After a long, nonconsensual hiatus featuring trials, tribulations and multiple near apocalypses,
Sonic Bloom has returned. And with a lineup that has the potential to make up for this hectic
misadventure we all unwillingly took part in. From the obvious heavy hitters like Tipper, to the
slept-on-far-too-long like Xenolinguist, Sonic Bloom has a lil something for everyone this year.
Below we have 5 Sub.Mission artists who will be bringing the heat this weekend.
Templo: Equipped with an eclectic yet diverse sonic arsenal, Templo has been consistently
making (air)waves in the niche community we call home, for over 8 years. With releases ranging
from heavy hittin honkers to lush and imaginative soundscapes and variations of everything in
between. Liam Shea AKA Templo surprises listeners with every new release. His sets are high
energy, left field and comprised of an excellent balance of never before heard noggin rockers,
complimented by a fresh twist on familiar anthems. For a taste of each end of the Templo
spectrum, I suggest checking out the bangin’ Turbo Digital EP, and then cleansing your auditory
pallet with the album “For painting Too”, an album originally composed for the talented Denver
artist Chris Bohlin. Long Story short, this Colorado native has been a hidden gem amongst our
little corner of the world for far too long, and is finally getting the recognition he deserves. Check
out Templo is opening the festival on Thursday, on the Bloom Stage at 6pm sharp.
Grymtyme: The Man. The myth. The Atomic Mustache. AS a multi genre maestro equipped with
a sound often heralding back to the the roots of electronic music Grymetyme brings an original
flavor to many a traditional style. His ability to combine the old school with the new school is
second to none. Rockin’ collaborations with the likes of Kursa, Seppa and more, Grymetyme
has been a crucial influence in the Denver Scene for over 10 years. As an engineer at the Black
Box, he has been instrumental in bringing our favorite artists to our ear holes, allowing him to
hone his craft whilst giving back to the community, a trait he embodies in his every day life as
well. As a veteran in the scene and a mentor to many (including yours truly), it is with
tremendous excitement that I tell you that this will be the first year Grymetyme has played Sonic
Bloom. Its about time. Catch the mans from 6-7 on the Meadow Stage, Saturday night.
Duffrey: What can I say about Duffrey that hasn’t already been said? Besides the fact that he
may very likely be, the silliest goose. 1/3 of UltraSloth, 100% shredder, the mind melting LoFreq
that is Duffrey will more than likely open a portal during his set. As a longtime purveyor of the
weird and squishy, Duffrey has become a household name in Colorado over the recent years.
Known predominantly as a halftime dweller, his most recent release “Return to Source” is a
reality bending excursion into the realms of Drum n Bass, and a welcomed changed to a scene
that has long been oversaturated with the formulaic “what works” method of composition. Fresh
of tour and back in his home state, Duffrey is certainly one of the most anticipated sets of the
weekend. You can catch him at 10:30 - 11:15 at the Yoga dome on Friday.
Kll. Smth: The enigmatic Kristopher Edland AKA kLL sMTH, is a man of many talents. As 1⁄2 of
kLL Bill with Mr. Bill and another 1/3 of UltraSloth, the chances you haven’t heard something
with his signature style on it are slim if you’re from Colorado. With an amalgamation of Hip hop
flips bred with the kLL sMTH sound, his live shows are high energy experiences, with a dash of
comedy sprinkled in. This year is the first time he’ll be playing the main stage, and I expect to
see the homies out in droves. Mandatory attendance. kLL sMTH takes the stage at 7pm, Friday
on the Bloom Stage.
UltraSloth: And finally, the shredders three, the slothy boys. As previously mentioned UltraSloth
is a trio de force, and their halftime drum n bass has been dominating dance floors since it’s
inception. UltraSloth is the musical brain child of the west coast dweller Biolumigen, and our
very own Colorado boys kLL sMTH and Duffrey. I’m not sure how the physiology works out on
that one but sometimes you have to pick your battles, so I don’t question these things. Ultrasloth
will be shreddin the Hummingbird stage from 2:00 - 3:15 Saturday Night/Sunday morn.
The state of the world, much like my brain probably will be after this weekend, maybe in rough
shapes in some ways. But in the act of expression and communal experiences, we help each
other process and move past our personal and collective trauma. Sonic Bloom is a phenomenal
breeding ground for such things. So take care of each other this weekend, if someones cold
give em a blanket, sockless give em some socks, and if youre holdin.. Dont hold out.