Backyard Hero: Rhett Lee of Soiled Dove Underground
Rhett Lee has put in his time in the music world. Currently, he holds it down as the Talent Buyer at the Soiled Dove Underground, which sits comfortably underneath The Tavern in Lowry. But he has certainly not spent all of his days in the “back of house” side of the business- he was the front man for prominent Denver act Ten Cent Redemption and has also rocked the stage with a handful of other bands over the years. Colorado Music Buzz hoists the Backyard Hero trophy in his honor this month and gives the word-hungry music fans in Denver a chance to get to know a little bit more about Rhett.
CMB: To kick it off, give us the scoop on how you got into music, and the road that led you to your current position.
RL: I started a band in high school in 1992 that evolved into Carolyn’s Mother in 1993. We had a successful regional run until we decided to call it quits in 2004. After that I started Ten Cent Redemption for a little change of scenery, but I ended up being drawn more towards booking for the (somewhat) more normal hours and more steady paycheck. I ran into Frank Schultz (owner of the Soiled Dove) at a party in the summer of 2006. He had just opened the new venue (Soiled Dove Underground) in Lowry and was looking for a talent buyer. The timing was right and after talking a few times, I was hired in November 2006.
CMB: What trends seem to be dominating the business in Denver right now?
RL: I think after you have a band reach national success, many bands tend to try to emulate what that band is doing. With the Lumineers blowing up in the last year, I’ve seen more bands trying a more acoustic-based folky thing.
CMB: Any future happenings in the works for Ten Cent Redemption or any other projects?
RL: Nothing in the works right now. Johnny and Tony from Ten Cent have a new band called Carmelita’s Lovers, and for their CD release party last January we got Ten Cent back together to play a few songs. This past August Carolyn’s Mother played a 20th anniversary reunion show to a sold out crowd at Herman’s. It was great fun but no plans on “getting the band back together”.
CMB: What does it take to get into the Soiled Dove? What are you looking for, or maybe better yet, NOT looking for, in a group?
RL: We book a lot of world-class national acts at the Dove as well as a lot of the best local acts. Ultimately, it comes down to putting butts in the seats. My favorite acts to work with are the ones that work hard to get people out whether they’re playing a 20-minute opening slot or headlining.
CMB: Any shows or groups that you are super stoked about heading into the new year?
RL: For New Year’s Eve we have Colorado’s own Nina Storey (who lives in L.A. now). It’s always great to have her at the club! And then January 4 we have the legendary JD Souther who wrote many songs with the Eagles in addition to his successful solo career. DIshwalla is playing January 25 – excited for that one for sure. As for Denver bands, I’m really excited to see what The Yawpers do in 2014, and I’m ready for a new Thief River album. I’m keeping an eye on Dragondeer and Covenhoven as well.
CMB: What are some of the biggest obstacles you deal with at Soiled Dove in terms of putting together a successful show?
RL: Probably the biggest obstacle is being a destination venue. We don’t have a built in audience, so if the band doesn’t draw, they’ll be playing to the bar staff and the sound guy. That’s not good for anyone. I think the way we’ve overcome that is by providing a fantastic experience for bands and guests alike. The room is comfortable, classy and clean, and the sound is the best in town!
CMB: Do you feel that a record/distro/promo deal is a necessity for an up and coming artist these days?
RL: I don’t know that it’s a necessity, but it can definitely help a band gain a wider audience. Though with the internet and the instant access it provides through social media, etc., it’s easier than ever for a band to get their name out on their own if they’re providing a solid product.
CMB: What else should people know about you?
RL: Chris Steele (Soiled Dove Underground’s sound engineer) is not my twin, or my brother. We aren’t related in any manner.
CMB: Do you have any shout outs you’d like to give?
RL: Shout out to the Soiled Dove Underground staff, namely Chris Steele for making the shows sound so great and Jake Ruybal for making the shows look so great!
CMB: Where do you eat after a show?
RL: Why wait until after the show? We’ve got great food at the Dove provided by the Tavern Lowry upstairs!
Online: soileddove.com
Category: Buzzworthy2
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