Jesse Gage at Dreamy Life Records Photo Credit: Olivia Themudo
By Leticia Garcia
Jesse Gage is a singer, song-writer, drummer, guitarist, and bassist depending on the project. He’s been playing drums and guitar since he was 12 years old when he joined his brother’s punk band. That same year, in admiration for his big bro, he also started learning guitar.
Growing up, Jesse had a plethora of musical influences. He recalls being a kid with his grandfather intently listening to Ritchie Valens and went on to remark that his brothers band sounded like “Rancid with doo-wop chords.” He liked bands like Dillinger Four and Mountain Goats. His favorite songs he, “wishes were bars of soap” and mentioned that he often wishes music was something he could eat. Although he looks up to acclaimed artists like John Darnielle and Bishop Allen, Jesse emphasized that his friends and collaborators are his biggest influences.
Last year, Jesse released a 6 track tape of his solo work, but seldom plays solo shows. He plays in several local bands and admitted to preferring the band dynamic to playing alone. He is guitarist, singer, and co-writer in the newer band, Robot Therapy. Be on the look-out for their tape soon to come out. Jesse also drums with Sur Duda & Big Heaven, who both have shows this month in Fort Worth.
You can catch Jesse Gage performing live at:
Magnolia Motor Lounge, February 10th with Sur Duda
Main at South Side, February 11th with Sur Duda
&
Main at South Side, February 18th with Big Heaven
Be sure to follow Jesse Gage on social media to keep up with everything he has in the works.
Jesse Gage
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Denver Williams of Chillamundo
By Leticia Garcia
Denver Williams has been playing in bands since he first started learning guitar at just 8 years old. Although he started playing at church camps, his early influences were secular staples of the generation like Michael Jackson, The Cranberries, and Green Day.
By 18 Williams was listening to most of what he still enjoys today. Artists like Beck, Ween, Bob Dylan, and Sonic Youth all hold formative places in Denver’s music education.
Like a sponge, Denver absorbed the lessons of his influences and, at 18, he wrote and produced his first full album on his first TASCAM. Since 2004, Denver has produced 5 albums worth of experimental solo content which can be found on his bandcamp website. (https://denverwilliams.bandcamp.com/)
Fast forward to 2018, Denver keeps his life about music by teaching lessons to aspiring guitarists and has recently begun a kid-centric project with Neil Mcalister called Awesome Astronauts.
He currently plays guitar in Deep Sleepers and Chillamundo, where he also sings and writes.
In 2016, Chillamundo released an album, entitled Radio Is On, produced at Cloudland Recording Studio with Peter Wierenga. They also released a self-produced music video for their feature song ‘Drum’ edited by Denver himself.
You can catch Denver Williams playing live this month and next in Fort Worth at:
The Boiled Owl Tavern, February 10th with Deep Sleepers
&
The Tin Panther, March 9th with Chillamundo.
Follow on social media for future shows and merchandise info.
