Denverquintet, Speakeasy Tiger, winners of Westword's Best Pop Band in Denver award for 2009, are stars on the rise. They are comprised of lead singer Kyle Simmons, drummer Luke Gordon, bassist Lauren Gale, keytar, synth and piano player Pete Schmidt and guitarist Tavis Alley. They are truly unlike anyone on the scene right now. They have the perfect blend of incredible musicality and powerful lyrics. The group just dropped their debut album The Public on July 11th. Never in my life have I been this moved by an album. Listening to the album I often find myself singing along, dancing and crying all at the same time. The record is full of emotions from deep heartache to the power of doing what you love.
While it would be quite easy to gush about the lyrics and musical composition of this work of art however I think what is just as important are some words that are not in the songs but on the inside cover of their album. "The importance in all of this is the people. We'd travel by any means to reach the masses. We always feel unsure about promoting any particular movement other than the amazement in collective community and creativity. There's something in our bones that awakes us in the mornings to do this everyday. We seek movement and the breaking of standard tradition. We want the people to confront purpose". This is not just a mission statement but a way of life for the quintet. When asked about what this means to them lead singer Kyle Simmons had this to say: "It's exactly what it says, too many of us walk around in this world avoiding our true potential as human beings as loving beings We only have one life to live, so live it!" This sentiment is echoed in the song Limbs. Simmons is singing about the rush of doing what she loves. It's something the entire band echoes; the feeling of being on stage and feeling the energy of the crowd. It also is a call. I cannot look away/ We've all got our own stage/ the lights burn through me/ Hollowed out/ for you to see/ if there's nothing else to do/ let it erupt in me and you.
It's a plea for each and every one of us to follow our hopes and dreams to aspire to something. That is what is truly inspirational about this band. They are not just making music. They are calling each of us to action. To live life to the fullest, to love with all of our hearts and to never give into the negative. Find what it is that you want and put all of your positive energy and focus into that. They have gotten where they are today by throwing themselves into the community and connecting on a personal level with their fans. This musical family realizes that the fans are the reason that they are doing what they do. So they devote as much time as they can to listening to what the fans have to say. I suppose what it really boils down to is that too often we let our own insecurities and self doubts keep us from going out there and trying. These 5 amazing individuals are proof that all you have to do is find your stage.
More information on this band and what they are doing please visit www.speakeasytiger.com