STS9 is a band that takes the mind on a journey.
by Jake Dempsey
Sound tribe sector 9 is an electronic jam band that was originally formed in Atlanta GA in the late 1990’s, who later moved to northern California in late 2000. The band consists of five members: Hunter Brown (guitar/laptop/midi keyboard), David Murphy (bass/laptop/midi keyboard), Jeffree Lerner (percussion/laptop/hand sonic), David Phipps (keyboard/laptop), and Zach Velmer (drums).
STS9 is best known for its live performances, in the tradition of jam bands such as Phish, The Grateful Dead, and others. Their music is based on instrumental rock and electronic music, crossed with jazz, funk, psychedelia, and hip-hop. Fans of Sound Tribe will tell you that listening to their music is one thing, but seeing them play it live is an experience altogether different: feeling the vibes and energy of the people and everything around you, seeing the incredible lightshow that they display, fog machines fogging up the stage and lights shining through it making different designs, lighting up the crowd.
STS9 plays around the country, and every year during the summer they come to Red Rocks, where they draw in thousands of fans, some of whom come from out of state.
This reporter attended the Red Rocks show on September 6th and it was incredible. As I arrived at Red Rocks there was a long line of cars that went from the entrance all the way up to the venue. When I made it up to the amphitheater, I first picked up on the mellow vibes of all the people: good crowd, good energy, no problems being caused, everything seemed just right. After the opening act, Bassnectar, I moved about 10 rows from where I was so I could get a better view of the stage as well as the city skyline, which formed a fitting backdrop. I was blown away by the view I had; I could see all the light of the city. When I looked back down at the stage I saw that Sound Tribe was about to play. They kicked off the show by playing their song Aimlessly, which is song that starts off with a blues feel then starts to get more intense as it takes your mind on a journey. I looked around and saw that everyone was into the music.
The light show was amazing; eyes were glued to the stage, as people danced to the music.
STS9 closed the show with Peaceblaster 68, a song from their new album Peaceblaster. After the show ended, as everyone was leaving, there was no need to ask if the concert was a success; it was apparent by the expression on everyone’s face that it was an outstanding experience. I too was blown away by the show. STS9 was everything that I was expecting, and even took it up a few notches. Even if you have never heard of STS9 and went to one of their shows the performance would impress. STS9’s next Colorado concert is not yet announced but will probably take place in the summer of 2009.
