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Colorado band CollieRAD bring a new twist to reggae

One of the cornerstones of music, and of
the cannabis scene, is reggae. Many good things can be said about this genre,
and it is so fascinating because reggae music comes in all shapes and sizes,
a

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One of the cornerstones of music, and of
the cannabis scene, is reggae. Many good things can be said about this genre,
and it is so fascinating because reggae music comes in all shapes and sizes,
and flirts with all different styles. CollieRAD are a local reggae group who truly
capture the sound of Denver with their musical prowess, while also not being
afraid to test the waters with an experimental sound.

“We have always been a reggae band
first,” stated Pancho Tramner, the group’s guitarist. “We all have a broad
range of influences from jazz to electronica and bluegrass to Latin, so it’s
more than a straightforward reggae sound.” The band has made a name for
themselves playing smaller shows in the Denver circuit, and are now starting to
get booked for bigger festival gigs as well.

The
group started in 2012, and underwent a few lineup changes, finally settling on Taylor
Kaufman on guitar and vocals, Pancho Tramner on guitar, Danny Petitti on bass,
Drew Stiles on drums, and Mike Bruin on keyboards and saxophone. They refer to
themselves as “original mountain reggae,” and have been pleased to share the
stage with such big-name acts as Julian Marley and Rusko. Their sound is
reggae-meets-world-music, and while they do fit into the jam scene in terms of
whom they play with, they strive to make their music unique and focus on the
blending of elements to make something strong and outstanding.

CollieRAD
count themselves lucky to be part of the vibrant local scene in Denver. “We
feel blessed to be a part of the scene here,” Tramner told us. “I guess we
would describe it as a fun, tight-knit community of musicians who really
support each other.  Lots of talent and
hard work goes into this music, and the audience and performers really have a
blast doing it.”

In
addition to the inspiring music scene here, CollieRAD have also found solace in
the cannabis scene of Colorado. “We consume a lot of cannabis,” Tramner
admitted. “It is an integral part of our writing and creative process. We see
it as a bridge connecting thoughts and ideas together to make the finished
product. “Oh Sensi, Floatin’ on the Reef, and Youngmanstruggle are all original
songs we wrote that speak on the topic.”

The
group also feels passionately about the legalization in Colorado and the
success this state has seen. “The economic effects of legalization are positive
and far reaching,” stated Tramner. “For example, more money is going toward education
and other government responsibilities than would have been otherwise possible. We
think the legalization model Colorado has helped pioneer will without a doubt
be imitated nationwide within our lifetimes.”

CollieRAD
have been busy this summer recording their second studio album, to be released
in the fall, touring, and playing shows in the Denver area. They also released
a live video from their May appearance at Spread The Word Music Festival. Go
check them out in concert this fall, and be on their lookout for the new album soon.

www.collieradnation.com

IN
CONCERT

August 29 @ Colorado State Fair in Pueblo 

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