AMZY Interview

On January 23rd I had the pleasure of seeing Colorado's own AMZY at their EP release party at
Moe's Barbecue in Englewood. They were joined by two other local bands, Vance Romance and The Truth & Spectacle who both had great opening acts. AMZY went on at about 10:45 and played an awesome set that ended appropriately with their Home Town For The Holidays winning song "5 to midnight" around 11:55pm. The guys of AMZY: Sean, Wes, Nick and Brennan were all very nice and met with everyone after the show. They signed autographs and chatted with friends, family and fans. The night was filled with delicious food and fantastic music, and I can't wait to see AMZY's fan base grow. I had the chance to interview the band, and you can see the full interview below.

Please introduce yourselves and what you do in AMZY.

Hi there, I’m Wes, drummer in the fabulous AMZY

Hello I’m Sean I play the Guitar.

Hi! I'm Brennan and I play synths and lead vocals.

Hola! me llamo Nick! I play the Bass and Synth, and I sometimes dance (poorly)! 

You guys won channel 93.3’s demo derby in June with your song “Time to Change” What was it like hearing your song on the radio for the first time?

Nick: I giggled really loud when the first chord struck. My roommates laughed through the remainder of the song. 

Brennan: I pulled over the side of the road and waited for it to come on the radio. The whole moment was surreal and I couldn't believe something we put so much in to was being broadcast all over the city.

You just recently won Hometown for the Holidays and you will get to play Not So Silent Night 2015! I’m sure you guys can’t wait for December to roll around. Even though it’s only January, what are you guys doing to prepare for the big show?

-We have a lot in store for this year: several shows coming up in the next months, as well as videos and writing new material.  We’ll also be heading down to SXSW in March.

What does AMZY mean/stand for?

-In high school, none of our parents would put up with our beautiful noise, that was us learning how to play music. Eventually, Sean’s mom gave in and let us use a shed that Sean had sound proofed (sort of) and ran electricity to. Creatively, it was deemed, “The Shed” and that was our sanctuary to play music. (at the time, Sean on guitar, Brennan Singing, Nick on drums, and various guest musicians). Sean’s Mom was very supportive through the process and must have qualified for a Tylenol sponsorship for putting up with our noise. AMZY (actually spelled Amzie) is Sean’s mom’s name. Amzie is still, and will always be our biggest fan and supporter, and is at most shows up front dancing and singing along with us. The band name is a giant thank you to our favorite member of the band.  

What’s one thing you want people/fans to know about AMZY?

-That we do our absolute best to make live shows as fun as possible.  So come out, dance, and chat with us afterward!

Have you always been musicians/ vocalists?

Wes: I've been drumming for the last 16 years and in bands pretty much that whole time. AMZY is the most exciting group I've been a part of.

Nick: I started playing drums in a band in middle school. I eventually learned guitar and bass just because I love playing music.

Brennan: I have always liked singing and learned the piano and trumpet when I was younger, but creating music was always a great form of expressing your thoughts, feelings, and spontaneous creativity. Once you get that musical feeling in your veins it’s hard to get rid of it.

What is the inspiration for the title of the new EP?

-The inspiration came from a saying our friends Trevor and Kelly use and it means that you should always be having fun and enjoying your life. Why walk when you can dance? 

Why didn't you include “Time to Change” on the new EP?

-That was a tough decision to make, but we looked at the EP and Time to Change as two separate pages in a book. Eventually we will bring those two together, but we want to keep working on Time to Change and will hopefully re-release it as a single or in our next album.

You have your new EP out “We Don’t Walk We... Dance” have there been good reactions to it?

-Oh yes, we’re feeling the love for sure.  And since it’s brand new, hopefully it’s just the beginning.  We’d love to hear everyone’s feedback on it!

What are you guys most excited for this upcoming year? Musically or just in general?

