Red Rocks
On Wednesday, Sept. 30, young rappers Tyler the Creator and A$AP Rocky join forces at Red Rocks for the “Rocky and Tyler Tour.” These rappers from opposite coasts represent a large portion of today’s youth, especially those invested in hip-hop culture. The California-based Tyler the Creator started his rap career at the age of 16. His most popular songs, “Yonkers” and “Domo23,” demonstrate his crude and eccentric style of rhymes and lyrics.
East Coast rapper A$AP Rocky is a member of a rap group A$AP Mob. While both artists emanate similar sounds and beats, Tyler the Creator’s lyrics approach sensitive issues unabashedly and center around his upbringing. On the other hand, A$AP Rocky’s bold lyrics describe the glitz and glam of hip-hop and idealize women and drugs. Both rappers released new albums this year, will probably be main components of the performance.
English singer-songwriter Ben Howard brings his acoustic-folk sounds to Red Rocks on Friday, Oct. 2. Howard’s loves of music and surfing developed early in life, and they’re demonstrated in his music’s beach vibe. The soft and oceanic influences can be heard in his popular hits, “Only Love” and “Old Pine,” which also display his noteworthy voice and flowing guitar melodies.
Howard balances gloomy ballads and indie-pop songs. His first album, Every Kingdom, exemplifies his lighter pop style, while his sophomore album, I Forget Where We Were, invites listeners into a darker world, complete with heavy lyrics and somber tones, and it permits the audience to empathize with Howard’s emotional honesty. One can’t help but sway the night away.
1st Bank Center
London-born musical trio NERO is catering to the EDM scene in the Boulder area this week with an appearance at the 1st Bank Center on Saturday, Oct. 3. NERO is composed of producers Dan Stephens and Joe Ray, as well as vocalist Alana Watson. This classic electronic band combines components of rock and pop with their dubstep beats. This synthesis of musical elements can be heard in songs like “Promises” and “Into the Night,” through the rock-inspired instruments and pop-like vocals.
Not only does NERO produce their own electronic beats, but they also remix a multitude of popular songs from artists like Daft Punk and DeadMau5. The EDM group has produced two studio albums – one in 2011 and the other this year. Their newest album, Between II Worlds, demonstrates the trio’s complete transformation into dubstep and they are sure to put on a womping good show.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Farnaz Zanjani at farnaz.zanjani@colorado.edu