The Colorado electronic music scene has seen tremendous growth over the years, transforming into a global hub for electro-soul since the rise of local legend Pretty Lights in the 2010s. His pioneering sound laid the foundation for a new generation of artists blending funk, hip-hop, and electronic music, including Big Gigantic, GRiZ, Gramatik, Daily Bread, Late Night Radio, and many more.
Among these innovators, Boulder-based duo Big Gigantic stands out. First appearing on the scene in 2009, Dominic Lalli (saxophone) and Jeremy Salken (drums) have redefined live electronic music by fusing their instruments with a signature brand of production that creates an unforgettable experience on stage.
Big Gigantic’s momentum hit a major milestone in 2012 with their first-ever headlining show at Red Rocks, Rowdytown. The event, co-produced by Boulder-based music blog ThisSongIsSick, sold out and featured opening acts like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Dillon Francis, and GRiZ—artists who would go on to headline and sell out Red Rocks multiple times.
Rowdytown quickly evolved into a yearly Red Rocks staple, becoming one of the most anticipated local events. By 2014, Big Gigantic had released four studio albums, including fan-favorites Nocturnal and The Night is Young, further solidifying their influence on the scene. That same year, the duo expanded Rowdytown into a two-night event, a format that continued until last year.
Their 2016 album Brighter Future marked a significant expansion of their sound, featuring collaborations with artists like Waka Flocka Flame, Pell, and Logic. This was followed by Free Your Mind in 2020 and Brighter Future 2 in 2022. In addition to these releases, Big Gigantic introduced their more laid-back Winter Chill Mix series on SoundCloud in 2015, a fan-favorite tradition that continues today.
As the world changed, so did Big Gigantic. Yet, their sound and approach have consistently evolved, ensuring Rowdytown remains a cornerstone of their legacy. ThisSongIsSick has co-produced the event alongside AXS, maintaining its role as one of the few remaining organic music curators in today’s saturated digital space.
This year marks the 12th anniversary of Rowdytown—a feat that no other artist in the world can claim. On September 28th, Rowdytown XII will celebrate with a new theme: NEON DREAMS. For the first time in years, the event will return to a one-night-only format, featuring two unique sets from Big Gigantic: a Sunset Chill Mix set and a Rowdytown set.
Joining them are longtime friends and fellow Colorado favorites, The Floozies and Sunsquabi, nodding back to the early days of the movement. For more details on Rowdytown XII and ticket information, click here. We had a chance to talk with Big G ahead of Rowdytown to discuss the event over the years, expectations for this year, and future projects. Check out our conversation below!
[Rooster]: Rowdytown has become a Colorado institution over the last 12 years. What has been the most rewarding part of watching it grow?
[Big Gigantic]: It’s really just incredible to be able to come back to Red Rocks every year and play our show and build our community here in Colorado in different ways. We love it so much and the rewarding part is really actually getting to play the show. We work for months on the show so its just amazing when we finally get to perform!
Can you take us back to that first night in 2012 and share what it was like to headline Red Rocks for the first time? What was your vision for Rowdytown when it first started, and how has that evolved over the years?
Wow that first year! There really is nothing like it. Incredible excitement, and a ton of nerves of course, but pulling it off is the best feeling in the whole entire world in that very moment. Its incredible to see how its evolved.
This year’s Rowdytown theme is “NEON DREAMS.” Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this theme and what fans can expect from the show?
We love a good theme and this year is no different! Neon Dreams is just a way for everyone together on the same page and just have fun with a little party theme vibe. Its gonna be a great time and we’re psyched to see everyone in their neon gear!
With two distinct sets for Rowdytown XII—your Sunset Chill Mix and the traditional Rowdytown set—how do you prepare differently for each? What’s the creative process like when curating these unique experiences?
Theyre both two totally different vibes musically so with the sunset chill set im looking to mix some incredible songs that i love with some of our more chill songs and with the rowdytown set im looking to kinda bring the fire a little bit more and put on more of a set based around our bass music and some other elements
How do you approach curating the lineup for Rowdytown each year? What made you bring back The Floozies and Sunsquabi for Rowdytown XII?
We really do it differently every year. Sometimes its more DJ’s, sometimes more hybrid DJ live acts, but, this year we just wanted to kind of bring it back to our roots and have some of our main homies join us so we decided to bring back the floozies and sun squabi who were especially good friends with!
Your sound has evolved significantly since your debut. How do you balance staying true to your roots while also pushing the boundaries of your music?
Personally i like to keep things moving. We’ve been asked this question ever since we released our first album. We’ve released 8 or so albums at this point, so, Im really just trying to evolve.I think my music roots are naturally instilled in me so those elements naturally come out in the music i make. Things like the horns, and chords i use and drum patterns etc. But The sounds around those ideas im always trying to push and be different and stay current because thats ultimately what makes it fun and inspiring to me.
How do live performances, particularly at Red Rocks, influence your creative process in the studio?
The live show is always the best way to test out how your new material will react with your fans so its always a bit of a healthy back and forth to go from the live show to the studio!
As you look ahead, what’s next for Big Gigantic? Are there any new projects or collaborations in the works?
We’re working on releasing a couple different style of albums next year! We’re excited to share the new music with everyone. We’ll be playing some of it at Red Rocks this year!
Leave a Reply