Through The Mountain

There's definitely a philosophy behind our music, though it's not very specific,” commented Paul Hamilton, bass player and vocalist with Through the Mountain, in a recent AXS interview. “At its core the music is rock-based but we find ourselves drifting into other genres whenever it feels right. We always strive to create songs that are interesting and fun to listen to.” The Denver-based indie rock trio released their debut single, “We Should Have Stayed In That Cave,” in July and the group is currently working on a three-song EP. Catch them live at Lost Lake Lounge tomorrow night with Plume Varia, and learn more about them in this exclusive Q&A.

AXS: Are you Denver natives? If not, where is everyone originally from?
Alex Rizk (guitar, vocals): We’re all Colorado natives. Paul Hamilton [bass, vocals] was born in Denver but we all grew up in the ‘burbs. However, we didn’t let that stop us from making the trip to Denver for shows at Rock Island, the Marquis and the whole Colfax venue scene. Eventually Jordan Ast [drums, vocals] and I ended up going to college at UCD for music and spending a good amount of time in Denver.

AXS: What brought Through The Mountain together?
Paul Hamilton: Alex and Jordan started jamming together for a couple months and I've known Alex for years, so when they needed a bassist I was the obvious one to call.

AXS: How long has Through The Mountain been together? What have you learned during that time?
Alex: We've been playing together almost two years but our first show was in January of 2015. Since then we've learned that the Denver music scene is filled with incredible musicians and bands and that pushes us to be better.

AXS: Where was your first show in Denver, and what was the experience like? Who else did you play with at the show?
Jordan Ast: Our first show was at the Lost Lake Lounge with my other band Vetta Star (now defunct) and Wild High. Playing two sets was definitely a challenge but of course we had a great time.

AXS: Have any Denver musicians inspired Through The Mountain?
Paul: Bands like Wild High and Rubedo have really inspired us to make the best music we can. Also, I get inspired every time I see Native Daughters or Slim Cessna's Auto Club who I got to see at the UMS recently.

AXS: What projects are Through The Mountain currently working on?
Alex: Right now we're focused on writing new material, and recording a three-song EP.

AXS: What else is Through The Mountain involved in locally, either as individuals or as a group?
Jordan: I just got a job with IATSE Local #7 as a stagehand for different venues in the Denver area. Alex works at a couple venues in town and Paul makes sandwiches at Whole Foods.

AXS: Does Through The Mountain have a goal in mind for the sound the band produces? Are there certain influences or themes the band tries to inject into its own music?
Paul: There's definitely a philosophy behind our music, though it's not very specific. At its core the music is rock-based but we find ourselves drifting into other genres whenever it feels right. We always strive to create songs that are interesting and fun to listen to.

AXS: For someone who has never seen or heard Through The Mountain, what would you tell them to entice them to watch your set?
Alex: I would tell them we are good musicians, we'll buy you a beer, and we love you!

AXS: What would your ideal live show look like? Where would it take place? Any particular time of year? Would a specific band/musician share the bill with or open for Through The Mountain?
Jordan: Being from Colorado, playing Red Rocks on the Fourth of July is the jam. As a kid Blink-182 got me into drumming, but now a days I'd love to open for Portugal. The Man or the Alabama Shakes. But we’d really like to just play shows with a ton of different bands, we love all types of music, and mixing it up keeps it interesting.

AXS: What shows are you looking forward to over the next few months?
Paul: I'm looking forward to Rx Bandits playing with Circa Survive, Murder By Death opening for Minus The Bear, and Circle Takes The Square at Moe's BBQ.

AXS: What do you enjoy most about Denver’s music scene, and why?
Jordan: The thing I enjoy the most is the positive attitude that everyone has, and how nice everyone is. Denver fans are Denver fans; whether you're the Broncos or a band, they'll support you ‘till you die but if you start to suck they'll drop you like yesterday's breakfast. - AXS