Denver’s Downtied isn’t playing games. With more than enough aggression to put any group in the metal genre in check, this band also boasts some of the most textured, dynamic sounds ever to come out of any local scene. Downtied is Robert Jepsen (drums), Cameron Burris (guitar) and Dustin Griboski (bass). A force to be reckoned with, this band has ambitions and appetites that far surpass the Denver local metal scene. Just take a listen, and you’ll start to get the idea.
The group’s name itself, “Downtiedâ€, is a reaction to the spoon-fed, easily-placated culture of “whatever†that seems to have permeated every aspect of American life. The sheer brutality of the music is a frustrated outcry against the mundane, the half-assed, and the watered-down, while the beauty and authenticity of the sound is a plea to dig deeper, to stand apart from the herd mentality, and to experience life in the full spectrum; in essence, not to be “tied down†by conventions or societal norms.
Downtied takes inspiration from some of the greatest progressive rock and metal bands of the 90s, including Tool, Pantera, Deftones, Mudvayne and Rage Against The Machine. While inspired by such prominent rock and metal icons, the boys also fuse their inspirations with traditional genres like jazz and classical in a way that is fresh and original. Downtied has shared the stage with prominent Denver bands Switchpin, Ransom and Aggressive Persuasion, to name a few.
Downtied is no stranger to hard work. They’ve scored the original soundtrack for “Baby Hunter 2", part of Spike and Mike’s Twisted Festival of Animation 2003, which was shown throughout the U.S., Canada and most of Europe. In June of 2005, Downtied went live with KBPI’s Uncle Nasty for an interview and airtime. They were also recently interviewed by YourHub.com, a web site and print section of the Rocky Mountain News, and published in four of the paper’s local editions – Denver, North Aurora, South Aurora and Highlands Ranch.
Downtied has PROUD ENDORSEMENTS WITH HALO GUITARS, GW BASSES AND HANSENFUTZ PRACTICE BASS PEDALS.
Burris has been shredding strings for 11 years and draws from a lengthy background of instruction and a strong family musical history when writing his masterful riffs. His influences include Wes Borland (Black Light Burns), Adam Jones (Tool), Tim Mahoney (311), Dimebag Darrell (Pantera), Stephen Carpenter (Deftones), Greg Tribett (Mudvayne), Jim Root and Mick Thompson (Slipknot).
Griboski has been playing bass for 7 years and takes his cues from the likes of Justin Chancellor (Tool), Ryan Martinie (Mudvayne), Victor Wooten and Jaco Pastorius. He wields his instrument with both phenomenal natural talent and extensive theory knowledge. Griboski has attended the University of Colorado at Denver, and has played in the University's top guitar and jazz ensembles.
Jepsen has dedicated 6 years to playing the drums, and takes inspiration from high-profile drummers Danny Carey (Tool), Matt McDonough (Mudvayne) and Carter Beuford (Dave Matthews Band). Always original, Jepsen is eager to experiment and never formulaic in his writing. He is currently attending the University of Colorado at Denver for music performance with an emphasis in Music Business, and is playing in the University's top percussion ensemble.
Armed to the teeth with talent and determination, Downtied will settle for nothing less than household name-status. They’re focused, committed, and hungry as hell, with enough musical multi-dimensionality to sway even the most sophisticated of tastes and enough sheer malice to set the world on fire. Undoubtedly, this is the band to watch.
For booking, shows or more information, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call Rob at 720-219-6122.
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