To Be Astronauts, a self-proclaimed “your favorite Denver rock band’s favorite Denver rock band” (we see what you did there and love it!), is a trio of talented musicians who have been making waves in the Denver music scene with their powerful and poignant EPs. Their latest release is a must-listen for fans of rock music, and we’re excited to share it with you. With a unique sound that blends elements of indie rock, folk, and country, To Be Astronauts has been gaining a loyal following in Denver and beyond. The band’s music is characterized by its raw energy, emotional intensity, and a deep sense of storytelling. Their lyrics are often introspective and personal, tackling themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. To Be Astronauts is a true Denver original, and their music reflects the city’s eclectic and innovative spirit. From the moment they take the stage, it’s clear that these three musicians are on a mission to create something special. With their powerful sound and infectious energy, they’re sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens. One of the things that sets To Be Astronauts apart from other bands is their commitment to their craft. These musicians are passionate about their music, and it shows in every note they play. They’re not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of what’s possible, and their dedication to their art is inspiring. To Be Astronauts is more than just a band ā they’re a community. They’re a group of like-minded individuals who share a passion for music and a desire to create something meaningful. They’re a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when creative minds come together. As To Be Astronauts continues to make waves in the Denver music scene, we can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. What’s next for this talented trio? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain ā we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. To Be Astronauts is available on all major streaming platforms, and their music is sure to resonate with fans of rock music everywhere.
āWeāre not just a band, weāre a movement. We want to inspire people to be their true selves and to live life to the fullest.ā ā Jack Oberkirsch, lead vocalist of No Dreams
Highlights
* To Be Astronauts is a Denver-based indie rock band with a unique sound that blends elements of indie rock, folk, and country. * Their music is characterized by its raw energy, emotional intensity, and a deep sense of storytelling. * The band’s lyrics are often introspective and personal, tackling themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. * To Be Astronauts is a true Denver original, and their music reflects the city’s eclectic and innovative spirit. * The band is committed to their craft and is passionate about their music. * To Be Astronauts is more than just a band ā they’re a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for music and a desire to create something meaningful.
* Indie rock: a genre of rock music characterized by its DIY ethos and a focus on independent artists. * Folk: a genre of music that originated in traditional folk songs and has since evolved to include a wide range of styles and influences. * Country: a genre of music that originated in the southern United States and is characterized by its storytelling and twang.
Meet May’s Picks
Brūha
- Band Lineup:
- Fabian Guerrero (he/him) lead vocals/rhythm guitar
- Nic Guerrero (he/him) drums
- Max Guerrero (he/him) lead guitar/backing vocals
- Christian Olsen (he/him) bass/backing vocals
Denver
Current lineup formed in March 2024
H.E.X.D. EP, Self-released on 3/28/25.
Lost Lake May 16 w/Beach Vacation and Indigo Waves
BrÅ«ha is a Latino-fronted indie surf pop band based in Denver, Colorado. Lead singer Fabian Guerrero, alongside his brother Nic Guerrero, recruited their cousin Max Guerrero and bassist Christian Olsen to complete the bandās lineup of seasoned musicians. BrÅ«ha blends indie sensibilities, surf-rock stylings, and hallmarks of pop to create an infectious, timeless sound, filled with an appreciation for the present and admiration for the future. Their aggressively DIY approach is a signifier of both their authenticity and drive to truly express their unique identities through their music, staying true to their roots while also continually striving to innovate and grow.
Currently planning our inaugural tour through California/the Southwest in July. Not 100% finalized yet. We will be touring with Manny. (another latino artist) and collabing on a song to be released before the tour!
https://linktr.ee/Bruha
Claire Heywood
- Band Lineup:
- Claire Heywood (she/her) Lead Vocals, Guitar
- Matt Hoffman (he/him) Guitar, Keys
- Meg Rice (she/her) Bass, Backing Vocals
- Rebecca Hannigan (they/them) Backing Vocals
- Wes Barton (he/him) Drums
Denver
2019
Water Is All I See LP, May 1, 2025, Self-Released
May 1 at Swallow Hill Music in Denver (album release)
Claire Heywood is a songwriter who draws on elements of indie rock, folk, and country to write heartfelt songs sung in a characteristic low, smoky voice. Heywood’s debut full-length album Water Is All I See releases on May 1, 2025. Strange Americans frontman Matt Hoffman joins Heywood’s project as a producer, bandmate, and cowriter for this LP, with five of the ten songs being cowrites between Hoffman and Heywood. Heywood’s 2019 EP titled “The Wind It Howls” was called “a gorgeous debut…relaxing and captivating.” (Culture Magazine). If you like lyrics and prefer songs with a steady undercurrent of yearning, you might like Claire Heywood!
