(Photo by Greg Mason)
Muscle Beach’s self-titled debut album is out December 4 on Sailor Records. The full-length documents the sound of what local Denver weekly Westword named “Denver’s best hardcore band.” Influenced by Fugazi and Refused, Muscle Beach pounds out driving, rocking jams that are full of arena-ready hooks, residing somewhere in the realm of The Bronx and Kvelertak. 
Muscle Beach was recorded, mixed, and mastered by producer Dave Otero (Cattle Decapitation) at Flatline Audio in Denver. Denver, catch Muscle Beach’s record release show, December 5 at Hi-Dive.
Ghettoblaster recently caught up with Muscle Beach’s Derek Arrieta to discuss the Mile High City, the five days of Fall, and chicken and waffles.
What’s your town’s nickname?
“The Mile High City.”
What’s your nickname for your town?
“The place the rest of the world is squeezing me out of.”
Why do you live there?
Good music scene, good spot for outdoors-y types. I’m not outdoors-y, but it’s nice to have goals.
Did you grow up there? If not, what brought you there?
Grew up in Southern California in the Inland Empire. Moved here for family around 17 years ago.
What’s the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you there?
I had a ghost in my apartment in Capitol Hill a few years ago. Left a few hand prints around. Didn’t sleep there for a while.
What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?
Lakeside Amusement Park.
What is your favorite local event or festival?
Underground Music Festival in July. It’s like a weekend in Vegas.
What is the best time of year to be there?
The five days in October when Fall happens.
Who is your favorite local celebrity?
Magic Cyclops or Tom Shane from the Shane Company. That voice is like honey.
Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
Hi Dive. They have Extra Golds for $2.
Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
Gunther Tooty’s. Has everything from Elvis to Elvis Costello. Do you play music there? If so, where is your favorite place to play?
Hi Dive, straight up. 7 South Broadway.
Does where you live influence your music?
Location-wise, no. Scene-wise, yes. So many good bands, past and present.
What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?
Favorite place: Probably Lost Lake when it had the low ceilings, the photo booth, and the P.A popped a lot. But my favorite show was probably at Red Rocks for Nine Inch Nails.
What is your favorite local band?
A few, actually: Git Some, Fear Before the March Of Flames (Art Damage/AOM era), Church Fire and Orphans.
What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
Jelly has Chicken and Waffles on Thursdays. Or maybe it’s Tuesdays. It’s been a while, but they’re magnifico.
What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?
Wax Trax on 13th, the Irony Is A Dead Scene EP by Dillinger Escape Plan with Mike Patton. Solid Gold.
What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
Suspect Press!
What is your favorite local shop?
Video One. They basically have every movie ever.
If you could live anywhere else, where would that be?
France. Or Providence.
(Visit the band here: http://facebook.com/musclebeachparty.)