Heard It Here First

One of our favorite bands dominating the jamtronica scene is the esteemed five-piece, STS9. Known for fusing elements of funk, jazz, psychedelic rock, jam, and electronic music, they have made a massive imprint on the scene since debuting in 1997. Comprised of five members, Hunter Brown (guitar/keys), David Phipps (keyboards), Zach Velmer (drums), Jeffree Lerner (percussion), and the only non-original member, Alana Rocklin (bass), they are one of the industry’s most wildly creative and inspirational bands.

Time after time, STS9 has proven its prowess for production and improvisation. Their performances often consist of never-before-heard jammed-out versions of new and old songs, making every show an unforgettable experience. I often reflect on my first tribe show on February 17, 2017, in my hometown of New Haven, Connecticut at College Street Music Hall. If you’re like me and love to listen to old shows, I cannot recommend enough to subscribe to their Bandcamp. For just 10$ a month, you can listen to almost any show in high-def, as they professionally record every performance. This is undoubtedly worth every penny and I have more than gotten my money’s worth from this subscription.

STS9 has released numerous albums and live recordings, with Artifact (2005), Peaceblaster (2008), Axe The Cables (2010), When The Dust Settles (2011), and The Universe Inside (2016) standing out as key milestones in their catalog. Their studio albums often reflect themes of cosmic exploration, spirituality, and consciousness, aligning with their overall psychedelic sound and ethos. Most recently, they released their thirteenth album, Chromalight, a live recording from their 2023 Red Rocks performance of all brand-new tracks.

STS9 has built a loyal fanbase over the years, frequently headlining festivals such as Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and their own curated events. They are often seen as pioneers in the live electronic music scene, influencing a new generation of musicians who blend digital and acoustic elements. Their improvisational, jam-band roots align them with bands like The Disco Biscuits and Lotus, though their emphasis on electronic textures sets them apart.

STS9 is currently hitting the road hard on their 2024 tour, already performing at some of the most iconic festivals like Resonate, Texas Eclipse, and Solshine Reverie. Their tour will continue into 2025 with upcoming shows in Philly, Brooklyn, Boston, Cascade Equinox, Jam Cruise, of course Red Rocks, and many more! For the absolute die-hard fans, we recommend attending their most intimate experience to date, Camp Elsewhere, a four-day mini festival with community jams, classes, and so much more at the Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, NY! This event will undoubtedly sell out so don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime!

Heard It Here First is excited for the opportunity to provide media coverage of the upcoming shows at Brooklyn Steel on September 12 and 13! If you haven’t yet, purchase a ticket for you and a friend for a show nearest you! We can’t wait to cut up some rug at these shows with the whole STS9 community!

Follow this link to purchase tickets to any of the upcoming shows!

Where are you hoping to see STS9 play next? Let us know in the comments below or on our socials!

Follow the HIHF team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with news, fresh tunes, merch giveaways, exclusive mixes, interviews, and so much more!