Music scenes everywhere are interesting to dive in to, especially seeing where an artist got their start. These are seven bands that started right here in Colorado.
- the lumineers
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The Lumineers are best known for their songs “Ho Hey” and “Ophelia.” Their music is categorized into the folk genre with influences of rock. The band was founded in 2005 by Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites. This band, while formed in Denver, first performed in New Jersey. My favorite song of the Lumineers is “Stubborn Love,” because of how it normalizes the flaws within society.
- the fray
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The Fray is a band widely known for their song “How to Save a Life,” which was featured in Grey’s Anatomy. The band was formed in 2002 by Isaac Slade and Joe King. Their music is what I consider to be indie rock, and my favorite song by The Fray is “You Found Me.” This song is about the down periods throughout life and was written by the lead vocalist while he was navigating conflicts within his personal life.
- 3OH!3
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3OH!3 is a duo consisting of Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte. The two formed the band in Boulder in 2004. Their music is mainly categorized as electronic dance music, and their most well-known song is “DONTTRUSTME.” The song of theirs that I like the most is “Colorado Sunshine.” There is a grunge-sounding piano riff that carries through the entire song, which I think brings a different vibe compared to their other songs.
- onerepublic
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OneRepublic is a pop rock band that was formed in Colorado Springs in 2002 by Ryan Tedder and Zach Filkins. Their biggest hit is Counting Stars, which came out in 2013. My favorite song of theirs is definitely “Secrets.” It is featured in a movie, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. The scene that the song is used in is incredible and makes me enjoy the song even more.
- big gigantic
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Big Gigantic is a duo most famously known for their song “All of Me,” which was released in 2016. The duo is made up of Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken from Boulder, which is where they formed the band in 2007. Their genre of music is quite eclectic and can be described as a variety of jazz, hip hop, and electronic. My personal favorite song of theirs is “The Little Things.” This song has a hint of all three of their main genres, and I think it captures the eclecticism the duo demonstrates.
- 888
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888 is an electronic band that was formed in Denver in 2015 by Danny Stills, Danny Cooper, and Aaron Rothe. They were formally known as the band Drop Dead Gorgeous. They debuted their new name, 888, with the song “Critical Mistakes.” One of my favorite 888 songs is “Missing You.” This song is melancholy, but I find it to be a good listen when I am in the mood for a sad song.
- amzy
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The band AMZY was created in 2013 after the two founding members, Brennan Johnson and Sean Grant, reunited after losing touch in years prior. Their genre of music, I would say, is pop bordering on pop punk, and their biggest hit is “Sorry (Not Sorry).” I enjoy their song “I’m Right Here,” and I would describe it as a feel good song. It reminds the listener of their worth, and I believe that it is medicine for the soul.