Artist Spotlight

Denver’s Psychedelic Jam Band RADO Releases First-Ever Debut Album “Baker’s Measurements”

Denver’s RADO is turning up the heat in the Mile High City with the release of their debut album, “Baker’s Measurements,” set to drop on August 9, 2024. To celebrate, they’re throwing an album release party at Cervantes’ Otherside, where their grooves are sure to get everyone dancing.

RADO has been making waves in Denver’s music scene since they formed in 2019. Their signature sound—a potent mix of psychedelic rock, funk, and electronica—has earned them a devoted following, with fans who eagerly anticipate their extended improvisational jams. Known for their live shows, RADO thrives on the connection between the band and the audience, creating a communal atmosphere where the music becomes a living, breathing entity.

“There’s something about playing live to an audience that I can’t quite describe with words, especially when you’re deep in an improv moment,” the band reflects. “I suppose the best way to put it would be ‘true presence,’ where everything is deeply connected and interwoven—the band, the audience, and the music.”

The transition from stage to studio presented a new challenge for RADO. Known for their spontaneous, jam-heavy performances, the band had to strike a balance between their freewheeling style and the more concise demands of a studio album. They embraced the opportunity to experiment with different song structures, blending tight tracks with the kind of expansive jams that fans have come to expect.

One track that showcases this duality is “The Twist.” While the live version features a lengthy intro and outro, RADO decided to trim these sections for the album. “For whatever reason, those pieces of the song just didn’t seem to connect as well in the studio,” they explain. “Sonically, we weren’t capturing the essence of the song.” However, other tracks like “Thank You Mr. Science” retain their extended jam sections, with a six-minute improvisational segment that captures the band’s live energy.

RADO’s journey to “Baker’s Measurements” has been as adventurous as their music. Following a successful spring tour that took them through eight states in fourteen days, the band returned on the road this summer. A recent three-night run in Nebraska was a highlight, with the band receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from fans. “We’ve got to give a big shout-out to our friends in Omaha,” they say. “The shows were great… I’m not sure we’ve gotten a reaction like that about our music outside of Colorado. It felt like home for sure!”

Artwork – Jackie DiNardo

The name “RADO” originated as a shorthand for Colorado, reflecting the band’s roots. A humorous twist by keyboardist James Hatch, referring to the name as “raw dough” – like what you’d make a pizza with –sparked a series of baking jokes. “We thought it was hilarious. It ultimately led to fans adopting the name ‘The Bakery,’” after the band’s friend Lucia handed out 50 baker’s hats at our 2023 Cervantes show. This playful spirit is steeped in their album title “Baker’s Measurements,” a nod to their raw, improvisational music style.

For its influences and songwriting, the band draws inspiration from a wide range of genres, blending dance, funk, rock, reggae, and jazz into a cohesive jam-band experience. Their songwriting process is collaborative, with each member bringing unique ideas to the table. The lyrics often draw from personal experiences, observations, and moments of inspiration. For instance, “Back Nine” was inspired by a memorable golf tournament, while “My Song” pays homage to a lost friend.

The songs chosen for “Baker’s Measurements” had to meet specific criteria: they needed to evoke emotional resonance, showcase musical complexity, offer a unique sound, convey a clear intention and message, align with the album’s concept, and highlight the band’s chemistry.

As RADO prepares to hit the road for more tour dates, their debut album stands as a testament to their unique blend of improvisational flair and tight, melodic songwriting. With influences ranging from The Beatles, Phish, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, and Motown legends like James Jamerson and Bootsy Collins, RADO has crafted a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, inviting listeners to join them on a musical ride that is as unpredictable as it is exhilarating.

Photo – Timothy Cheatham

If you’re in Denver on August 9, don’t miss the chance to see RADO live at Cervantes’ Otherside. It’s sure to be a night of music, magic, fun, and a little bit of whimsy. Tickets are still available at: https://etix.com/ticket/p/42872630

“Baker’s Measurements” Album Track List:

Run n’ Hyde
Back Nine ft. Adam Langdon on percussion
My Song
Thank You Mr. Science
The Twist
Tea for Two
River

To listen to the new album as well as stay updated on upcoming tour dates and releases, visit RADO’s website or follow them on social media.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Up Next

Corb Schemitz shares a chill beat with a classical Instrumental for “Forever”

Don't Miss

“DANIELLA” by Proklaim shares a soulful ode to life’s resilient spirit

Honk Magazine

Artist Spotlight

Lana Crow turns challenges into a celebration with “Laugh With You”

“Laugh With You,” the latest single from Lana Crow, is a sincere rallying cry to embrace life in all its messy, beautiful mess. In the song, indie pop and alt-pop combine to deliver an emotional blow that feels both personal and universal.

“Laugh With You” feels like an instant connection, and Crow is telling you stories of hard times with a cozy, knowing smile. This song is as much about struggle as it is about how strong you are. It serves as a reminder that these struggles are simply what give us the strength to keep going, even when life is tough.

Crow encourages people to welcome them, create happiness in the cracks, and laugh even as the world gets heavy. The result is a song that delicately nudges you to love and embrace yourself. It is an anthem for anyone experiencing tough times who refuses to give up hope. Lana Crow continues to demonstrate her songwriting skills, both musically pleasing and emotionally rich, with “Laugh With You.”

It’s a reminder that it’s how we respond to tough times, rather than how they affect us, that’s key. With this song, not only does Crow provide us with music, but she also lets us know that sometimes a laugh is what we need to remember that there is always something to smile about and that, even when it feels like life has waged war against you, laughter can still be found.

Connect with Lana Crow on Instagram | Facebook |

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

BluntBrad Jr. finds calm ambition in the laid-back shine of “It’s All Good”

BluntBrad Jr.’s new single, “It’s All Good,” sounds like a steady handshake and a deep breath. It’s warm, honest, and not trying to be cool. There isn’t any fancy production hiding behind layers of polish here. Instead, the song is all about being honest. The song is laid-back and offers up the shine of a studio recording for the feeling of a candid introduction, a musical “hello” from someone who wants to be heard for who they are.

“It’s All Good” is a very human way to be hopeful at its core. The feeling is simple and real, like someone who won’t let little things stand in the way of their goals. The words to the song sound like friends talking to each other. They discuss their goals, their drive, and their need for attention in a way that is honest and not needy.

The production backs this up by making sure that everything is open and airy. The instruments are simple and easy to understand, so BluntBrad Jr.’s voice and message come through clearly. The song feels real because it doesn’t have a lot of extra stuff in it. You’re not hearing a heavily constructed persona; you’re hearing someone at the start of a journey, eager to make their mark.

The song’s rough edges make it captivating, which is better than polish, which would have smoothed it out. This way of thinking fits with the theme: hope isn’t naive here; it’s realistic and steady. It speaks to people who like simple songs and value honesty over artifice.

“It’s All Good” is an engaging and approachable phrase that offers context for an artist who is confident and clear about their artistic vision. This is the kind of song you listen to when you need some honest encouragement to remember that just being human can help you move forward. This is only the first chapter of something serious, so expect more from him.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0