Jed Murphy

Fort Collins

Freelance Writer at Westword

I dot the T's and cross the lower case j's as Editor-in-Chief for BandWagon magazine. If you want pizza you know where to find me.

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Articles

Album Review: Frail Talk – Microspirit - BandWagon Magazine

Nov 13, 2024 | bandwagmag.com | Jed Murphy

As far as albums go, Microspirit is more of a frolic in the garden than a wonder through the woods. Quaint almost to the point of cutesy, Frail Talk crafted a subdued fourteen tracks, spit shining their superb indie folk in nostalgia. Helmed by Northern Colorado-based Cor Wright and Alex Woodchek along with drummer Tobias Bank and bass/banjo player Nathanial Riley, Frail Talk delivers an inspired sophomore album that aches as much as it heals.
Album Review: Frail Talk – Microspirit - BandWagon Magazine

Nov 11, 2024 | bandwagmag.com | Jed Murphy

As far as albums go, Microspirit is more of a frolic in the garden than a wonder through the woods. Quaint almost to the point of cutesy, Frail Talk crafted a subdued fourteen tracks, spit shining their superb indie folk in nostalgia. Helmed by Northern Colorado-based Cor Wright and Alex Woodchek along with drummer Tobias Bank and bass/banjo player Nathanial Riley, Frail Talk delivers an inspired sophomore album that aches as much as it heals.
Pulling Up Roots: Alysia Kraft Gets Sober and Unlocks Her Power to Rock

May 8, 2024 | westword.com | Jed Murphy

When singer-songwriter Alysia Kraft began playing music while attending the University of Wyoming, live music wasn’t something she had a lot of prior experience with. “I grew up in this small-ass town in Wyoming, so I never really got to see people play live music. There was like one cover band that played around there, and I thought they were fucking awesome,” recalls Kraft.
How Denver Became the U.S. Bass Capital and Breeding Ground for Dubstep

Feb 23, 2024 | westword.com | Jed Murphy

Love it or hate it, dubstep was undeniably different, heavy and ear-blisteringly unrefined in a time when electronic music was polished to a crisp. While the rest of the country was beginning to take notice of this "new sound," it had already taken root in the Mile High City, cementing Denver as a hub for emerging EDM. Now imagine it’s 2012: Dubstep is in every facet of mainstream culture. It’s in everything from car commercials to the headlining act of every major electronic music festival.
Alaska Thunderfuck Teases Denver Valentine's Day Concert

Feb 12, 2024 | westword.com | Jed Murphy

“I have had so much fun in Denver, so much so that I don’t really remember it," says Alaska Thunderfuck. "Denver has always been one of those cities — there’s amazing drag there, there’s an amazing community around the drag that happens there. I just love the place."And the drag superstar will be back in the Mile High City soon.
From A to Z, Alphabeat Soup Has It All, Including the Future of Denver's Electronic Scene

Jan 17, 2024 | westword.com | Jed Murphy

Electronic music has always had a home in Colorado. With such world-renowned venues as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and a vibrant summer festival circuit, the greatest DJs in the world make frequent stops throughout the state. While this is great for electronic music fans, it could also feel like a race to the bottom for those watching large promotion companies take safe bets on who sells.
After Viral 'I Don't Mind' Success, Denver Band Co-Stanza Drops a New Single

Nov 21, 2023 | westword.com | Jed Murphy

Jack Costanza, lead vocalist and principal songwriter of Fort Collins-based indie-rock band Co-Stanza, has a lot of happy memories from his time gigging in the Chicago scene. The grind of city life eventually led to the decision to move to Colorado, but Costanza spent his formative years less focused on being the “it” band in Chicago and more on having a good time.
Dive Into Nostalgia With Nation of Language at Denver's Gothic Theatre

Oct 19, 2023 | westword.com | Jed Murphy

For Brooklyn-based synth-pop band Nation of Language, returning to Denver to play the Gothic Theatre on Sunday, October 22, brings back special memories from 2021, when the group came to town on tour for the first time. The COVID lockdown had just ended, and Nation of Language was headlining Lost Lake Lounge. “It was one of the first shows of ours that sold out. Before the pandemic, we never sold out a show, no matter how small of a venue,” recalls frontman and vocalist Ian Devaney.
Denver Duo INTHEWHALE Is Not Going to Do a TikTok Dance

Oct 17, 2023 | westword.com | Jed Murphy

"It’s hard for a band like us to fit into how the music industry works. We’re 37 years old — we’re not going to do a TikTok dance," says Nate Valdez, vocalist/guitarist of Denver band INTHEWHALE. "It feels disingenuous, also kind of predatory."INTHEWHALE, which comprises Valdez and drummer Eric Riley, has always been somewhat of an odd band out in the Colorado (and national) music scene. It's an extremely heavy band, yet it's a two-piece.
Inside Ronald's Mind: Mac Sabbath's Manager Explains What Exactly Is Going On

Oct 3, 2023 | westword.com | Jed Murphy

Managing a fast food-themed Black Sabbath tribute band was not something Mike Odd ever saw himself wanting to do. But since assuming the role for Mac Sabbath in 2014, he watched the bizarre concept transform into something truly terrifying and awe-inspiring. “The live show delivers something that no other band does. It’s so much more than just a band or just a comedy act, or a social statement or magic show.