Listeners can find ten new songs by Claire Heywood on all streaming platforms!
www.claireheywood.com
Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Substack
Graveyard Choir
- Band Lineup:
- Nate Valdez (he/him) – VOCALS & SLIDE GUITAR
- Eric Riley (he/him) – DRUMS
- Thom Whitney (he /him) – BASS GUITAR
- Nicholas Waters/The Kid (he/him) – GUITAR
- Jen Riley (she/her) – VOCALS
Denver
2024
Our Debut album Restorative Art was released on NOVEMBER 1st, 2024.
June 21 – Laporte, CO at Swing Station
Introducing āGraveyard Choir,ā an Americana band that delves deep into the heart of real-life stories, drawing inspiration from the singerās experiences working at a mortuary. Led by the enigmatic Nate Valdez, this band brings a unique perspective to the Americana genre, blending haunting melodies with tales of life, death and everything in between.
We are currently planning live events for the summer and fall of 2025 while simultaneously tracking 12 new songs for our sophomore release. In all transparency we did not know what any of us expected out of this project. In early 2023 Nate approached Thom Whitney & Eric Riley with an album worth of songs that we all tracked and created just for the joy of it. Once the album came out there was a realization that this was a project we all wanted to explore further. Since then we have been working tirelessly to create content, write more songs and get our proverbial ducks in row. As a band we played our first live show on April 11th in Laporte, CO to amazing response and we are hungry for more.
https://linktr.ee/graveyardchoir
No Dreams
- Band Lineup:
- Jack Oberkirsch (He/his)-lead vocals and rhythm guitar
- Owen Gribbons (He/his)-bass and backup vocals
- Ben Eberle (He/his)-drums and backup vocals
Denver
July 2023
Good Life EP, April 8th, 2025, released by ‘Snappy Little Numbers’
No Dreams is a pop punk band from Denver, CO comprised of old and new friends alike. The band has been hard at work since July 2023 writing, recording, and performing music that is both hard-hitting and painfully catchy. No Dreams takes lyrical inspiration from things like nostalgia, wasted time, and other such topics that contribute to their moody tone. April 2025 marked their second release and they look forward to many more as they continue their musical journey here in the Mile-High City.
We are thrilled to be heading back into the studio in May to work on our next batch of tunes. Aside from this, we are searching for a new lead guitarist so that we can get back to playing live!
https://linktr.ee/nodreamsdenver
Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube
Salads and Sunbeams
- Band Lineup:
- Nathan Brazil (he/him) – Vocals, Guitar, Keys
- Suzi Allegra (they/them) – Vocals, Bass, Keys
- Eric Thompson (he/him) – Guitar, Keys
- Justin Drummond (he/him) – Drums
Denver
2014
Into the Starless Night, March 18, 2025, Self-Released
Salads and Sunbeams is a psych-pop group based in Denver, Colorado. Saladsā primary singer/songwriter, Nathan Brazil, started the band in 2014 as an outlet for the simplistic, poppy, retro songs that didnāt quite fit with the bands he was involved in at the time. Members have come and gone, though Denver music fixture and Brazilās longtime collaborator, Suzi Allegra, has been involved with nearly everything the group has done. The first incarnation of the group released a self-titled EP in 2014 with little fanfare, though it was very good and captures the original, sloppy/poppy thrust of the group. Shortly thereafter, life intervened. The death of someone close to Brazil and a shared desire for change and growth scattered the group across the country and the world. After the shakeup, as the world slowly came back into focus, Brazil headed to the basement and recorded another Salads and Sunbeams album, Tintinnabulation, almost entirely on his own, though with notable additions from Allegra. This new album sprawled beyond simple pop to encompass ambient pieces, covers of Victorian comic-opera, the use of a professional string quartet, synthesizers, and general experimentation. Very proud of the album, Brazil released it digitally in early 2020, just in time for the Covid pandemic to eclipse and redefine its relevance. Returning to Denver in late 2021, Brazil reconnected with Suzi Allegra and the larger Denver music scene and restarted the group as a live project. Eric Thompson and Justin Drummond joined the group and they started writing and rehearsing new material in addition to previously unperformed material from Tintinnabulation. The band wrote and recorded their second full-length album, Into the Starless Night, in 2024 for release in early 2025. They had the pleasure of recording the initial tracks with Lucas Johannes (American Culture) at his Basemess Studio in Denver. It was also a wonderful experience working with James Barone (Beach House) as he mixed the album. Brazil’s great friend from high school, Brendan Dekora, mixed part of the album too. Salads and Sunbeams continues to play shows in and around Denver, with plans to tour in the near future.
