The year 2020 has brought a lot of misfortune to people all around the world, but John Larchick (JL) and his record label Time Stamp Records (TSR) have made good use of the time of solitude due to social distancing. Announcing the official start of the label on January 1, JL and his team have been busy in the lab making 2020 their year to emerge on the music scene with the release of their brand new music video and song Battle Royale.
“Battle Royale was an absolute gem to produce. I hate to say it, but my overgrown mustache may have taken the spotlight from even me on this one occasion. But honestly, from the beginning of the song’s inception, everything just started falling into place. From the creation of the beat and the vocal writing, down to the video concept and execution. It all just felt right. Those are the types of workflow that we as artists are searching for when we create,” stated JL, Owner and Producer of Time Stamp Records.
TSR, a childhood dream of JL’s, is a new indie record label out of Aurora/Metro Denver, Colorado. Time Stamp Records produces music and film. They also distribute and cultivate quality art, merchandise and music for film, radio, live events and television. And they have big plans for the future.
“Owning my own label has been a lifelong dream,” stated JL.
JL has been involved in the music industry from a very young age. At 17, he and his high school band, Reverend Orange Peel, sold out the Bluebird Theatre and earned the opportunity to play at the Ogden Theatre for New Year’s eve that same year. Both venues are icons in Denver. Ever since then he knew he had the knack for it and wanted a career in music.
“It wasn’t always glorious venues and big gigs though,” stated JL.
After high school, the band naturally dispersed to various colleges resulting in the dismantling of Reverend Orange Peel. “But I was still set on my musical quest. I was writing the music, learning to play instruments, and honing my craft virtually every waking moment. I started learning how to navigate all the facets of the ever-changing music industry. Everything from working with band members, writing songs, recording, booking, marketing to tours, videos, press releases, radio interviews and so much more.”
JL is no stranger to touring and has diligently booked gigs at countless venues across Colorado and surrounding states. “I’m super grateful for all of my past, present and future experiences, from the coffee shop gigs with no sound system to Boulder’s famous Fox Theatre. It’s my experiences as a musician and recording engineer that set me and this record label apart from others”.
JL has gone on numerous tours, occasionally accompanying some very notable artists. He has performed with acts such as Guru from Jazzmatazz, Fat Joe, Wu-Tang Clan, Ol Dirty Bastard, Pepper, the Pharcyde, Devin the Dude and others.
In addition, JL is the owner of a professional recording studio (Green Room Studios), the lead vocalist for JL Universe, a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and a record producer. JL has released four albums and has helped a few fellow artists release albums of their own. His drive and motivation come from his love for music and the desire to create amazing art. He wants to encompass everything in the industry and assist other aspiring artists to reach their goals. Cultivating Time Stamp Records into a renowned success for all the artists signed under the label is where his sights are now set.
“Running this label, to me, it’s a really big responsibility and it’s a big honor. To be able to provide a service and to be able to put out people’s truths,” said JL. “Music and art are so personal and there are so many really dope artists that don’t get a chance to have a sounding board, to have somebody there to ricochet ideas and concepts, and grow a plan. That is what I am focused on when we sign artists. We are helping the artists generate their vision and then really feed that vision so it can grow and blossom into something bigger.”
JL is drawn to music that resonates with him, as opposed to claiming loyalty to a specific genre of music. He listens to and supports everything from electronic to funk to hip-hop to country. He has a hard time fitting Time Stamp Records into a specific category because he works with artists from across the board. When considering an artist for the label, JL really focuses on the quality of character and integrity presented in their work. He values artists with great work ethic, clarity, and dedication to their craft. He values artists with ambition and a drive to create something amazing for the world. Because of his familiarity with the industry, JL has a keen eye for the foundation required to establish a successful musical career.
