In a world known for its ‘dog-eat-dog’/‘every man for himself’ mentality, KMG Life, Inc. seeks to side-step the constant competition which characterizes the music business, through their KMG Colorado Music Showcase. Creating a space for artists to network, to build comradery– is precisely the type of artistic synergy that KMG envisioned when bringing this Showcase to fruition. This second installment of the Showcase boasted humble artists that were eager to foster a sense of community with anyone in attendance. This June’s lineup included: Andrew Sturtz and Sierra Voss, Boulder Sound Lab, Shantyman & The Speakeasies, Last Minute, and Sixty Minute Men.
Opening up the night was singer/songwriter Andrew Sturtz, who has an anomaly of a success story; he was ‘discovered’ while casually playing music on Pearl Street by KMG Life, Inc.’s CEO Greg Kimble. Sturtz has a laid back, effortless vibe to his music, while also having the raw talent that does not require any clever tricks to deliver a smooth yet vibrant performance. Sierra Voss joined him on vocals and together their harmonies melded beautifully.
Next up was Boulder Sound Lab, a jam-fusion group that blends a variety of genres to curate their sound, which they describe as “transcendental brain massage therapy”. They play with intention. [Boulder] Sound Lab can switch up their music’s feel both seamlessly and quickly, letting the listener explore. With hints of a Steve Kimock Band-type of groove, these guys are really worth checking out.
Following Boulder Sound Lab was Shantyman and the Speakeasies. The four-piece band has vocalists within each of its members, even the not oft seen drummer/vocalist combination. Their funky, upbeat tracks have a feel-good quality that brightens up the room.
Certainly not only for irony’s sake, the last sixty minutes of the KMG Showcase featured the bands Last Minute and Sixty Minute Men. Respectively, both groups of musicians blew away the audience with their sets, which seemed to only lack length since we all left wanting more!
Last Minute is a fierce project including two Grammy-nominated musicians which came as no surprise after they began to perform. Vocalist and KMG Life, Inc. owner Greg Kimble sang with a passion that absolutely could not be faked. Cayla Kimble and Ashley Kisner round out the Last Minute Band’s vocalist roster. The ladies belt in their own right and share the spotlight as they are individually featured within the band’s set. Make no mistake, each of these singers are extremely notable; rotating throughout the set, you get to witness what Greg, Cayla, and Ashley are capable of executing. With covers such as Stevie Wonders’ “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and originals like “Party” and “Rollin’”, these musicians brought a high-energy performance that was nothing short of spectacular. This is a super-group of powerful musicians. Last Minute clearly lives and breathes music.
With their distinctive sound, an impressive blend of funk, soul, rock and blues, Sixty Minute Men’s performance caught the audience’s attention. Their music seemed to inspire people to get their feet movin’. You can truly tell these guys are having fun while they are on stage; their energy is infectious. Lead vocalist Kyle Miller wasn’t shy to break out some funky moves and that’s always super fun to watch. Sixty Minute Men played originals such as “Groove Shoes” and “Heartbreaker”, which is the first single off of their new album “Away We Go”. [You can listen to Heartbreaker here].
“Heartbreaker” is a killer song filled with rhythmic stops and lyrical content that is both relatable and entertaining, as it describes the agony of having feelings for somebody that aren’t mutual. While this could make for some melancholy material, Sixty Minute Men managed to create a song from it that’s light-hearted, genuine, and fun. Tenor sax player Jonathan Frett tore it up during “Life on the Slide”. Lead guitarist Zach Robinson took a moment to totally shred on their upcoming album’s title track, “Away We Go”. The ‘Men are so in sync with each other that you start to wonder if they’ve been playing music together their entire lives.
The “Away We Go” album release party is July 23rd @ Southern Sun Pub and Brewery in Boulder, CO.
Happening on the last Thursday of each month, the free KMG Colorado Music Showcase is open to all ages. It functions as an opportunity for artists to build relationships, connect with music professionals, and to deliver the chance to hear music that you might’ve not heard otherwise.
Each time this event has rolled around it’s become more interactive, with musicians and artists exchanging their thoughts, ideas, and numbers in efforts to create. (Additionally, KMG ups the ante at the Showcase through offering a special rate for time at KMG Studios- but don’t snooze on this deal… it’s only offered during the event). #kmglife
July 28th brings the next Colorado Music Showcase to the KMG Event Center
