Newly rebranded Redrox Music Fest to bring ‘magic and healing’ to Springdale

Performer London Skies, part of the 13th annual Redrox Music Fest, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of London Skies, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Now in its 13th year, the newly rebranded Redrox Music Fest is coming to Springdale next week.

The festival, which will play outside the Bit & Spur Saloon Nov. 5-6, is continuing its mission to “amplify performers from marginalized genders,” said Production Director Hillary McDaniel.

The Redrox Music Festival is a project of Rock Camp SLC, located in Salt Lake City. Their mission is to “empower girls, transgender, and gender-expansive youth from all backgrounds through music education, collaboration, and performance,” according to their website. Some of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Rock Camp SLC to send youth to their summer camps.

St. George News spoke with four of the artists who will perform at the festival. The following interviews have been edited for style and clarity.

Amanda Barrick

Amanda Barrick, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Amanda Barrick, St. George News

Q: What does it mean to you to play this festival?

A: It means the world to me to play in this inclusive festival right in our backyard. I’ve wanted to be in the line-up for years, so this is definitely a dream turned into a reality situation, and I’m grateful. Being nonbinary, I’m inspired and stoked this festival has evolved to not only include, but to highlight queer and marginalized gender communities. Basically, I’m thrilled.

Q: Can you describe your sound, and your performance style? Who are your influences?

A: My sound is indie-folk, singer/songwriter realness full of heart and soul for days. My performance style is emotive and intimate. I really try to engage with the audience and connect. It’s my hope that when people leave a show they’ve not only been entertained but they’ve felt something deeply. I hope it stays with them for a while.

Q: What are you trying to achieve in your work?

A: I’m trying to achieve connection and inspiration through my work. I’m trying to authentically convey my experiences through music and poetry. I’m trying to feel less alone in the world, more connected through our shared experiences. I’m trying to express myself because individual expression is how I get through the day, how I process the world. Ultimately, my hope is in being myself to the fullest, others feel free to do the same.

Q: Why should people attend this festival?

A: People should attend this festival because it will be an absolute blast! Music, poetry and drag? I mean, seriously, come be blown away by all the talent and heart and fun! Also, for all my local people, if we want cool events like this, we must support them. Tickets are beyond affordable, the kings and queens will be a shiny ball of greatness and I’ll be there with my band!

London Skies

Performer London Skies, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of London Skies, St. George News

Q: What does it mean to you to play this festival?

A: As a transgender entertainer, visibility is so important. I’m always honored to have a new stage and audience to reach. Performing is an artform, and everyone interprets it differently, and I love that.

Q: Can you describe your sound, and your performance style? Who are your influences?

A: I would describe it as “good girl gone bad.” I’m extremely versatile and I love the fantasy that performing creates. You can be anyone you want to – never limit yourself. I’m influenced by anyone and anything that moves me, makes me feel emotion, or a sense of awe, wonder and intrigue.

Q: What are you trying to achieve in your work?

A: To show that, if a little trans-girl raised on the Flathead Reservation in Montana can do it, so can you. We are limited by ourselves only. The world is full of possibilities and we should take each one we’re given and cherish that.

Q: Why should people attend this festival?

A: Because diversity is the spice of life! And if you’re not at the Redrox Music Festival, then where you at?

KingCyborg

Performer KingCyborg, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of KingCyborg, St. George News

Q: What does it mean to you to play this festival?

A: I’m very honored to be a part of such an amazing festival. Playing at this festival means that I get to share my art and music. I get to connect and share the stage with other extremely talented souls. I’m looking forward for a night full of magic and healing.

Q: Can you describe your sound and your performance style? Who are your influences?

A: My music is about self discovery and human connection. My art expresses a certain degree of neutrality despite clearly not being a part of anything but a part of all (sometimes). It’s elegant but with a twist. I write and sing sad songs with strong messages.

Q: What are you trying to achieve in your work?

A: I do shadow work with my melodies. Primarily, my hope is that people feel free when listening to my songs. Free to express themselves. To dig deep into their darkness, traumas and learn how to cope with it instead of oppressing it.

I’m aware that everyone will have and different perspective when digesting my art, and that’s the beauty of it. My art is not for everyone, and I’m at peace with that. And if my art inspires and helps someone in some way, I honor that.

Q: Why should people attend this festival?

A: Why wouldn’t anyone want to be a part of such an amazing set up? Especially one that’s created to empower women and support independent musicians from around the world. It’s Music by women… for everyone.

Talia Keys

Performer Talia Keys, location and date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Melahn Atkinson, edited by Stefon Poulos, St. George News

Q: What does it mean to you to play this festival?

A: To be able to play Redrox as a marginalized performer, it means so much. A festival that is only women, trans and non-binary performers is super rare, especially when most festivals are less than 20% women. The music industry is male dominated, and festivals like this change that landscape.

Q: Can you describe your sound, and your performance style? Who are your influences?

A: I am a one-woman looping band. I use several different instruments to create my songs. Rock, blues, funk, soul and a little bit of hip-hop and electronic music.

Q: What are you trying to achieve in your work?

A: I want people to get involved, however that may look to them. Be inspired to change their world. I also want people to have fun!

Q: Why should people attend this festival?

A: It’s a very special festival with a wide array of talent. Everyone booked brings something different. I’ve played this festival many times in the past, and it’s really fun and really important, too.


The Redrox lineup, schedule and online tickets may be found here.

More information on Rock Camp SLC can be found here.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2021, all rights reserved.

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