“My goal is to become the record label that I always needed as an artist. To create a space and platform for artists and projects to fully develop. I have built, and I am still building, the frameworks and no one style or artist’s journey will be the same, but the process to get to our goals are similar,” said JL. “TSR is here to assist in that self-discovery and execution of plans. My dream is to make art that transforms time and space and that stamps the moment we are living in through expression and human connection. The end goal is to make creations that resonate, fulfill dreams and win Grammys.”
Sometimes all an artist needs is someone to give them a little nudge or to point them in the right direction for success. They can be filled with talent and musical genius, while struggling with the skill of getting noticed and releasing their art. They need a mentor or a leader. And that is precisely what JL and Time Stamp Records is. TSR is paving the way for musicians. He guides them on the path toward achievement. That way, everyone wins. In November, TSR plans to announce a statewide contest which is calling on artists to submit their work for the chance to win a single produced and released by TSR along with other great prizes.
Time Stamp Record’s song and video, Battle Royale was quickly followed by JL’s second single release of 2020, The Other Side. The single is paired with a creative and thought-provoking video and the song is seeing great success in just the first few days of release. In addition, JL Universe has several queued singles ready for release later this year and into 2021.
To listen to JL’s work and to follow JL Universe, Time Stamp Records or Green Room Studios (Colorado), search and find them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also find JL Universe’s video and single — Battle Royale on all digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube.
Time Stamp Records’ long anticipated website has been revamped and reintroduced in an easy to use and enlightening format. Plus, the brand-new winter line of TSR merchandise will be available in November and contains fabulous new clothing styles.
For more news and exclusive music, art and culture, follow TSR on all social media platforms and sign up on the mailing list at www.timestamprecords.com. New artists, new songs, new videos, new merch, new inspirations and new beginnings are all happening, right now, at Time Stamp Records.
Multiple Sites Finishing Up But Only A Couple Commencing; Stunning Newly Built Structures Opening In The District For Fall
by Glen Richardson
Reshaping Cherry Creek: Holiday shoppers-visitors in the district will be greeted by this new mixed-use retail-office building on the corner of 3rd. Ave. & Josephine. The structure is a standout as most new buildings are far from futuristic.
The pandemic and a weakening economy find Cherry Creek’s construction sites still turning shovels and swinging hammers, but the pace has slowed and few new projects are expected to sprout up. Following eight straight years of new construction, owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors and the supply chain are feeling the shock.
Normally it’s rare for district developers-builders to slow down construction activity. But these aren’t normal times, and the pandemic economy has given rise to a noticeable work cutback. The structure of demand is changing: Fewer hotels are being proposed due to less business-leisure travel. Online shopping is shrinking the demand for retail space and the need for offices is slowing because of remote working.
Multiple projects are finishing up in Cherry Creek plus a couple have commenced construction. Residents and district shoppers can expect those projects to be completed. It is new projects that have been proposed in the district that are likely to see terminations of parties or entire projects. Given the hotel outlook, the AC Marriott in Cherry Creek is likely to be delayed or the site could go up for resale. The Sunridge Hotel Group project is proposed for seven-stories, 150-rooms.
Westside Wait
Redevelopment of Cherry Creek’s west end has been the slowest to take off. Completion of the 260 North office-retail project at Josephine St. and East 3rd Ave. and makeover of the former Inn at Cherry Creek opening as The Clayton at 233 Clayton St. in March of 2021 are notable exceptions.
New Excavation: Despite Cherry Creek’s construction cutback, dirt work is underway at this 240 Saint Paul site. Building will be anchored across the first three floors by an Equinox Fitness Club.
Broe Real Estate Group which owns the bulk of the east side of Clayton St. announced a year ago it would demolish several structures to make way for two new office buildings. Existing two-story structures at 200 and 210 Clayton are to be replaced with an eight-story office building with ground-floor retail. The adjacent four-story building it owns at 216 Clayton would remain but the two-story parking garage to the north would be replaced with a seven-story office building and ground-floor retail. Broe’s headquarters is at 252 Clayton and the firm has deep pockets. Thus the massive project will likely come to fruition but demolition isn’t expected to begin until next year with completion two-five years away.
