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5 songs by local artists that were released this summer

Maddy Erskine

August 26, 2020

Due to COVID-19, many aspects of our local music scene have been put on hold, and a big aspect of the Fort Collins music scene is live shows.

While live shows are greatly missed, and we hope they will be able to safely resume in the near future, local music is still happening and can still be streamed and enjoyed. Many bands released singles and albums on Spotify over the summer. Here are some songs that are worth a listen:

1. “Walk in the Park” by Slow Caves

Indie rock band Slow Caves has made a name for itself over the past year after opening for some well-known bands like Cold War Kids, Modest Mouse and Cake. The band consists of brothers Jakob and Oliver Mueller and their friend David Dugan. With thoughtful lyrics and soothing vocals, “Walk in the Park” will transport you straight into the indie movie you always wished your life was.

2. “Playing Bingo (With People Who Are Angry and Somewhat Dangerous)” by The Beeves

This intriguing single title embodies the spirit of the local band The Beeves. Best known for their incredible live shows and wild mosh pits, The Beeves is a Colorado band consisting of brothers Ian and Will Ehrhart and Margot Sease.

All technically talented instrumentalists, The Beeves are sure to bring some classic rock-and-roll sound to your playlist. Lead singer and guitarist Ian Ehrhart ties the single together with powerful and dramatic vocals that make you want to put your arms around your friends and sing along.

3. “By the Day – Demo” by Lenore

Lenore is the project of Madi Rice: guitarist, producer, composer and singer. Embodying the spirit of bedroom pop, Rice writes and produces her music from home. “By the Day” is an ethereal song with dreamy vocals and spacey synths. With similar vibes to artists like Crumb and TEMPOREX, Lenore is a local up-and-coming indie artist to keep an eye on due to her unique and alternative approach to bedroom pop.

4. “Eyes” by The Crooked Rugs

After making waves last year by headlining house shows, The Crooked Rugs released two new songs this summer: “Eyes” and “Take a Minute.” Members Nolan Brumbach, Jay LeCavalier, Jayce Haley, Finn Stowers and Thayer Rexton “Rex” Stowers II are sure to rock your boots off with their new tunes.

“Eyes” begins by featuring a classic bluesy harmonica, solidifying the old rock-and-roll and blues aesthetic of the song. If you miss throwing on your favorite cowboy hat and heading to the bars with your pals, The Crooked Rugs are a band to add to your local favorites.

5. “Test The Water” by Co-Stanza

Jack Costanza is an artist who is based in Fort Collins but originally from the suburbs of Chicago. Costanza’s new single, “Test the Water,” has a groovy beat and a chorus that compels you to dance and sing along. It includes relatable lyrics about simply living life and upbeat vocals that are sure to grab your attention.

It’s a perfect song to uplift your spirits and remind you to keep your head up during the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the beginning of the semester.

Editor’s Note: The incorrect name was used for a person mentioned in this article. The article has been updated accordingly.

Maddy Erskine can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @maddyerskine_.

About the Contributor

Maddy Erskine, Arts and Culture Editor

Maddy Erskine has been the arts & culture editor for The Collegian since January. They began writing for The Collegian in August 2020 and quickly found their passion for journalism, prompting them to switch their major from anthropology to journalism and media communication that year. Currently, Erskine works with reporters to find events, musicians, artists, restaurants, movies and other stories that should be shared with our community. Additionally, they edit articles for grammatical errors and accurate information before handing it off to the incredible copy team that catches any missed mistakes. Born and raised in Fort Collins, Erskine was originally not looking forward to attending college in their hometown. However, that attitude changed immediately when they joined Rocky Mountain Student Media and started getting involved with both the radio station, KCSU, and The Collegian. Erskine’s favorite part about Fort Collins is the variety of local music and art here. Growing up, their favorite subjects, and often the only classes they attended, were art and band. In the future, they hope to have their own publication that focuses on uplifting underrepresented voices in art and music.

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