Contact CU Independent News Staff Writer Sydney Worth at sydney.worth@colorado.edu.
California Punk: Reel Big Fish
After Jamaican-originated ska music hit a third wave of popularity during the `90s, bands like Reel Big Fish hit the mainstream. The band initially garnered success underground and through college listeners, eventually signing to Mojo Records. The fusion of ska brought the punk band, initially a trio, to seek out horn players to liven up the music. The struggle to find a stable lineup lasted for several years before finding the final members. Now only Aaron Barrett, the frontman, remains from the original lineup of the popular `90s band.
Reel Big Fish performs at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at the Fox Theatre with openers Suburban Legends and the Maxies.
Clean-cut Rap: Hoodie Allen
After graduating from University of Pennsylvania, Steven Adam Markowitz headed into a stable job at Google where he moonlighted as Hoodie Allen. In January of 2011, Markowitz traded working at Google for a chance to make it as a full-time rapper. His initial mixtapes gained success through the underground music scene, and in 2012 his first EP, “All American,” debuted at the No. 10 spot on the Billboard 200. The transition to full-time musician proved to be the right move for this independent rapper. He released his second studio album, “Happy Campers,” last month, which, according to the rapper’s Twitter, earned a No. 2 spot on iTunes.
Hoodie Allen performs at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at the Ogden Theatre with openers SupaDupaKyle, Blackbear and Splyt.
Rap that gets deep: Logic
Robert Bryson Hall II, better known by his stage name, Logic, came from less-than-ideal circumstances, which contributes to his poignant lyrics. In 2010, Logic released his first official mixtape, “Young, Broke, and Infamous.” Though it was the music video for his song “All I Do” that garnered recognition on a viral YouTube level, with the video reaching over one million views. Subsequently, this video resulted in Logic signing with Visionary Music Group. Logic’s music touches on some of his life struggles, such as his father’s drug use and his expulsion from school. His sophomore album “The Incredible True Story“ dropped in November last year and reached the No. 3 spot on the Billboard 200 within its first week. Logic will perform two nights in Denver, but get tickets soon — his Saturday performance is already sold out.
Logic performs at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21 at the Ogden Theatre with opener Dizzy Wright.
