Underground at the Showcase

Poet, activist, scholar, journalist, and arts administrator, Hakim Bellamy reflects on his craft and career with humility and a sense of humor. As a former poet laureate of the city of Albuquerque, he talks about finding inspiration from the people and landscape that shape the American Southwest. Learn more about Hakim Bellamy at: http://www.beyondpoetryink.com/ https://twitter.com/HakimBe?ref_src...

Rapper, producer, influencer, youtube celebrity, and educator, are just some of the roles Jelie Jones inhabits in her creative life. She is also one of the Executive Producers of this podcast. Denver born and raised, Jelie shares her story of self-education, having taught herself music production through youtube tutorials and a hefty dose of trial and error. Despite being fiercely independent, she...

Haiti-born, Orlando-raised, and Denver-based MC Schama Noel has found his stride offering listeners a blend of clever lyrics and catchy hooks. In this episode, Schama talks about his many musical influences, his viral twitter account @Raplike, and navigating the Covid-19 pandemic as an artist.  Learn more about Schama Noel at: https://www.instagram.com/schamanoel/ https://www.youtube.com/c/SchamaN...

Denver-based power trio the Trujillo Company evoke 90’s rock with their own modern flare. Brought together by their love of music and the same last name, Mike and Lenny Trujillo formed the band in 2018 and quickly gained attention with their high energy performances. In this episode, Mike and Lenny are joined by their bassist Mark Hibl to talk about their origin story and why they aren’t afraid to...

With high energy performances and evocative songwriting, Kaitlyn WIlliams writes pop music with depth. She plays her own synth keys and programs while she performs, providing a multi-layered experience for her audience. In this episode, Kaitlyn waxes poetic on musical influences, sharing vulnerability through her lyrics, and being active in the Denver music scene.  Learn more about Kaitlyn William...

Seattle-based band Tres Leches use their music to call attention to and resist systems of oppression in their local community and on a global level. Drawing influence from art-punk, psych, pop, cumbia, and tropicalia, they seamlessly switch between English and Spanish. They open up about their origin story, influences, and being a part of an international community of experimental Latinx bands.  L...

Immigrant’s Child is a Denver-based Indie/Alternative Rock band. Their musical influences range from Grand Funk Railroad, Los Mesoneros, Rage Against the Machine, and many more. In this episode Guitarist Mario Martinez-Varelas and singer Keeana Martinez talk about how growing up as first generation Americans influences their creative practice and share advice for other artists looking to carve out...

Processed upright bass, light percussion, distant keyboards, and ethereal guitar combine to support a monumental approach to vocal harmony that conjures the ur-myth of the American Woman. Bassist and lead-vocalist Julie Davis and Drummer Hayley Helmericks share insight into their decades long careers in the Denver music scene, creating music during a global pandemic, and finding inspiration from l...

Having lived in Denver for over two decades, Michelle Caponigro (Chella Negro) talks about the city like a relationship, or a relative - with love and candor. In this conversation, she shares her musical journey, starting as a gigging musician in her teens, studying classical voice, and carving out her place in the broad genre that is Americana music. Learn more about Chella & the Charm at: ht...

Lillian embodies the Tolkien quote, “Not all who wander are lost”. From Dallas to Phoenix, Portland to Los Angeles, and right here in Denver, Lillian has graced the American West with her folk-influenced melodies. In this episode she talks about traveling, navigating the ebbs and flows of songwriting, and why she loves being an artist in Denver. Learn more about Lililian at: http://www.lilliansode...

Jazz-heads and theory-nerds will be delighted by the detailed arrangements put forth by Specific Ocean. The band draws influence from Jazz, Alternative, Hip-Hop, and Funk, offering audiences high-energy live performances tinged with a heavy dose of improvisation. In this conversation singer and keyboardist Camilla Vaitaitis and guitar/bassist Alec Wenzel reflect on collaborative songwriting, trans...

Joseph Lamar blends song, dance, and cinematic storytelling to explore themes of spirituality, awakening, and personal growth. His music encourages listeners to find new enlightenment through art and community. In the conversation, he shares snippets of his own artistic evolution as well as advice for younger artists.  Learn more about Joseph Lamar at: https://www.josephlamar.com/ https://www.inst...

Lane-O is a rising name in the Denver music scene. His songs offer listeners uplifting messages of self-love and hope in a world filled with doubters. In this episode he talks about the culture shock of moving to Colorado as a kid, finding inspiration in family, and building community through his creative practice.  Learn more about Lane-O at: https://www.instagram.com/laneolang https://open.spoti...

Ramakhandra fuses psychedelic jazz and progressive soul to give listeners a wholly unique listening experience. Harpist/Singer Annastezhaa opens up about the band’s origins, their broad range of influences, and their creative process.  Learn more about Ramakhandra at:  https://ramakhandra.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ramakhandra/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/1Apw9xiab11PyZLo6YeUoJ?si=yqshoJoU...