Denton-centric Work 

I’ve had the pleasure to work with several Denton-centric publications, businesses, and community events, including: 35 Denton, Oaktopia, Other Life Cycles, and the Denton Independent Motorcycle Show.

35 Denton Music Festival

Writer

Hella Zealous at Dan’s Silverleaf | Image by Ismael Quintanilla III

The savoring sounds of synth carried through the beloved venue as the crowd eagerly enjoyed the dancey-rhythmic melodies of Hella Zealous. Donning black suits and untied bowties, this handsome duo delivered an I-don’t-want-to-stop-dancing persona to the Dan’s stage. This attitude quickly engaged the crowd who wantingly began to tap their feet and bob their heads before some fans went into full-fledged dance mode. Members Lee May and Jon Briggs teamed up over a year ago to create this energetic, laser-loving electronic force. If we had one complaint, it was that it wasn’t dark enough yet to properly enjoy the laser lights.

Will Johnson at Dan’s Silverleaf | Image by Michael Dunlap

When Will Johnson took the stage at Dan’s Silverleaf, a setting he’s quite familiar with, a few hushes were heard trickling throughout the room. There is a certainty—a sort of truth—in his lyrics that has seemingly engulfed the emotions of the crowd. This longtime Texas resident, metroplex-mainstay, avid house show player, and Centro-matic (RIP) frontman has the intense lyrical prowess of Archers of Loaf while maintaining an emotional and persuasive presence similar to Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy or Jay Farrar. When he performs, Johnson has a way of connecting the people in a room together, and tonight wasn’t any different. Swan City Vampires, his latest endeavor, is rich with harmonic swagger while remaining sonically elegant and is sure to become a Denton classic revered for years to come. Hear more at: www.will-johnson.com

The Oaktopian

Art + Music + Culture

Don’t miss the opportunity to delve into Denton’s thriving arts and music community on a weekly to bi-weekly basis with The Oaktopian. Delivering an up close and personal look behind the scenes of Lil’ d’s spirited arts and music festival Oaktopia, The Oaktopian highlights the artists, musicians, and contributors who make this fest in our beloved and venerable town possible.

Deemed as “the best three-day music festival north of Dallas,” Oaktopia explores the nature of our city through art, music, and culture—and The Oaktopian works to keep you informed. As we head into our fourth year, we will be hosting an eclectic bounty of events leading up to the festival that exude the unique and vibrant culture of Denton, TX. (It is the home of happiness, you know!) Through an all-embracing mixture of local and national acts, we hope to continually rally the dynamic and creative spirit of our little town.

So, fellow Oaktopians, stay tuned for updates on pre-Oaktopia happenings!

BAND BIOS

Matthew and The Arrogant Sea

Matthew and The Arrogant Sea (MATAS) is an Alt Folk / Psychedelic Pop act from Denton, TX. The band has received numerous accolades and notable press from around the globe, since its inception in the early 2000s. Heralded with praise from outlets such as Daytrotter, NME, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, Good Morning Texas, and NPR, alongside the exuberant praise from their national debut, Family, Family, Family, Meets the Magic Christian in 2008—being named one of the best records to be released in North Texas in the last decade.

“This is the weird that comes from someone with a tuned-in brain that sidesteps the obvious and makes terrifically melodic and dense studies in idiosyncratic lives. It's the weird that you get when you're at peace with your weirdness, not the kind you get if you're completely unaware that there's anything at all odd about you. Gray seems like he could be a television and cinema junkie as well, pulling in ideas and fragments of ideas that suggest a short attention span, but one that's hungry for more content to mess around with. He sings of "Martian petting zoos” and romanticizes about standing around and holding hands as he and some her “looked at the submarines.”

One of the most intriguing things that Matthew and The Arrogant Sea does is shirks generalities. No one is just coming to see someone. They're riding a broken bicycle. No one's doing anything that we normally think about, or are giving in other songs. These are very specific relics of something real and extremely graphic that happened, or tremendous musical novellas that have beginnings, middles, and ends—hearts and souls that are plump, weird and delicious.” -Sean Moeller, Daytrotter

Although the lineup has changed since its earliest friends and family pairing of spirits and souls, the band is now thriving in its strongest form to date. With Tony Whitlock on Lead Guitar, Blake Vickrey on Bass and Keys, Alexander Hughes on Drums and Percussion—led by founding member, Matthew Gray on Vocals and Acoustic Guitar.

The boys are back with their finest release to date, The Glooms PT. 1 is set for a late summer release, with a full set of both old favorites (like you've never heard them before), and brand new tracks that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and begging for PT. 2.

Cameron Matthew Ray

Cameron Matthew Ray is a singer-songwriter from Dallas, TX. With the release of his first album, Acoustic: Volume 1, in August 2016, Ray showcases his melodious indie-folk talents with honest lyrics that travel along the intricately finger-picked chords of his acoustic guitar. Through this collection of songs, written over the last five years, Ray explores the trials of heartbreak and letting go an unrequited muse. His powerful yet tranquil voice is quick to capture the hearts of spectators, leaving a lingering sense of intrigue behind. Cameron Matthew Ray has toured nationally, and has opened for acts such as Griffin House, Andrew Belle, Gungor, MATAS, Sean McConnell, and more. With the hopes of a summer 2017 release, Ray is currently working on his next LP.

Reagan James

Reagan James is an American indie pop singer from Burleson, TX. Best known for being taken under the wing of Blake Shelton on season 7 of The Voice, finishing in the top 10, Reagan is a high school student who has been praised for her unique voice. Her self-released album Remedy debuted in October 2013 when Reagan was only 14 years old. She went on to win the national Kidd Kraddick in the Morning Show Talent Contest, which was judged by Justin Bieber's then manager Scooter Brown. Reagan has been musically influenced by her former babysitter, American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, but has accredited her musical interests to her step-father, Scot Cloud, who taught her how to play guitar.