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Colorado has quietly become a powerhouse in the music world, producing bands that have left their mark far beyond the state’s borders. Whether it’s the emotional melodies of The Fray, the folk-driven energy of The Lumineers, or the infectious beats of 3OH!3, these artists have shaped what we think of when we talk about Colorado’s music scene.

Each band brings something unique, reflecting the diverse influences and experiences of the people who call this state home. From indie pop to hip hop, rock to electronic, the music coming out of Colorado is as varied as the state itself, offering something for just about everyone. Let’s look at the 10 most famous bands from Colorado.


1. The Fray (Birthplace: Denver )

The Fray emerged from Denver in 2002, quickly gaining attention with their emotional, piano-driven rock. Their debut album, How to Save a Life (2005), featured the hit single of the same name, which became a global anthem. The song “Over My Head (Cable Car)” also contributed to their rise, solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene.

The band’s use of the piano as the lead instrument in its music has led critics to compare it with similar British bands such as Coldplay and Keane. The Fray lists its influences as Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra, and U2, which is reflected in its introspective lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes. This combination makes them one of the most recognized bands from Colorado.


2. The Lumineers (Birthplace: Denver)

The Lumineers found their base in Denver after Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites moved from New Jersey in 2010. The band was initially formed in 2005, and it was in Colorado where they developed their signature sound, releasing their self-titled debut album in 2012. The album featured “Ho Hey,” a track that quickly became a radio staple and propelled the band to international fame. They are known for their energetic live shows and several hit singles, including “Stubborn Love,” “Ophelia,” “Angela,” and “Cleopatra.”

The Lumineers have become one of the top touring bands in the United States, consistently drawing large crowds and delivering powerful performances. The band cites diverse influences, including Bob Dylan, Beethoven, Guns N’ Roses, Talking Heads, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, The Cars, and Leonard Cohen. Their acoustic-driven style and heartfelt lyrics have made them a standout in the folk-rock genre.


3. OneRepublic (Birthplace: Colorado Springs )

OneRepublic also has roots in Colorado, specifically in Colorado Springs. Formed in 2002 by Ryan Tedder and Zach Filkins, the band shot to fame with “Apologize,” a track that broke records and dominated charts worldwide. Their debut album, Dreaming Out Loud (2007), included other hits like “Stop and Stare.” OneRepublic’s blend of pop and rock and Tedder’s knack for crafting catchy hooks have kept them at the forefront of the music scene for years. The band has sold approximately 16 million records worldwide.


4. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Nightsweats (Birthplace: Denver)

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats bring a raw, soulful energy that’s hard to ignore. Formed in Denver in 2013, the band gained national attention with “S.O.B.,” a song that blends humor with gritty realism. Their self-titled debut album showcases their ability to mix elements of soul, R&B, and folk while maintaining a distinct sound that’s become their trademark. Rateliff’s influences are folk, Americana, and vintage rhythm and blues.

Before forming The Night Sweats, Rateliff developed a dedicated following within the Denver music community, where he was known for his solo work. The New York Times even dubbed him a “Denver local folk-pop hero.” The band’s high-energy performances and powerful lyrics have made them a favorite in Colorado and beyond.


5. Flobots (Birthplace: Denver)

Flobots represent a different side of Colorado’s music scene. This Denver-based band blends alternative rock with hip-hop, creating a unique and socially conscious sound. Formed in 2005, Flobots made a significant impact with their hit “Handlebars” in 2007, a song that explores the balance between creativity and control.

The band has released four studio albums and one EP, with their latest album, Noenemies, released in May 2017. Flobots’ commitment to activism is evident in their music, which often addresses political and social issues head-on.


6. Pretty Lights (Birthplace: Fort Collins)

Pretty Lights is the stage name of Derek Vincent Smith, an American electronic music producer born on November 25, 1981. Smith, who grew up in Fort Collins, formed Pretty Lights in the summer of 2004 and quickly became a crucial figure in the electronic music scene. His style, often electro-soul, blends vintage samples with modern beats to create something new.

His 2013 album, A Color Map of the Sun, earned a Grammy nomination, highlighting his influence in the electronic music scene. Rick Rubin once described Pretty Lights as “the face and voice of the new American electronic music scene,” underscoring Smith’s significant impact on the genre. Pretty Lights is known not just for the music but also for the immersive live experiences it creates.


7. Tennis (Birthplace: Denver)

Tennis is an American indie pop band from Denver, Colorado, made up of husband-and-wife duo Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley. The two met in a philosophy class while both were students at the University of Colorado, Denver, in 2008. Formed in 2010, the band gained attention with their debut album, Cape Dory, inspired by their sailing adventures along the Eastern Seaboard.

Their music, characterized by breezy melodies and Moore’s soft vocals, evokes the feel of a past era while remaining fresh and contemporary. Tennis has continued to evolve in terms of its sound, always keeping a personal touch that reflects its experiences.


8. Big Head Todd and the Monsters (Birthplace: Boulder )

For fans of rock with a blues influence, Big Head Todd and the Monsters is a name that’s synonymous with Colorado music. The band formed in Boulder in 1986 and gained national attention with their 1993 album Sister Sweetly, which went platinum in the United States. Hits like “Bittersweet” and “Broken Hearted Savior” can blend rock, blues, and funk into a powerful, approachable sound.

In addition to their successful albums, the band contributed a cover of “Tangerine” to the 1995 Led Zeppelin tribute album Encomium: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin. They’ve maintained a loyal fan base, partly thanks to their dynamic live shows.


9. DeVotchka (Birthplace: Denver)

DeVotchKa offers something entirely different. This Denver-based band, formed in 1997, mixes indie rock with Eastern European influences, creating a sound that’s both eclectic and cinematic. They found widespread success in 2006 with their Grammy-nominated soundtrack to the hit indie film Little Miss Sunshine. Their work on the soundtrack brought them wider recognition, with songs like “How It Ends” standing out for their emotional depth. DeVotchKa’s unconventional instruments, such as the accordion and sousaphone, add to their unique sound.


10. 3OH!3 (Birthplace: Boulder)

3OH!3 (pronounced “three oh three”) brings a playful, party-centric vibe to the Colorado music scene. This American hip-hop duo from Boulder, Colorado, consists of rappers Sean Foreman and Nathaniel Motte. Formed in Boulder in 2004, the duo is best known for their single “DONTTRUSTME” from their album Want, which reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

They also gained fame with other electro-pop hits like “My First Kiss” featuring Kesha. Their music is characterized by catchy hooks and a tongue-in-cheek attitude that perfectly captures the carefree spirit of the late 2000s.


Alexandre G.
He’s just a guy who got tired of bothering his friends with talk about music, so he decided to create a blog to share what he loves most.
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