop classic tunes like “Ghostwriter” had the crowd dancing and flowing to the beat. Jordan Brown provided soulful vocals to RJD2’s sound. The two have previously released a song together back in 2016. Another friend of the DJ, drummer Chuck Palmer, provided a heavy percussion presence to the evening’s entertainment.

Photos By Lindsay Rebecca Moyer

With a little help from his friends, RJD2 curated a night of 90s LA feels packed with his signature synth-enhanced mercurial sounds.

You can catch RJD2 on the road throughout February and March. Stopping in Atlanta then Pittsburgh, RJD2 will briefly tour some eastern states in February. Next, he is hitting coastal locales like Seattle and San Diego this March.

Find Artist On:

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WEBSITE

SOUNDCLOUD

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STS9 Brings Back Wave Spell Festival For Round Two

Sound Tribe Sector Nine, commonly known as STS9, is back after a killer year of their inaugural California festival, Wave Spell. The group is known for their heavy, instrumental, rock-meets-electronic-improv-infusion, and 2019 will see them further embracing this sound, with their wide array of musical guests. Taking place on August 15-18th, not only will they play NINE, yes, NINE sets, including three special wave spell sets, but they are bringing names by the likes of The New Deal, Mark Farina, Christian Martin, Thriftworks, Random Rab, SoDown, Richard Devine, Russ Liquid, Bluetech, Marbs, Rybo, Lubelski, SaQi, Yak Attack, M3GA-SCOPES, and Maddy O’Neal. Not only this –  but music is promised until 5 AM.

However, perhaps the real star here is the venue. Belden Town Resort sits along the north fork of the Feather River, in the heart of the Plumas National Forest. Belden Town also offers fascinating history that surrounds the area, which used to be home to Maidu Indians, a nearby railroad, and old school gold mining. The entire resort has a river running through, with beach like lead inlets all around. Not only will you be able to enjoy set after set of awesome music, but you can experience nature, take in the beautiful historic grounds and take a dip at the same time.

Aside from the music, the festival will feature a wide array of activities such as art installations, live painting, yoga, crystal healing, and beach swims. Taking place in Belden Town California, this is set to be a one-of-a-kind, anything goes experience. No STS9 setlists, no forced agendas, but all encompassing, fluid adventures throughout a 4 day festival experience. Tickets are still on sale now, but with us now meeting the month mark – don’t delay.

Wave Spell Live Festival 2019 – Event Information:
Date: August 15-18, 2019
Location: Belden Town Resort, 14785 Belden Town Rd, Belden, CA
Facebook Event Page: RSVP HERE
Tickets: Purchase HERE

Wave Spell Live Festival 2019 – Lineup By Artist:
Blossomn
Bluetech
Chris Karns
Christian Martin
David Phipps
Dollarsine
Eminence Ensemble
Lubelski
Maddy O’Neal
Mark Farina (Mushroom Jazz)
Marbs
M3gascopes
Phers
Pruitt
Random Rab
Richard Devine
Russ Liquid
Rybo
Saqi
Secret Recipe
Shadow Spirit
Shwung
Since Juleye Live Band (ft. Todd Stoops & Brisco Jones)
Sodown
STS9
Sub ID
The New Deal
Thriftworks
Yak Attack
Zach Velmer

STS9 Brings Back Wave Spell Festival For Round Two

Sound Tribe Sector Nine, commonly known as STS9, is back after a killer year of their inaugural California festival, Wave Spell. The group is known for their heavy, instrumental, rock-meets-electronic-improv-infusion, and 2019 will see them further embracing this sound, with their wide array of musical guests. Taking place on August 15-18th, not only will they play NINE, yes, NINE sets, including three special wave spell sets, but they are bringing names by the likes of The New Deal, Mark Farina, Christian Martin, Thriftworks, Random Rab, SoDown, Richard Devine, Russ Liquid, Bluetech, Marbs, Rybo, Lubelski, SaQi, Yak Attack, M3GA-SCOPES, and Maddy O’Neal. Not only this –  but music is promised until 5 AM.

However, perhaps the real star here is the venue. Belden Town Resort sits along the north fork of the Feather River, in the heart of the Plumas National Forest. Belden Town also offers fascinating history that surrounds the area, which used to be home to Maidu Indians, a nearby railroad, and old school gold mining. The entire resort has a river running through, with beach like lead inlets all around. Not only will you be able to enjoy set after set of awesome music, but you can experience nature, take in the beautiful historic grounds and take a dip at the same time.

Aside from the music, the festival will feature a wide array of activities such as art installations, live painting, yoga, crystal healing, and beach swims. Taking place in Belden Town California, this is set to be a one-of-a-kind, anything goes experience. No STS9 setlists, no forced agendas, but all encompassing, fluid adventures throughout a 4 day festival experience. Tickets are still on sale now, but with us now meeting the month mark – don’t delay.

Wave Spell Live Festival 2019 – Event Information:
Date: August 15-18, 2019
Location: Belden Town Resort, 14785 Belden Town Rd, Belden, CA
Facebook Event Page: RSVP HERE
Tickets: Purchase HERE

Wave Spell Live Festival 2019 – Lineup By Artist:
Blossomn
Bluetech
Chris Karns
Christian Martin
David Phipps
Dollarsine
Eminence Ensemble
Lubelski
Maddy O’Neal
Mark Farina (Mushroom Jazz)
Marbs
M3gascopes
Phers
Pruitt
Random Rab
Richard Devine
Russ Liquid
Rybo
Saqi
Secret Recipe
Shadow Spirit
Shwung
Since Juleye Live Band (ft. Todd Stoops & Brisco Jones)
Sodown
STS9
Sub ID
The New Deal
Thriftworks
Yak Attack
Zach Velmer