Wes: I’m excited to grow our fan base and see the EP really snowball to a big audience. I love when people find a connection to the music. 
Brennan: I’m excited for NSSN and all the shows we have before that. Like Wes said, I’m super excited to have fans that want to come to every show and tell people about us. For us its all about connecting with each audience member and taking them along for the ride and it is those moments that we live for.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could only bring one item what would you bring?

-Probably a boat hahaha.

Who are your musical influences?

Wes: My favorite drummers are: John Bonham, Steve Jordan, Elvin Jones, Mitch Mitchell, Chad Smith.

Nick: Jim Morrisson and Dave Grohl. 
Brennan: The Killers, Muse, Bloc Party, Imagine Dragons, Ghost Beach, Death Cab for Cutie, The Hives, The Postal Service, and a lot of electronic artists.

What’s the hardest thing about being in a band?

Being able to balance the lives, goals, attitudes, and schedules of several other people.  It’s like being in a committed relationship with a bunch of people at the same time.  I think misalignment of goals/ambition is the #1 killer of bands. 

If you could only listen to one genre of music for the rest of your life what would it be and why?

Wes: For me it would be rock n roll.  I think there’s just so much variety and material in the genre you’d never get tired of it.

Nick: Probably Folk Rock. I can’t explain it but I've never been in in a bad mood after listening to Paul Simon. 
Brennan: Probably Electro- Pop-rock. There’s a good blend of sound that I like and it ranges from low energy to high energy.

I know some of you are not from Colorado, what made you guys move here in the first place? What made you stay?

Nick: My parents located my family to Denver in 3rd grade due to my dad’s job. I actually met Sean one of the first days of 3rd Grade! 

Brennan: I grew up in Melbourne, Australia and moved with my family to Colorado when I was 15 for my mum’s new job. When I was 18 my parents told me they were moving back and I decided to stay because I didn't want to leave the home I had made it Denver.

What was the first concert you went to? First album you bought? Favorite album?

Wes: I think my first concert was 38 Special at a state fair.  I didn't know anything about them, but it was awesome and I wanted to be on stage rocking out.  I think my first album was the self-titled Blur record.  Favorite album is almost impossible to answer- maybe Houses of the Holy.

Nick: I won 93.3’s make it stop (now its make it start) and won tickets to Blue October at the Ogden. My first Album was Will Smith’s “Getting Jiggy Wit It”. Favorite album is basically any Doors album.

Brennan: My first Concert and Album that I purchased was Franz Ferdinand

What are you listening to now? Song wise, band wise?

Wes: Right at this moment I’m listening to Portugal. The Man.  I think they have some really interesting stuff and great production.

Nick: I literally just switched from the Decemberists to the Doors. 
Brennan: Porter Robinson, Calvin Harris, Baths, Alt-J, Panama Wedding, Ghost Beach, Caravan Palace, Ed Sheeran, Robert DeLong, Florence + the Machine, Walk the Moon, and I’m waiting for the release of the extra long version of deadmau5’s “strobe” because I love that song.

If you could trade places with any musician for a day who would you pick and why? ( you would gain their skills)

Wes: Wow, wild question.  Probably John Mayer actually.  Because then I’d also be able to play guitar and write songs really well.  

Nick: I would trade with Wes Barton so I could boobie trap his house. Like Home alone style. I think it would be funny. 
Brennan: Kanye, I’d just apologize to everyone.

What kind of advice do you have for aspiring musicians and bands?

-Find people that like playing music and keep at it. Even if you suck at drums or guitar, just keep sucking at it until you get better. Don’t forget that the goal of music is to have fun and be yourself. 

Dream venue? Dream band to tour with?

Wes: Red Rocks for sure.  I’d love to tour with RHCP.

Nick: I would agree with Wes here. Red Rocks for sure. I would love to tour with Band of Horses, or Modest Mouse.
Brennan: Red Rocks, Madison Square Garden, Sydney Opera House, and probably tour with Imagine Dragons.

Where can fans go to see you next?

