10 bands you've heard with a Colorado connection - The Denver Gazette

Colorado might not be a New York or Los Angeles when it comes to the music world, but it has produced its fair share of world-famous musicians. Here are some of the most well-known bands that have a connection to Colorado.

1. OneRepublic

This pop-rock band came together in Colorado Springs in 2002 and is one of Colorado's most famous bands. The band is known for their chart-topping songs "Apologize," "Counting Stars," and "Stop and Stare," and has sold over 15 million records internationally.

2. The Fray

Formed by Isaac Slade and Joe King, The Fray planted their musical roots in Denver-area churches. The group shot to fame when they submitted the song "Over My Head (Cable Car)." Epic Records A&R rep Daniel Davis signed the band after reading an article about them in Westword.

3. The Lumineers

Although they got their start on the East Coast, this folk rock band is now based in Denver. According to Uncover Colorado, Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites moved to Denver after struggling to find success in New York City, and Grammy nominations and international fame followed.

4. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats

Born and raised in Missouri, Rateliff first moved to Denver to work as a Christian missionary, then worked at a plastic factory and truck depot before pursuing music. He formed the Night Sweats in 2013, writing songs like "S.O.B." that made him a prominent music figure.

5. Flobots

Flobots, an alternative hip-hop band, was formed in Denver in 2005 by Jamie Laurie. Producing songs like "Handlebars," the band reached popularity in the 2000s. Universal Republic signed Flobots for a two-album label deal, and the band performed at festivals headlined by acts like Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, and Metallica.

6. Pretty Lights

Pretty Lights, also known as Derek Vincent Smith, is a Fort Collins native. He started out playing bass guitar in a band called The Freeze. Pretty Lights has an electronic sound and samples from funk and soul genres and hip-hop beats.

7. Tennis

This husband and wife duo met at the University of Colorado, Denver, and wrote an EP on their eight-month sailing trip. Fat Possum Records released their debut album, and the band is now one of America's biggest alternative bands.

8. 30H!3

Formed in 2004 and named after the area code that used to encompass the entire state of Colorado, this band consists of Boulder natives Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte. The band saw early success with songs like "Don't Trust Me," and collaborated with Katy Perry and Ke$ha, making their mark on late 2000s music.

9. The String Cheese Incident

In true Colorado fashion, this American jam band began by performing at local ski resorts and private parties in Colorado. Original members of the band come from Colorado ski towns Telluride and Crested Butte. The band's music combines bluegrass, psychedelia, reggae, electronica, and funk.

10. Sugarloaf

This band started in Denver as Chocolate. However, they changed their name after being signed to Liberty Records. The band took the name of a mountain summit in the foothills above Boulder. The band's music combines rock, R&B, and jazz, and their greatest hit was "Green-Eyed Lady."

Check out our playlist of Colorado songs, which features some of these bands, here.

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