10 QUESTIONS: Kinetix
Denver’s campus party band has much more to offer
By Eric Frank and Kinetix’s Joshua Fairman
Based out of Denver, CO, Kinetix is known for their outrageous high-energy shows, blending party rock, funk, pop, hip hop and live electronica.
Currently on tour behind their new EP Never Too Late, Kinetix has shown that they are masters at redefining their ever-evolving sound. Upbeat rhythms, strong beats and funky melodies make their new release a reflection of their current path.
1. Kinetix is fun to listen to; it's tight, funky, hard-hittin' and highly danceable. How did your sound manifest?
We've been a band for a long time, so our sound has changed quite a bit. Our first album was basically rock songs written by members of the band previous to meeting each other. So it was really kind of bits and pieces from everyone.
The next record was much more jammy. We basically went up to Aspen and got really weird, in a good way. That album, Talking To Faces, really put us in the jam-vibe. But soon after we decided to write 'real songs' which ended up on our last album, Let Me In. We accomplished our goal of writing potent, meaningful songs, but I feel like we lost some of the vibe we had in Aspen. Although, we’re very proud of that work, and had a great time with Greg McRae at Coupe and Jaspon Livermoor at the Blasting Room.
Which brings us to the present, hard-hitting funky dance beats of our new EP, Never Too Late. After 8 years on the road, our keyboard player and singer Eric Blumenfeld left the band and we almost called it. But then something magical happened. We got in the studio and made the funkiest music of our careers. So we are giving it a go with this new hot ish."
2. How Kinetix first meet?
[At the] University of Denver, we were all looking to rock and funk out.
3. Why do you play music?
I play music because it is my way of connecting with the source of everything and the existence of everything in a real way. It's almost like an out of body experience. It helps you communicate on the next level.
4. In what direction do you see music heading?
More funk, more hip hop, more shredding.
5. Colorado's music scene is incredibly rich and diverse. What makes the scene special?
I think that people out here are open-minded to lots of different genres. People will see Phish one weekend and Pretty Lights the next. So there is a lot of room for bands of all kinds. There are also a ton of amazing venues in Colorado which doesn't hurt the scene.
6. What are your favorite venues to play in Colorado? Nationally?
In Colorado we've played 'em all. The Fillmore, Red Rocks and the Ogden were awesome. But I think my favorite venue in Denver is Cervantes' Otherside. It has a great vibe and an awesome sound system. The team over there is always on point. You can have a really intimate show with a big venue sound.
7. What advice would you give to a younger band just getting their feet wet?
Never quit, enjoy the ride. Make sure that you don't focus too hard on end results like record deals and whatever, because that shit is not as important as being true to yourself and your character. Make music for the sake of the music, not for the fame.
p.s. Try not to play so many notes.
8. What's your favorite road-story?
Classified.
9. Who are some of your favorite Colorado-based bands/musicians?
Robby Peoples with The Congress, MST, YAMN,, Ableminds, DynoHunter, Joey Porter, Fox Street, Tiger Party, Eldren, The Foot, Jonah Wisneski, Euforquestra, The Motet, and so many more.
10. What's next for Kinetix?
[A] brand new album in the fall and our first music video is being released in conjunction with the album. Watch out – it's gonna be great exercise music.