Papadosio is getting ready for their second headlining performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Friday, May 6th. This time, the band is bringing a huge lineup with them including CO-based electronic funk act SunSquabi, the psy-dub beats of Desert Dwellers, and Supersillyus, an-ten-nae, and Eliot Lipp. On top of this lineup which is sure to explore uncharted musical territory, iconic visionary and performance artists Alex & Allyson Grey will join in by doing what they do best, creating masterful artwork throughout the show. They will be accompanied by the genius of Johnathan Singer, who will create visuals to go along with both music and art (purchase tickets here).
We had the opportunity to chat with band members Anthony Thogmartin and Billy Brouse to discuss their upcoming Red Rocks performance, the importance of playing such a legendary venue, and the overall creative process that Papadosio uses in making their music. Check it out below.
L4LM: This is the band’s second time headlining Red Rocks. Playing the Rocks is a monumental experience for any artist or band. What type of energy goes into planning such an event for a band like Papadosio?
BB: The amount of energy that goes into playing Red Rocks, both physical and emotional, is unreal. Even if the only thing you do is get onstage and play your instrument, which isn’t the case with us, it’s crazy. The second time we played Red Rocks, we opened up for Umphreys McGee, and I remember asking Brendan if it ever becomes anything close to a normal show when you’re playing at there. He said absolutely not, and I’d have to agree with him–it’s quite an undertaking.
AT: There is certainly a lot more planning than it might seem! Red Rocks has achieved a legendary status as a rite of passage destination for music lovers. So if you get the opportunity to play there, there is a desire to create the coolest experience you can for people.
L4LM: Having Alex & Allyson Grey involved in this bridges the gap between music, art, and the connection between everyone experiencing the event. How important is it to have artists such as the Greys and Johnathan Singer taking part in this experience?
BB: Having the Greys at the event is humbling and exciting, I’m so happy they are doing it with us. I still remember the first time I looked at an Alex Grey painting, as I’m sure many others do as well. For me, it feels almost natural, which is weird to say because their art has opened my mind and blown it away many times. I guess that we aim to do that same thing in a way. I feel like having Alex, Allyson, and Jonathan there will obviously up the vibe and add to the event in a way that will leave everyone, including us, grateful for their participation to say the least.
AT: I think it is safe to say that we can all find commonality in the Greys’ artwork. The experiences that compelled them to create what they did also compelled us. In fact, I would also say that their artwork influenced my personal artistic process many times. Our song “Now That You Know” was a direct result of looking at and contemplating “Theologue,” one of Alex Grey’s most amazing works.
L4LM: Are you always writing and creating, even while out on the road, or do you like to designate time as a band to the creation of new music? What is the process for Papadosio?
AT: Usually there is one songwriter, and everyone takes a part given and makes it better and their own. We also write together from time to time. Everyone contributes a lot; we are very collaborative. I personally sing song ideas into my phone or record guitar things onto my laptop no matter where we are. Then, later, I’ll convert those vocal or guitar parts into synths, bass, drums, etc. Ha, my phone is full of “boom bap bap buh dum dums.”
L4LM: Anthony, your side project, Earthcry, just announced a special pre-party on May 5th at Ophelia’s in Denver. That should be a fun way to kick things off, as Mike Healy and Erothyme will be joining in for an evening full of music with more electronic leanings. What can we expect, musically, from that pre-party?
AT: We are improvisational musicians to the core. The whole EarthCry thing was born out of the basic fact that not all musical ideas apply to a full band. I’ve been recently sinking into making more and more generative music with my modular synthesizer, and I plan on unveiling an entirely new way of approaching the EarthCry live thing during this night. Also Mike Healy is an explosive drummer and an intuitive musician. He can cover for me when I need to shift gears. Our fans have been really encouraging us to do some more of these gigs and we are happy to oblige.
L4LM: From an artistic standpoint, is it good to be able to step away and do your own thing? Does it help keep things fresh?
AT: I personally like to spend time in the wilderness. I like to think of it as “foraging for inspiration.” A simple walk in the woods can easily be just as inspirational as watching your favorite musician perform.
L4LM: Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us. Good luck at Red Rocks in just a few short weeks!
Tickets for Papadosio’s Re:Creation event at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Saturday, May 6th are currently on sale and can be purchased here. For additional information and event updates, check out the Facebook Event page at this link. Anthony Thogmartin’s EarthCry project will play a pre-party show at Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox on Friday, May 5th. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketfly.
[Photo by Rex Thomson]