by Mark Smiley | May 22, 2023 | Main Articles
by Mike Wheaton
Springer’s unique fashion style matches the band’s unique sound.
Harry Springer is no stranger to the rock scene. He was the guitarist of the Colorado-based band The Midnight Club, which relocated to Los Angeles in 2020, hoping to find more opportunities for their music. But then the pandemic hit, and everything changed.
Springer found himself stuck at home, unable to play live shows or collaborate with other musicians. He decided to try creating songs for sound libraries, which supply music for movies and TV shows. He thought it would be an excellent way to earn money and practice his skills.
But something unexpected happened. As he was writing songs inspired by his idols like Jack White, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and T-Rex, he realized that he had a lot of things to say; thoughts that he didn’t want to give away to someone else.
“I sold some, and it was going fine, but then I wrote some songs, and I was like, ‘I don’t want to give these away,’” he says.
That’s how Moon Walker was born; a solo project that allowed Springer to express his political views, his sarcasm, his mysticism, and his love for fuzzed-out ‘70s rock. He played all the instruments, sang all the vocals, and produced all the tracks in his bedroom. He also recruited his friend Sean McCarthy to play drums on some songs.
The result was Truth to Power, a seven- track album that quickly gained attention on TikTok and earned praise from The Darkness’s Justin Hawkins. The album showcases Springer’s versatility as a songwriter and performer, from the catchy anthem “Tax the Churches” to the psychedelic ballad “The Attack of Mirrors.”
The songwriter and performer says that Moon Walker is what he was always meant to do. “I think this is what I was always getting towards, at least in my music-making journey,” he says. “I was always meant to sound like this and look like this. … It happened naturally in the context of the most unnatural thing ever.”
Moon Walker performs live at the Mercury Lounge in New York City.
Started Songs For Sound Libraries
The musician says he learned a lot from making songs for sound libraries. He had to follow specific guidelines and formats and adapt to different genres and styles. He also had to sign away any rights to his music when he sold it.
“It was a good exercise for me as a musician,” he says. “It helped me develop my skills and my ear. But it also made me realize I wanted more control over my music. “
Springer says he started writing more personal and original songs reflecting his influences and opinions. He says that he was influenced by the political and social turmoil of 2020 and wanted to make music that spoke to that.
“I wanted to make honest and raw music,” he says, “music that has a message and a purpose.”
Springer Drew From His Idols And Views
He grew up listening to classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and T-Rex. He says that he admired their creativity and their charisma, as well as their musical prowess.
“I love how they blended different genres and elements,” he says. “They were not afraid to experiment and try new things.”
He also looked up to Jack White, one of his favorite modern rock artists. He says that he was inspired by White’s guitar playing, his songwriting, and his attitude.
“He’s a genius,” he says. “He’s always pushing the boundaries of rock music. He’s also very outspoken and authentic.”
He wanted to emulate these artists by creating unique and distinctive music. He says he also wanted to infuse his music with his views and beliefs, often critical and sarcastic.
“I’m not a fan of organized religion or capitalism or any of the systems that oppress people,” he says. “I like to poke fun at them and expose their hypocrisy.”
Some of his songs have been misunderstood or misinterpreted by some listeners, who have accused him of being conservative or offensive. He says he uses sarcasm to convey his message, but some people don’t get it.
“I’m not trying to offend anyone,” he says. “I’m just trying to make people think and question things.”
Plans To Keep Making Diverse
And Adventurous Music
He is not planning to stop making music anytime soon. He says he has already finished his second album, which he expects to release soon. He says the new album will be even more diverse and adventurous than the first one.
“I tried to explore different sounds and genres,” he says. “I have some peppier songs, some that are funkier, some that are heavier. I also have some songs that are more personal and emotional.”
Springer hopes his music will reach more people and inspire them to follow their creative passions. He wants to show that anyone can make music, even in difficult circumstances.
“I made this music in my bedroom with a laptop and a guitar,” he says. “I didn’t have a big budget or a big team. I just had a vision and a drive.”
He is grateful for the support and feedback that he has received from his fans and peers. He says he is always open to collaborating and learning from other artists. He says he is also looking forward to playing live shows again after the pandemic.
“I can’t wait to get back on stage and share my music with people,” he says. “I think that’s the best part of being a musician. ”
Moon Walker is not just a band name but a state of mind. He says that it represents his attitude and his philosophy of life.
