Lead by singer/guitarist Will Salazar, formerly the voice of national act Fenix tx (Drive-Thru/MCA), Denver Harbor’s front line is Aaron Rubin of F.O.N. on bass and Chris Lewis, also a former member of Fenix tx and current member of Pivit, on guitar. Watching their backs is drummer Ilan Rubin, also of F.O.N. and one of the most renowned drummers in America today. At only 15, Ilan has earned a reputation as a talented, driven percussionist. He holds the title of Best Undiscovered Drummer in the World under 18 according to Modern Drummer Magazine, not to mention his current listing in the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest musician ever to play Woodstock. Together, under the direction of songwriter Salazar, these experienced musicians have combined their talents, knowledge and influences, and respective followings into a musical powerhouse that is already attracting the attention of fans and music industry members alike.
Named after the rough Houston “hood” that Salazar called home as a child, Denver Harbor is not only a reflection of where music has been, but where it should be headed. The band’s sound holds nuances of the groups Salazar listened to and loved while growing up: the Cure, the Police, Nirvana…. Throw in a bit of current favorites Jimmy Eat World and Queens of the Stone Age and you have the foundation for a new style that Salazar built with his heart and his ear for music. The end result is an innovative sound that draws from the best of what has been while creating something entirely new. Denver Harbor is a refreshing blend of rock, punk, emo, alternative, and beyond. You might not know what to call it, but you know you like it.
The band’s quick success demonstrates how hungry the music world has been for something so fresh and different. Denver Harbor has released three mp3 songs, all of which have consistently appeared in the Top 40 downloads chart since becoming available. They have played shows throughout the Southwest and have been asked to accompany Sugar Cult on an upcoming tour. Their single, “Outta My Head,” is the number one online requested song on major radio station The Edge 103.9 KEDJ (Phoenix), a position that has not gone unnoticed. Listeners’ requests prompted the station to include Denver Harbor in their line-up for Edgefest, an annual live music festival. There Denver Harbor played to an enthusiastic crowd of 20,000 alongside such music names as Bad Religion, the Used, Dashboard Confessional, and Saves the Day. After seeing the buzz Denver Harbor had created in the Phoenix market, other stations quickly took up the banner and the band is currently enjoying radio play to the tune of 34 spins a week. Interest only increased after Denver Harbor was featured on the A & R Network list of Alternative Specialty acts to watch out for. Not to mention that the kids love it.
In a short time, Denver Harbor has made their presence known. With an audience hungry for their new sound, and a team of experienced musicians willing to give the listeners exactly what they’re looking for, Denver Harbor is a force that is only going to get stronger. You’ll want to say you knew them when.