-Our Denver fans can come see us rock out with David Cook March 6th at the Larimer Lounge.  Fantasticness guaranteed.  

Where do you see yourselves as a band in five years?

Wes: same answer- Red Rocks for sure

Brennan: Making a living off this! I can’t imagine what it would be like to wake up and think “oh no I’m late for work!” and then start writing music or going to a show. What I can guarantee from AMZY in the future is new and better sounds and more fun!!

What’s next for AMZY?

-We are currently constructing a rocket fueled by Sean’s guitar and steered by Brennan’s Synth and are planning a show on the moon. There’s some really restaurants and venues with great Yelp reviews. Also on the rocket, Wes’ drums control the coffee maker and Nick’s bass runs the turn signals. 

I volunteer at the Denver Zoo, so what are your favorite animals?

Wes: Ever since I was a little kid I've had a thing for turtles and sharks…

Brennan: I love the tropical room at the Denver Zoo! I used to catch blue-tongue lizards and smaller lizards when I lived in Australia so I am really intrigued by reptiles (which has lead to a lot of Crocodile Hunter jokes during my years in the U.S)

Nick: I like going to the Crocodiles and snap chatting them to Brennan. I like the monkeys. I feel like…They understand me.

AMZY Band Photo by Peter M Hodge

You can check out the bands website at amzymusic.com 

"Like" AMZY on Facebook here

Follow them on Twitter here
Instagram here

Matthew Shultz Minimalist Portrait

"My Name Is Baby Blue"

Not So Silent Night Art

Here is all the art I made for the bands performing at KTCL's Not So Silent Night. I got to give it to each of the bands in person along with a letter of appreciation for their music.

Modern Suspects Interview

Last Friday night (December 5th, 2014) at KTCL's Not So Silent Night after a great opening set from Modern Suspects and an amazing full night of music from Half Moon Run, Vance Joy, Fitz and The Tantrums and Cage The Elephant I had the chance to interview Garret, Bart and Tyler of Modern Suspects, a great local band here in Colorado. They were the lucky and very talented winners of KTCL's Hometown For the Holidays 2013 and thus had the honor to open up the show and get the crowd warmed up. I know I speak for all when I say it was one for the record books.

Matt, Andrea, Joel, Bart, Me, Tyler, and Garret
Photo Credit:  93.3 KTCL

Here's the whole interview:

Please introduce yourselves and what you do in Modern Suspects.

Garret Myers: Lead vocals and keyboards

Tyler Frees: Bass and synth 

Bart Williams: Lead guitar and background vocals. 

For Live shows we hire additional guitarists and a drummer.

When you won Hometown for the Holidays (HTFTH) you were called Claymore Disco. Why the name change?

- After winning HTFTH we realized we needed to make some big changes if we wanted to continue to move forward. We needed to improve our writing and update our image. As everything began changing and going in a new direction, it only seemed fitting that we changed our name to give us a fresh start and define a new chapter for us as a band.

What’s one thing you want people/fans to know about Modern Suspects?

- We are all about connecting with people with honesty and transparency. 

Are you guys beyond excited to be playing here at Not So Silent Night?

- YES! This has been a very surreal experience to be able to share a stage this size, in front of so many people, with some of our favorite artists!

Which bands are you most excited to hear and or meet tonight?

- Cage the Elephant has always been a favorite band to see live! Half Moon Run however had a very pleasantly surprising live set! Didn't know what to expect seeing them and they totally killed it!

Describe you creative process in 3 words.

- Intentional, weird, feeling

Have you always been musicians/vocalists?

- Garret was a classically trained (10 years) pianist since a very young age. Tyler comes from a very musical family and studied music business for 3 years Anderson University in Indiana. Bart has been playing guitar for 11 years. And of course we all still have our day jobs on the side to help support the band.

You have your new debut single out “Sequel” have there been good reactions to it?

- We've gotten a lot of really good responses to it actually! It’s the first release we've had that we’re all pretty proud of. We’re very excited to release our EP at the beginning of next year!