“Moon Walker means being yourself, being free, being adventurous,” he says. “It means walking on the moon, where anything is possible.”
See Moon Walker Live
Larimer Lounge Presents Moon Walker with Annabel Lee on Tuesday, June 20. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show begins at 8 p.m. Cost is $15 per ticket for ages 16 and up. To purchase tickets online, visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3229296/moon-walker-denver-larimer-lounge.
by Glendale Sports Center | May 22, 2023 | Glendale City News
The Health Beat
by Sandy McClain, Senior Director of Human Resources, YMCA of Metro Denver
A great first job can have a big impact. Just ask Denverite Nicole Riehl. While Riehl is now President & CEO of Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), she still distinctly remembers opening and looking at her very first paycheck from the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver.
“In that moment, I felt so grown up and proud of the work I had done to earn that paycheck,” she shared. “It was a huge milestone in my young life, and I was excited for the opportunity and the future career journey it represented.”
Riehl’s first jobs were at her childhood elementary school as part of the Arvada-Susan Duncan YMCA’s Before & After School Program and also as a lifeguard and swim teacher, which she did for a full summer before moving out of the area. At the Y, she quickly discovered a love for working with children and developing relationships with families, which would become central to her “future career journey.”
“It was very fulfilling to watch children develop new skills and achieve goals, and then help them share that news and celebrate with their families,” she shared. “These roles prepared me for my career in many ways. For example, I learned how to communicate with parents on their children’s progress. Swim lessons gave me the opportunity to develop and refine the ways to celebrate success and deliver constructive feedback, which are skills I have used throughout my career.”
Since that time, Riehl has served in several leadership development programs and continued to expand her skills working with children, families, and communities. Currently she leads EPIC, collaborating with other business executives and employers to advocate for early childhood policies and better workplace solutions for families.
“My direct experience with children and families is something that always guides my work whether I am testifying to a legislative committee or working with an employer to build on site childcare for their employees,” Riehl shared.
She also serves on the YMCA of Metro Denver Board of Directors, which Riehl described as “an incredible ‘full circle’ opportunity.”
“The Y was a safe place that supported my development and learning early on in my life,” she explained. “To volunteer and serve on the Board…has enabled me to see even more aspects of the great people and work behind the Y. The people are the ‘secret sauce’ to any great organization, and this is certainly true for the Y.”
Riehl volunteers on the board’s Programs Committee, which helps the Y integrate new programs and expand early childhood services to more families. She has recently played a key role in helping shape the Y’s implementation of Universal Preschool in Colorado.
Based on her own experience, lifeguarding and similar positions can be a great first jobs, and Riehl encourages teenagers and young adults to get connected with a job at the Y if they have the option. The YMCA of Metropolitan Denver is one of five associations across the state and, collectively, are one of its largest employers hiring year-around and seasonally for early child care teachers, summer camp counselors, swim instructors, child watch/Adventure Zone personnel, experience representatives, and more.
Interested in work that matters? Learn about seasonal, part-time, and full-time positions working with children and families for the YMCA of Metro Denver. Visit https://denverymca.org/employment.
by Valley Gadfly | May 22, 2023 | Valley Gadfly
Valley Gadfly
As summer warms up, we begin to feel the vibes of June. Solstice with a melodic touch. “I’ll Follow the Sun,” chip in the Beatles. Some “Summer Breeze,” please, add Seals & Crofts.
June is the sixth month of the year and the third of five months to have a length of less than 31 days. Every day lasts just a little bit longer, making breezy summer evenings a real treat.
To tune you up for summer, here are our choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment to help you find the rhythm to set the mood so you’ll swing and sway into joyous June:
Chill with the family at Four Mile Historic Park as the Shady Grove Picnic Series returns June 3-July 29. Hal Aqua & The Lost Tribe kicks off the series on June 3, followed by Dakota Blonde June 10, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Get a taste for vintage wine and classic art at the Denver Art Museum’s cool and tasty annual Uncorked fundraiser June 9, 6:30 p.m. Information: 720-855-6000.
Kick into the season enjoying food, music, and dancing at the 56th Denver Greek Festival on the Greek Cathedral campus, June 9-11. Information: 303-388-9214.
