Desiderata Expands Horizons with Nashville Label and Fort Collins Move

Desiderata, a band originally from Durango, has recently signed with the Nashville-based independent record label Gitcha Records and relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado. This transition marks a significant step for the group, consisting of vocalist Autumn Ford, drummer Will Roberts, keyboardist Jake Ostrowski, bass player Connor “Minky” Klimenko, and guitarist Hamo Thorneycroft. Despite the changes, the band remains committed to maintaining their connections with their roots in Durango, promising to continue performing in the area.

The quintet is set to play a special Halloween show at the Animas City Theatre on October 31, sharing the stage with the Denver-based jam band Squeaky Feat. Tickets are priced at $25 in advance and $30 at the door, with the event expected to draw a large crowd.

New Beginnings in Fort Collins

Fort Collins offers a vibrant music scene that has captivated the band. Ford expressed her appreciation for the city’s lively atmosphere, stating, “I’ve spent some time in Fort Collins, and I know that the music scene there is pretty busy. There’s a ton of artists and musicians in Fort Collins.” The band views this relocation as a strategic move, allowing them to balance their passion for music with a community that fosters artistic growth.

The decision to sign with Gitcha Records enhances their ambition to take their music career to a professional level. The band has already released two singles: “Dancing Flames,” followed by “Clear Water,” which launched on all streaming platforms in early October. Both tracks encapsulate Desiderata’s distinct sound, blending elements of psychedelic soul and jazz, creating a captivating listening experience.

Ostrowski remarked on the excitement surrounding their new direction, saying, “It makes us very excited. We’ve been really looking to do this seriously. And this is also a push in that direction to just buckle down.” Their newfound focus aims to establish music as a sustainable career.

Plans for Touring and Growth

As part of their expansion strategy, Desiderata plans to increase their touring frequency. Ford noted the importance of performing live, stating, “We’ll be touring more frequently. We recently just got a booking agent as well, so we’re just excited to get out and play as much as we can.” The support of a booking agent will facilitate their goal of reaching audiences across the country.

Given their established following in Durango, the upcoming Halloween show is anticipated to be a popular event. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets in advance to avoid missing out. With a reputable label and booking agent now on their side, the band aspires to evolve from playing intimate venues to larger theaters.

Ford highlighted their ambitions, saying, “We all had a discussion about where we want to be in a year and came to the consensus that we would absolutely love to be playing big theaters and having tours that don’t just pay for themselves, but you know, maybe pay us a little too.” Their move to Fort Collins positions them conveniently near major interstate routes, facilitating easier access to cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Boston.

Desiderata’s journey reflects a commitment to growth both as musicians and individuals. They are poised to take significant strides in their career, with a clear vision of where they want to go. As they navigate this exciting new chapter, their ties to Durango remain strong, ensuring that they will continue to engage with the community that helped shape their beginnings.

For more information on the upcoming Halloween show, visit www.animascitytheatre.com or reach out to Bryant Liggett, a freelance writer and KDUR station manager.