Corgi Cartel stopped by the KGNU Boulder studio for a high-energy live session and conversation with DJ Jules. The Denver-based band talked about how they came together, their blend of funk, rock, jazz, and metal influences, and the supportive Colorado music scene that encourages genre-crossing creativity. They also shared details about their upcoming album, previewed new original songs, including “Breakthrough” and “Hand Grenade,” and discussed upcoming performances around Colorado. The session features three live performances showcasing the band’s dynamic horn-driven sound and infectious energy (Air Date 4/21/26).
Listen to the studio session here:
Transcript:
DJ Jules: I have Corgi Cartel here. Hello, guys!
Corgi Cartel: Happy to be here.
DJ Jules: We are so happy that you are here for a live in-studio session with us. What brings you into the Boulder studio for today’s special show?
Corgi Cartel: We’ve got a show coming up on April 30 at the Black Buzzard, opening for the local band Hand Turkey. More generally, we’re trying to get our music out to more audiences. We’re really happy you’ve invited us in, and we’re hoping to pick up some new fans on the airwaves.
DJ Jules: We love that. That’s kind of our whole mission here at KGNU. We love supporting local musicians and getting their music out for more people to hear.
Corgi Cartel: Thank you so much for having us.
DJ Jules: Wonderful. You have a show next Thursday. Where can people find more information? Do you have a website or social media?
Corgi Cartel: You can find us as Corgi Cartel Band on Instagram and YouTube. For that particular show, you can find details through the Black Buzzard at Oskar Blues. Looking further ahead, we’re also playing the Cherry Creek Arts Festival on July 5, and we’re tentatively planning our album release concert at Lost Lake in Denver on August 2. We’ve got lots of exciting projects coming up, and we’ll be posting updates, new releases, and upcoming shows on Instagram.
DJ Jules: Perfect. Instead of looking at their phones, let’s let everyone enjoy the music. What are you starting your in-studio performance with?
Corgi Cartel: This is a new tune called “Breakthrough.” My name is John Gower, and I’m the trombone player for Corgi Cartel. This one was co-written by me and our guitar player, Sara. This is an original tune called “Breakthrough.”
[Performance]
DJ Jules: If people weren’t awake, they’re awake now. You bring such fun energy to the studio. How long have you been playing together? It’s such a tight, fun sound.
Corgi Cartel: We’ve been together about a year and a half. We started the band around September or October of 2024.
DJ Jules: Before that song, we only introduced a couple of people. Who else is in the room with you? Our listeners don’t know who’s creating this magical sound.
Corgi Cartel: On drums, we have Everett Sutton; on bass, Josiah Contreras; on saxophone, Dean Hughart; and on trumpet, James Singer. That’s the Corgi Cartel.
DJ Jules: Awesome. How did the band come together?
Corgi Cartel: Sara and I met while playing in a band called Vanimal Kingdom, which is no longer active. We had a great time, but eventually wanted to pursue our own musical direction, so we started Corgi Cartel.
I knew Everett from jam sessions around Denver, and he connected us with Josiah. James was a friend through the jazz scene, and Dean joined through James. We built the band by reaching out through our local music community and found a great group of people to make this music together.
DJ Jules: I love it. You’ve built a great group. Before we get back to the music, you mentioned new music. Do you have a new album coming?
Corgi Cartel: Yes. We have an album coming out in August, and the next two songs we’re playing are from that album.
DJ Jules: Amazing. Let’s hear it.
Corgi Cartel: This one’s called “Hand Grenade,” referring to the popular mixed drink you can find in New Orleans.
[Performance]
DJ Jules: I’m glad I waited before jumping back in because I thought the song had ended, but that was just a tease.
Corgi Cartel: We like to bring the audience down before we bring them back up. You need those low points and high points.
DJ Jules: Exactly. We can’t stay at full intensity the whole time.
That song has me wondering about your influences. Earlier you mentioned your jazz backgrounds, but that last song brought out some serious heavy-rock energy. Where does your inspiration come from?
Corgi Cartel: We come from a wide range of influences. For this specific song, if you Google Corgi Cartel and use AI mode, it’ll tell you we’re a Turkish rock band. The closest I’ve been to Turkey is Thanksgiving, but we joked, “Let’s see how Corgi Cartel does it in Istanbul,” and that’s where the idea came from.
Personally, I come from a metal background—Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and guitarists like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Marty Friedman. More recently I’ve been influenced by funk players like Cory Wong.
Band member: Lettuce.
Corgi Cartel: Yes, Lettuce is another big influence, especially with Colorado connections. People have also compared us to Snarky Puppy, which we take as a huge compliment.
I’m John Gower, the trombone player. I was classically trained and originally thought I’d become a symphony musician, but jazz and funk turned out to be more fun. Dean, James, Everett, and Josiah all have jazz backgrounds as well. Through jazz training, you end up learning funk, soul, Motown, neo-soul, and many other styles.
One of the great things about Colorado is that audiences are very open-minded. They embrace bands that blend funk, metal, jazz, and other genres instead of expecting everything to fit into one category. So hats off to Colorado audiences. Keep being open-minded.
DJ Jules: That’s funny because I went to the Cory Wong show on Friday, and during your first song I thought, “I’m getting some Cory Wong vibes.” Then I’d spent the last couple of days listening to Rage Against the Machine and System of a Down, and your last song felt like the perfect blend. Thanks for making these songs just for me.
Corgi Cartel: That’s what we get up in the morning to do.
DJ Jules: You’re a doll. Since you have one more song, I’ll stop talking so you can play it. What’s this last song for all the KGNU listeners?
Corgi Cartel: This last song is inspired by Cory Wong. I’ve got the fourth position on my five-way switch, the horns are ready, it’s going to be groovy, it’s going to rock, and it’ll have a little Rage Against the Machine in there for you too.
DJ Jules: You stop it. All right, let’s get right into it.
[Performance]
