Denver rock band may have been overlooked for a Grammy performance, but the four-piece soldiers on, releasing two tracks off a forthcoming EP. Download “Wake Me Up” and see if this band is ready for success.
Some bands seem to have all that it takes for commercial success, yet still struggle in relative obscurity. It’s a real mystery. Some might even call it a crime. And like a crime, it seems that bands that do make it have three things: means, motive and opportunity. You know, like on “Law & Order” or something. Denver’s Medic is one such band.
To better understand why Medic’s music has yet to find commercial success, let’s examine it through the lens of the three components of a crime. First, the means: Does Medic have the ability to achieve commercial success? Yes, they do.
Formed in 2011, this four-piece rock band has released solid songs with good musicianship and slick production that would appeal to a broad audience. It’s safe rock music one could easily picture featured in a commercial or in heavy rotation on Top 40 radio. It’s heartfelt and unoffensive with a contemporary feel. Think: Coldplay. The music is strong enough to attract professional representation from . Plus, the fellas are handsome. (Yes, that’s shallow. But let’s be honest: Ugly folks don’t often have “the means” for commercial success.)
Then there’s the motive, the “reason” the band wants success. If you read the band’s bio and blog, they say they are not motivated by success defined as money and stardom, but already consider the band successful if they can reach listeners with Medic’s positive message. They tell the story of playing a correctional fascility in Alabama while on tour, and touching the life of a young man. This, they consider making it. It’s a noble and touching perspective. It’s also a perspective that should appeal to broad audiences, bringing cash-money and limos while touching a hell of a lot more lives.
This brings us to opportunity, the factor that seems to be missing. Last month, Medic was one of about 200 bands competing in , the winner of which would have a performance aired during the Grammys. This would be a huge opportunity to attract a national audience. Though Medic landed in the Top 5, only one artist can win, and that was a country singer from Alabama. This wasn’t the opportunity, but surely there is one on its way, somehow and someway.
Until then, Medic is touring and releasing new material, making themselves available when opportunity arrives. The band recently released two tracks from a forthcoming EP. Listen to all the Medic music on the band’s page, and download “Wake Me Up” below.
Please note that downloads offered via Steal This Track are intended to whet your appetite, and are NOT CD-quality recordings. If you want those, please support the artists by buying their music and/or seeing them live.
If you’re a band or musician ready to expose your fresh sounds to the readers of Reverb, email your tracks — along with any interesting facts about them, as well as a photo or album art — to Steal This Track for consideration.
Josh Johnson is a Denver freelance writer and Reverb contributor. He is also a co-host/co-producer of the Denver podcast . He’s also a journeyman butcher. Seriously.
