Steamboat Locals strives to be the place you learn about new music first! Whether it’s a new song from an artist you know, or an innovative sound from an artist you ought to know, Steamboat Locals is constantly updating our music selection each week. Here are some new songs added just this past week:
“Midwest Kid” – Michael Marcagi
“Midwest Kid” is an anthemic single by singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi, released in January 2025 via Warner Records. The song showcases Marcagi’s atmospheric vocals over a driving drum pattern, blending elements of folk and alt-rock to evoke a sense of nostalgia and yearning. This release follows his previous singles “Keep Me Honest” and “Good Enough,” further building anticipation for his forthcoming debut album. Marcagi gained significant attention in 2024 with his breakout hit “Scared to Start,” which reached #5 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. In support of his new music, Marcagi has announced a series of tour dates across the U.S., including a stop in Steamboat at the Strings Music Pavilion on March 9. You can also learn more about how Marcagi has been handling his rapid rise to stardom in our Steamboat Sound Check podcast visit with him.
“For Emma” – Trampled by Turtles with Sumbuck
Trampled by Turtles, the Duluth-based indie folk band, collaborated with Sumbuck, the side project of Caamp’s Taylor Meier, to cover Bon Iver’s “For Emma.” The original song, featured on Bon Iver’s 2007 debut album “For Emma, Forever Ago,” holds a special place in the indie folk genre. Trampled by Turtles and Sumbuck’s rendition pays homage to this classic, blending their distinctive acoustic styles to create a heartfelt tribute. The collaboration showcases the artists’ mutual respect for Bon Iver’s work and their ability to reinterpret the song with a fresh perspective. You can see Trampled by Turtles live in Steamboat when they headline this year’s WinterWonderGrass festival February 28 – March 2.
“Rain or Shine” – Drew Holcomb & Ellie Holcomb
“Rain or Shine” is a heartfelt track by Drew and Ellie Holcomb, released as a preview of their forthcoming album, Memory Bank, scheduled for release on January 24, 2025. The song conveys a message of unwavering love and support, emphasizing that love will provide warmth and refuge regardless of life’s circumstances. The couple, who have pursued separate successful music careers over the past decade, dedicated time to writing together during their annual You & Me tours, resulting in this collaborative project. You can hear Drew Holcomb talk about working with his wife in our Steamboat Sound Check podcast interview with him, recorded backstage before his appearance at Strings last summer.
“Thieves” – Sammy Rae and The Friends
“Thieves” is a rock’n’roll-inspired track by Sammy Rae & The Friends, released in March 2024, but starting to gain significant attention. According to songwriter Sammy Rae, the song candidly addresses themes of petty theft and shoplifting, embodying a rebellious, anti-authority spirit.The band, known for their energetic performances and eclectic sound blending classic rock, folk, funk, soul, and jazz, has been turning heads with their dynamic live shows and dedicated fanbase.
“Blank Canvas” – ALO
“Blank Canvas” is the lead single from ALO’s forthcoming album, Frames, set for release on April 4, 2025, via Brushfire Records. Penned by keyboardist Zach Gill, the track embodies a sense of optimism and renewal, encouraging listeners to view the world with fresh eyes and shed cynicism. Bassist Steve Adams describes it as “bare and vulnerable, yet full of possibility,” making it a fitting opener for the album. Thematically, Frames addresses the rapid pace of modern life and the overwhelming influx of information, urging a focus on the meaningful spaces between life’s frames. ALO has two shows scheduled on the front range in April, playing Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver on April 4 and Boulder’s Fox Theatre on April 5.
“Room on Your Shoulder” – Adam Melchor & Mt. Joy
“Room On Your Shoulder” is a collaborative single by singer-songwriter Adam Melchor and indie rock band Mt. Joy, released on January 10, 2025. The song’s origins trace back to 2018, when Melchor, along with Mt. Joy’s Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper, began writing it during Melchor’s stint as an opening act for the band. Over the years, the track evolved into an ode to camaraderie and friendship, emphasizing that the chapters of our lives do not have to define the chapters ahead. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and reflection, with lines like “I thought I’d know by now if you and me were meant,” highlighting the complexities of relationships and personal growth. The collaboration showcases the seamless blend of Melchor’s whimsical vocals with Quinn’s charming roughness, enhancing the raw lyricism and emotional depth of the song. Mt. Joy can be found in Denver this summer, playing Red Rocks on August 14 and Fiddler’s Green on August 15.
“Billboard Heart” – Deep Sea Diver
“Billboard Heart” is a single by Deep Sea Diver, released as their first offering after signing with Sub Pop Records. The song serves as the title track for their upcoming album, Billboard Heart, scheduled for release on February 28, 2025. Lead vocalist and guitarist Jessica Dobson describes “Billboard Heart” as a nod to the simplicity of her favorite Tom Petty songs and an homage to Wim Wenders’ film Paris, Texas. The track reflects themes of self-acceptance and the pursuit of spiritual freedom, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and navigate life without entanglement. Deep Sea Diver will be playing Globe Hall in Denver on May 9.
“Sugar in the Tank” – Julien Baker & TORRES
“Sugar in the Tank” is a collaborative single by Julien Baker and TORRES, reflecting their shared experiences of growing up queer in the Southern United States. The title metaphorically references the act of sabotaging a vehicle by adding sugar to its fuel tank, symbolizing the challenges and disruptions faced in their personal journeys. This collaboration signifies a harmonious blend of their musical talents and personal narratives, contributing a unique perspective to the country genre.
Don’t miss these exciting new tracks and keep an ear out for more updates on upcoming concerts and events in Colorado. Whether you’re a fan of folk, indie-pop, bluegrass, or rock, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the Steamboat Locals Choice for Music!