What are you guys most excited for this upcoming year, musically or just in general?

- Man, there are so many things we’re excited for this next year! Probably what we’re most excited to do is get in front of as many people as we can. We hope to play a lot more shows this year to build our audience and make connections with other bands, venues and other industry reps. Denver has a really great music scene and there are a lot of people to get around to!

If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could only bring one item what would it be?

- A Frisbee, definitely a Frisbee!

Who are your musical influences?

- Wow, we have a lot! To mention some of the big players who significantly influence us and our writing, Coldplay, Mutemath, The 1975, Two Door Cinema Club, Phoenix.

What’s the hardest thing about being in a band?

- Probably the hardest thing is making the sacrifices necessary to grow. It takes being willing to give up your free time to hang with friends or play video games or other hobbies to commit to practicing and fine tuning your craft, emailing venues and promoters, writing songs, planning goals etc. So in short, you have to be willing to pour all your time and money into the band.

You describe your music as “Popternative,” please explain?

- Pop-ternative is simply putting alternative pop into one word! (help us spread it!)

I know some of you are not from Colorado, what made you guys move here in the first place? What made you stay?

- Well all 3 of us ended up moving here with our families in our younger years, Tyler however went to school in Indiana. When Garret and I (Bart) needed an additional player, we asked Tyler who was a childhood friend if he would be willing to move back to join the band, an offer he simply couldn't refuse!

What was the first concert you attended? First album you bought? Favorite album?

Tyler: First concert and album was by the Newsboys, Thrive. Favorite album of all time is probably “The End is not the End” by House of Heroes. 

Bart: My first concert was a Relient K show at the Fillmore in Denver. I honestly can’t even remember the first album I bought…. Might have been a Cake record. Favorite album right now would have to be Wolfgang Amadeus by Phoenix. 

Garret: First concert I ever saw was John Tesh at Red Rocks.

What are you listening to right now? Song wise, band wise?

Bart: I've been on a really big Metronomy kick lately, loving their song Aquarius. 

Garret: I've been listening to a lot of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., specifically Simple Girl. 

Tyler: Listening to The Wild Wild, Tokyo Police Club, and The Knocks song “Classic.”

What was it like hearing your song on the radio for the first time?

Bart: First time I ever heard one of our songs on the radio I had just gotten off work and was driving down the highway when one of our songs came on. I remember cranking it as loud as it would go, rolling down my windows and screaming all the lyrics! It’s a wonder I didn't get in a wreck haha.

If you could trade places with any musician for a day who would you pick and why? (you would gain their skills)

Bart: This might be the hardest question yet! I think I would trade with Jack White. His creativity, simplicity and songwriting have always fascinated me! 

Tyler: Drums, Darren King from Mutemath because he’s in his own league and zone. Bass, Chris Wolstenholm from Muse because his bass lines make peoples ears bleed. 

Garret: Jon Foreman of Switchfoot. He’s a vocalist and frontman that I believe does it for the good of people and not necessarily for himself.

What kind of advice do you have for aspiring musicians and bands?

- Do what you love. The whole reason we do this “band thing” is because we love the music that we’re making. If you lose sight of why you’re making music in order to be famous or make tons of money then the whole process becomes a chore and you lose the joy of it all. This is probably one of the hardest industries to be a part of, but we’re willing to go through all the crap and work 12+ hr. days because the love we have for it makes it so worth it.

Dream venue? Dream band to tour with?

- Red Rocks would be incredible! We would love to be able to tour with Switchfoot or Mutemath someday!

Where can fans go to see you next?

- We actually don’t have any shows posted right now but are putting together details for our EP release early Feb, so be on the lookout for that date!

What’s next for Modern Suspects?

- We've spent the entire last year writing and really laying the groundwork for the band, so this year will be full of promoting what we've been working on. So you’ll see lots of shows posted in the near future, new music and new videos.

I volunteer at the Denver Zoo, so what are your favorite animals?

