Looking at the list of bands playing the Fort Collins Music eXperiment and feeling a bit, well, overwhelmed?
That's not surprising given the 250-plus acts, 24 venues, and 14 genres that make up the 2015 FoCoMX experience. Whether you're new to the festival or a longtime fan, it's easy to find yourself adrift in a sea of music. Here are five options to work into your FoCoMX experience, whether this is your first time or your fifth.
Novice: This is the first time you've attended FoCoMX or you haven't ventured out into the Northern Colorado music scene in a while.
Young Ancients
A great introduction to the event is through longtime Fort Collins artists John Magnie, Cary Morin and Steve Amadeé. These members of The Subdudes and The Atoll blend their background of blues, folk-rock, Native Americana and New Orleans R&B to create a sound that is anything but old hat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=17&v=wY_9zxZ_jHQ
The Burroughs
The buzz of the 2014 FoCoMX was all about this Greeley R&B-funk group. With a high energy live show, The Burroughs defy audiences to keep from dancing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=172&v=kA9sLteKgNA
Jason Downing
Parents may be thinking there's no place for them at an event like this, but FoCoMX has several special programs at kid-friendly times and venues. While his Saturday show as the frontman for Musketeer Gripweed might not be as appropriate for little ones, Jason Downing's Friday solo set at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery will be one that both children and their parents can enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU2ZQWlhpL8
Danielle Ate the Sandwich
This quirky ukulele-toting singer-songwriter is a perennial favorite at FoCoMX for good reason. Danielle Anderson's catchy folk-pop tunes are impossible to resist, but thanks to her smart and insightful lyrics, she's no guilty pleasure. Enjoy openly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9us9EVmB2Mc
Travellers Music
Their band name will have you thinking think folk rather than funk, but this indie hip-hop collective has never shied away from breaking stereotypes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=89&v=xOrMdwOuA-w
(content warning, this video contains explicit language.)
Expert: You're a regular on the scene and on the hunt for something new and different.
Super Bummer
Cotton Keys's Nic Turiciano and Justin Camilli recently joined up with members of Albuquerque, New Mexico's Cattalo to form this eclectic indie-rock act. Their "basement surf grunge" sound comes through loud and clear in their single, 'Hair of the Dawg.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKKMmEgsLrw
iZCALLi
An early member of Denver's "rock en tu idioma" (rock in your language) scene, the Spanish rock trio has been around since 2005, but is just beginning to make some noise nationally. The group recently returned from performances at this year's South By Southwest music fest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Df490EZ2GE
ANIMAL/object
Part of FoCoMX's move to include more experimental-noise acts, this Denver-based avant garde act has been getting a lot of attention lately, including from Violent Femmes frontman Gordon Gano. In fact, Gano liked the group so much that he became a part-time member. No promises that he will appear with the group Saturday, but either way, this band is worth checking out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMXht8ULV4w
The Little Black Bottles
Folk-rock songs about horror movies and science fiction sound intriguing to you? What if you knew there were ukuleles and Theremins involved? This husband/wife duo is a perfect fit to play FoCoMX's stage at the Lyric Cinema Café.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQkCXOah0uc
Fort Collins Chamber Music Society
Who says classical music can't rock? This group is new to the festival, but not to the Northern Colorado music scene. The FCCMS is known for playing everything from Shostakovich to The Shins at unexpected venues, including bars and breweries. Even the occasional pole dance performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h58gZuhqDzM