Weāre working on a series of videos for several songs on Into the Starless Night. Otherwise, weāre most excited about connecting with audiences and other bands through live shows.
SaladsandSunbeams.com
Instagram, Bandcamp
Meet May’s Picks
No Dreams
- Band Lineup:
- Jack Oberkirsch (He/his)-lead vocals and rhythm guitar
- Owen Gribbons (He/his)-bass and backup vocals
- Ben Eberle (He/his)-drums and backup vocals
Denver
July 2023
Good Life EP, April 8th, 2025, released by ‘Snappy Little Numbers’
No Dreams is a pop punk band from Denver, CO comprised of old and new friends alike. The band has been hard at work since July 2023 writing, recording, and performing music that is both hard-hitting and painfully catchy. No Dreams takes lyrical inspiration from things like nostalgia, wasted time, and other such topics that contribute to their moody tone. April 2025 marked their second release and they look forward to many more as they continue their musical journey here in the Mile-High City.
We are thrilled to be heading back into the studio in May to work on our next batch of tunes. Aside from this, we are searching for a new lead guitarist so that we can get back to playing live!
https://linktr.ee/nodreamsdenver
Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, Bandcamp, YouTube
Salads and Sunbeams
- Band Lineup:
- Nathan Brazil (he/him) – Vocals, Guitar, Keys
- Suzi Allegra (they/them) – Vocals, Bass, Keys
- Eric Thompson (he/him) – Guitar, Keys
- Justin Drummond (he/him) – Drums
Denver
2014
Into the Starless Night, March 18, 2025, Self-Released
Salads and Sunbeams is a psych-pop group based in Denver, Colorado. Saladsā primary singer/songwriter, Nathan Brazil, started the band in 2014 as an outlet for the simplistic, poppy, retro songs that didnāt quite fit with the bands he was involved in at the time. Members have come and gone, though Denver music fixture and Brazilās longtime collaborator, Suzi Allegra, has been involved with nearly everything the group has done. The first incarnation of the group released a self-titled EP in 2014 with little fanfare, though it was very good and captures the original, sloppy/poppy thrust of the group. Shortly thereafter, life intervened. The death of someone close to Brazil and a shared desire for change and growth scattered the group across the country and the world. After the shakeup, as the world slowly came back into focus, Brazil headed to the basement and recorded another Salads and Sunbeams album, Tintinnabulation, almost entirely on his own, though with notable additions from Allegra. This new album sprawled beyond simple pop to encompass ambient pieces, covers of Victorian comic-opera, the use of a professional string quartet, synthesizers, and general experimentation. Very proud of the album, Brazil released it digitally in early 2020, just in time for the Covid pandemic to eclipse and redefine its relevance. Returning to Denver in late 2021, Brazil reconnected with Suzi Allegra and the larger Denver music scene and restarted the group as a live project. Eric Thompson and Justin Drummond joined the group and they started writing and rehearsing new material in addition to previously unperformed material from Tintinnabulation. The band wrote and recorded their second full-length album, Into the Starless Night, in 2024 for release in early 2025. They had the pleasure of recording the initial tracks with Lucas Johannes (American Culture) at his Basemess Studio in Denver. It was also a wonderful experience working with James Barone (Beach House) as he mixed the album. Brazil’s great friend from high school, Brendan Dekora, mixed part of the album too. Salads and Sunbeams continues to play shows in and around Denver, with plans to tour in the near future.
Weāre working on a series of videos for several songs on Into the Starless Night. Otherwise, weāre most excited about connecting with audiences and other bands through live shows.