Bart: I've always loved the octopus because it’s so weird! 
Tyler: Tigers! 
Garret: Zeerbras… lookup Kevin Hart for details! (half deer, half zebra)


You can check out and "Like" Modern Suspects on Facebook here
Follow them on Twitter here
Instagram here
Download there new single "Sequel" on Noisetrade here

Not So Silent Night 2014 at the 1stBank Center Experience/Review

Not So Silent Night is an event put on each year  in December by the local radio station Channel 9.33 (KTCL). This years show featured Modern Suspects, Half Moon Run, Vance Joy, Fitz and The Tantrums, and Cage The Elephant.

Though this was only my second time attending the show I had been hearing about it for almost as long as I can remember. It has become somewhat of a Holiday tradition in Denver and the surrounding area, and it almost always sells out so you have to get tickets in advance to insure your spot in the crowd.

Last year I cut it really close when it came to getting tickets. My friend had said she was going to get some tickets and we could go, but in the end that didn't work out and I was ticketless. To make matters worse I later found out that my brother had bought tickets for him and his friends. That left me with the option of buying scalper's tickets (boo!) or not going at all.  Flash forward to the day of the show... my brother had just come home from college and was hanging out with his friends watching football, while I was perusing the internet, moping around and thinking about how I wasn't going to see My Body Sings Electric, Saints of Vallory, Bastille, New Politics, Grouplove and Young the Giant. Then all of the sudden on Facebook KTCL posted that they had fifteen extra general admission floor tickets to the show. I quickly snatched my ticket from the site, and I was ecstatic! My friend with the tickets  had been waiting in line for three hours and so she was the fifth person in line, and when I arrived the line was wrapped around the entire huge parking lot. Thankfully she let me in line with her and we ended up being in the second row for the show.

This year I wasn't going to make the same mistake, and so as soon as the tickets went on sale, I  bought them and had them in my possession. When KTCL announced the line up I almost couldn't contain my excitement. I had been waiting to see Fitz and the Tantrums for forever! They are one of those bands that I love every single song they put out, the only other band that fits the same description for me is Jack Johnson The plan was to get to the venue early to insure maximum possibility of being in the second row like last year or even better, front row. What made this show even more exciting is that I won a pair of meet and greet passes from Channel 93.3 just three days before the show, and so my friend Andrea and I were guaranteed to meet all the bands performing that night.

With the meet and greet passes Andrea and I got to go into the venue before the massive crowd waiting outside and we were given a poster to get signed from the KTCL staff, who were all very nice and fun to talk to while we waited for the meet and greets. Shout out to Erin and Jen for making the night so awesome and to Steve for solidifying your spot as my favorite DJ at 93.3 for giving me the tickets and meet and greet passes.

The first band we got to meet was Half Moon Run. Me being the camera hog/outgoing personality I am had to be at the front of the line when we walked into the green room (it was a literal "green" room). They were all very nice and they signed our posters and took pictures. Then our next meet and greet was in about twenty minutes, so we were set free to roam the empty venue and buy merch or what not with no lines. I got myself a Cage The Elephant T-shirt. Then the clock struck 8:30 pm and the mass of people stormed into the venue like the blood escaping the elevator in the Shinning. It was crazy to see, but also really fun.

Me, Andrea and Half Moon Run
Photo Credit: 93.3 KTCL

When we returned we found out we would be meeting Vance Joy next. James aka Vance Joy was incredible nice and pretty much the tallest person I have ever met. You can see in the picture that I only came up to his shoulder and I would say I'm of average stature. James was shy but welcoming at the same time and he had a lovely Australian accent.

