The Don’ts and Be Carefuls say farewell

Colorado will said goodbye to one of its homegrown acts on Friday, August 31, when the Don'ts and Be Carefuls performed a farewell show at the Hi-Dive. Drummer Luke Hunter James-Erickson talked with Corey Jones about the band's decision and revealed details about the final show during Mile High Noon.

James-Erickson founded the band in 2008 with guitarist/vocalist Casey Banker after the two met while attending the University of Northern Colorado. "Casey and I sat around and talked music a lot before we even started to perform music with one another," he said. Inspired by the likes of Wolf Parade and LCD Soundsystem, the local group started crafting songs with a focus on "interesting melodies, driving rhythms, dancy music and unabashed, unadulterated fun," the drummer explained.

The Don'ts and Be Carefuls expanded the lineup, steadily built up a following, and--after relocating to Denver--joined forces with local artist collective Hot Congress. The band released the "Sun Hits" EP in fall 2011, its most satisfying effort to date. While the record exhibited greater focus and maturity from the band, some of the new music also felt like a big departure, James-Erickson said. "We were confused about where we wanted to go next."

As a result, the members began to pursue other side projects. The guys are now focused on exploring their own creative devices and will each continue to write and perform locally. "We're (always going) to be part of the Denver music community," James-Erickson said. "It's so loving and a nice environment."