For fun musical evenings, plan twilight serenades at Denver Botanic Gardens as musicians perform June 12-Aug. 30, 5:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
Get in on the fun of the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. by registering for Glendale Sports Center’s adult coed Soccer Summer League. Games are Wednesday nights, June 14th to Aug. 16th. Information: 303-639-4711.
For fab food and fun this summer, stop for dine-in specials at Cork & Cleavage. Try Monday’s Western Burger, a New York Strip on Wednesday to 7 p.m., and Hickory Smoked Wings on Sundays to 9 p.m. Information: 303-388-9601.
Catch the talented English singer-guitarist Robyn Hitchcock playing at Swallow Hill. She sings in Daniels Hall June 16, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.
Enjoy Japanese art, Taiko drumming, at this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival in Sakura Square downtown June 17-18, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-951-4486.
Hear Olivia Goodreau, 17-year-old LivLyme founder, inventor-author at Lowry Speaker Series in Eisenhower Chapel June 21, 7 p.m. Information: 303-344-0481
The King of Country George Strait and Grammy-winner Chris Stapleton sing at Empower Field at Mile High June 24, 5:45 p.m. Information: 720-258-3000.
For an unforgettable Rendezvous Gala, make plans to attend this year’s Four Mile Historic Park fundraiser, June 10, 6-10 p.m. Savor tasty bites and dinner from Relish Catering with complimentary cocktails. Colorado Music Hall of Fame Entertainer of the Year Eric Golden entertains in the Grove. Then play blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette in the Poker Saloon. Complete the evening grazing on late-night snacks and sweet treats. Information: 720-324-8550.
Launched in 1982 as “Fête de la Musique,” in France, June 21st is World Music Day. There are 4,000 musical events in 120 U.S. cities including Denver, 1,000 cities worldwide. On June 21 or any June day, musicians young and old, amateur or professional, of every musical persuasion, are urged to pour onto parks, plazas, and porches to share their music. Nothing is as rare as June in Denver. Savor the sight of our stunning sunsets and towering panorama of mountain peaks. Now, if ever, come Cherry Creek Valley’s perfect days.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Peter Boyles | May 22, 2023 | Blasting with Boyles
AM Radio Being Removed From Cars
Blasting With Boyles
OPINION
Tesla, Mazda, Volkswagen, and BMW are no longer going to have AM radios in their electric vehicles because electric engines interfere with the sound of AM radio. Ford Motor Company, according to The Washington Post, is taking an even bigger step and eliminating AM radio from all of its vehicles, electric or gas operated.
Are we witnessing the end of a golden era? We were raised on the radio. My love affair with radio goes far beyond the time when I first came into a radio studio and sat down and punched the start button to begin to play Engelbert Humperdinck.
We were raised on AM disc jockeys. We all had our stations that were like, I suspect, baseball teams. When you meet kids from other cities their team was the Reds, another kid’s team was the Yankees, or another kid, his team was Boston. My team was the Pittsburgh Pirates, and my radio station was WAMO. It was a principally black station that played the kind of music that made sense to a bunch of blue-collar working class white and black kids. It introduced us to women and cars, and now has the time come? We no longer sell buggy whips, rotary phones, or transistor radios. Or call your favorite disc jockey on Friday night and request a song.
It’s bittersweet to read these stories. I love the promos that the radio station I’m working for now is running, asking the government to preserve AM radio. It’s like these are people who normally don’t want the government within a thousand yards of their personal lives. Now asking the Biden administration to save five thousand directional AM radio stations because they protect us.
Radio had great renewal when music went to FM for sound and fury leaving the void of what was on AM to talk radio. And a sidebar to that, it has now become dominant in sports talk and sports betting radio. A lot of what’s diminished AM talk radio is the conservative tribal approach that seems to want to exclude rather than include so many audiences.
A golden era has come, and a golden era has gone. What do we have now? What offerings are out there for us now? We are diminished.
We on this side of the microphone have long asked, “are we giving people what they want, or are we giving them what we think they want?” There’s been a whole lot of — this is what we think you want — and the ratings and revenue reflect that might not be the right choice.
With the explosion at Fox News what is to come next for CNN? Maybe radio finds its place again as others in the business have pointed out with podcasting and on-demand radio. And maybe the little engine that could, can in fact, like the wolf, survive.
But I tell you I would miss it.
— Peter Boyles