Me, Vance Joy and Andrea
Photo Credit: 93.3 KTCL

The next meet and greet wasn't for a little while and so we had a chance to go and listen to part of the show until then. While I walked through the empty halls I could hear Modern Suspect's song Sequel playing and I began to pump myself up for an awesome night of music. Now was the struggle of finding the friends we had came to the show with, you know the ones who had been at the front of the line. When I finally spotted them in the crowd they were in the front row and we were about thirty people away from them. I became that person everyone hates at concerts, the one who shoves their way to the front saying my friends are up there. Well this time it was true and since I had waited in line for about five hours I just kept on telling myself that it was OK. We got to listen to the end of Modern Suspects set and saw the majority of Half Moon Run's and then it was time to meet another band.

This time it was Fitz and the Tantrums. I was super exited to meet them because I had been a fan for a really long time and I missed their shows at the Ogden Theater that past summer. Fitz was another really tall guy, Noelle was as beautiful as ever and all the "J" name guys (James, Jeremey, John, and Joe) were super cool. When we took the picture together John Wicks the drummer complimented me on my red elephant pants, and then he became my favorite member of the band.

Fitz, Andrea, Joe, Me, Noelle, John, James and Jeremy
Photo Credit: 93.3 KTCL

We were released once again and had to make our way back through the crowd, this time to see Vance Joy's amazing set that included a great moment for him when everyone brought out their cell phones for a light and the crowd lit up like fireflies. I guess he had never played at this large of an enclosed venue and it was new for him to see that. The best part about the meet and greet passes besides the commemorative laminate we got to wear and keep was that we got to meet the bands while the rest of the crowd was waiting standing for the bands to come on.

The last meet and greet was extra special because we got to meet both Modern Suspects and Cage the Elephant in one "power hour" of band meeting. We first met Cage The Elephant, and I was beyond excited, mostly to meet lead singer Matt Shultz. I may or may not have a huge crush on him. I gave him my art I made for the band and they were all impressed and their manager was especially impressed  which was kind of funny. They were all incredibly charming and fun to chat with/ hang around. Then we waited in the hall way for CTE to finish up taking pictures with people, when they were done they came back through the hall way and we had a high five gauntlet going for them. It was one of the highlights from the night.

Kyle, Daniel, Andrea, Brad, Matt, Me, Matthan, and Nick
Photo Credit: 93.3 KTCL

Next we met Modern Suspects, the local band from Colorado Springs, who I would be interviewing later that night for the blog. The guys recognized me when I introduced myself to them at the autograph table, which made me feel extra special and made it seem like I belonged back stage because hey I'm a friend of the band.

Matt, Andrea, Jim, Bart, Me, Tyler and Garret
Photo Credit: 93.3 KTCL

I had made an art piece and wrote a letter to each of the bands and it really great to hand it to them in person, and I even received a response from Noelle of Fitz and the Tantrums later that night through Instagram. After the last meet and greet was done we went back to fight our way to the front row with the rest of our friends. We came back right at the beginning of Fitz and the Tantrums rockin' set, I wish I had seen the entire thing, but what I did see blew my mind. From their own rendition of "Sweet Dreams are Made of These" to when they had the whole room kneeling on the floor for an epic "everyone stand up on que."  Their music made everyone dance and go crazy, and if you were standing still you stood out like a sore thumb. The end of their set was greeted with about a thirty minute wait for Cage The Elephant to come on, but when they did...

It was the highlight of the show! Cage The Elephant puts on one heck of a show, their music fills the room and everyone gets into the beat. Matt Shultz has so much energy he could run the empire state building off of his performance. The band as a whole was so fantastic and with hit songs like "Ain't No Rest for the Wicked", "Come a Little Closer" and "Cigarette Day Dreams" there wasn't really even a chance they would be anything but amazing. They ended the show with "Sabertooth Tiger" which was quite exciting with Matt jumping into the crowd and dancing on top of us for a while along with his guitar playing brother Brad. Earlier that night Cage The Elephant found out they were nominated for a Grammy, which might have added to the excitement of the show. 

Overall the show was epic in more ways than one and I will definitely be coming back for more next year.

Fitz and the Tantrums Art

The original image I used for the art

The minimalist interpretation of the original picture

My final product