The promised Clayton Lane Investors redevelopment of the west end of Cherry Creek between 1st and 2nd Ave. from Josephine to Detroit St. is in limbo again. The Invesco Real Estate-Broomfield partnership project isn’t likely to break ground in the next 12-14 month. Completion that would include demolishing the former Sears store that has been vacant since 2015 isn’t likely in the next several years. Should the venture be terminated look for the Nichols Partnership — Clayton Lane’s original developer — who just bought back a portion of the Whole Foods Garage for $6 million — to take over the project.
Boundary-Pushing: The just completed UC Health Cherry Creek has opened along East 1st Ave. Sleek all-glass structure creates a new footprint on the eastside as the surrounding buildings are heavy with earth tones and masonry.
New For Fall
Newly completed projects scattered through the fashionable neighborhood are beginning to open for fall. The project known as 260 North has finally opened, creating the west end’s first high-end, mixed-use space. Situated adjacent to the BMC built MOXY and Halcyon Hotels — the only other new westside structures — it is a compelling building with a stepped-up design. Located on the corner of 3rd and Josephine streets, it adds office, retail and parking space while allowing daylight into the streetscape.
On the east end, the just completed modernistic 88,000-sq.-ft. UC Health Cherry Creek has opened. With an all-glass façade, it stands out alone on East 1st Ave. as most of the surrounding buildings are heavy with earth tones and masonry. The health center offers primary care, state of the art imaging, a surgery center and comprehensive oncology treatment.
Over in the Cherry Creek Triangle, two major multi-family projects are also open. Between the step down, brickwork and landscaping, Gables Cherry Creek II helps reduce the harshness of East Alameda Ave. Gables Vista, rising 12-stories, is one of the tallest in the triangle. All together the three Gables projects have added 579 homes in the district.
On The Rise
Two projects, both BMC developments, are currently under construction in the district. Newest is the 240 Saint Paul project to be anchored across the first three floors by the Equinox Fitness Club. Most of the office space is pre-leased and at last report half of the 12,000-sq.-ft. of retail space had been rented. Construction is anticipated to take at least 14 months, with completion in summer-early fall of next year.
Urban Lifestyle: Gables Cherry Creek II in the Cherry Creek Triangle offers a walkable urban lifestyle with enhanced amenities. Step down brickwork and landscaping reduces the harshness of East Alameda Ave.
Renamed The Clayton, Matt Joblon signed a 99-year ground lease on the 233 Clayton St. property in the fall of 2017. Since renovation started a year ago, BMC is spending $30 million to add onto the property that’s expected to open next March.
What will make the project unique in Cherry Creek is Joblon’s goal to create a “real culture center.” In addition to 37 hotel rooms, the six-story building will feature 12,000-sq.-ft. of “hip retail” on the ground-floor plus scores of music, culinary and art venues for entertainment, exploration and enjoyment.
Projects On Horizon
Despite the district’s construction slowdown, there are several new projects on the horizon in Cherry Creek. They range from office buildings to apartment complexes, two potential hotels plus an independent living community for seniors.
More Glass: Construction could soon get underway on this proposed glass structure at 2nd Ave. & Adams. Retail-office site would extend the existing stretch of retail on East 2nd Ave further east.
Most likely to begin construction is the 2nd Ave. & Adams project where a two-story office building and a single-family home have already been cleared. Purchased by Blair Richardson, the 0.29-acre site would feature an all-glass building with ground floor retail plus four levels of office space. When it is developed it will extend the existing stretch of retail on East 2nd Ave. further east.
Due to the project’s nature, a proposed seven-story, 136-unit senior living project could also break ground next year. Named Solterra Senior Living, the site is near the intersection of Alameda Ave. and Colorado Blvd. A self-service car wash was recently demolished at the site to make way for the project. The infill site at 235 Fillmore that has set vacant for several years has been purchased by BMC, making development more likely. An office building with ground-floor retail is proposed.
