Community is Everything in Denver

The Denver music scene isn't just a collection of bands and venues: it's an interconnected community built on riffs, resilience, and mutual support. From the heavy underground to indie showcases, there's a clear ethos: we look out for each other.

That’s exactly why our ONE® on Stage program feels so at home here. ONE® on Stage partners with underground bands to turn merch tables into hubs for sexual health awareness by providing co-branded tins filled with free condoms and resources. Our mission has always been to meet communities where they are at with inclusivity and honesty. In this blog, we’re shining a spotlight on some of Denver’s most community-minded bands who are working to promote safer sex and conversations about sexual health, one gig at a time.

In a world that can feel divisive, the Denver music scene is a bastion of support for personal rights and artistic expression. We asked bands what they loved about their local music scene, and the common refrain was mutual support:

“The strong sense of support and community that heavy music has here. Most bands (regardless of genre) just want to see Denver win. There are so many cool and creative bands and musicians coming out of our city these days. We're culturally rich and I'm grateful that we get to be part of it all.” - Suicide Cages

“There's no shortage of local bands here like Suicide Cages, Church Fire and Chew Thru who are relentlessly inspiring in their willingness to speak out about what they believe. It's easy to feel like you're being overbearing or that being "too political" will turn people off but that simply should not factor into the equation - they speak their truth and create stronger, safer and more inclusive spaces by doing so.” - Ghost Canyon Fest

"There is so much unity right now in the heavy scene in Denver... Everyone in this scene is proactive and supportive of personal rights." – Lost Relics

This spirit of solidarity extends beyond the music – it’s really about creating safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Organizations like the Colorado Feminist Music Collective, Punk Rock Saves Lives, and DIY all-ages spaces are frequently shouted out by our band partners for their work in fostering visibility and safety, particularly for queer, trans, and non-binary individuals.

Sexual Health Awareness in the Music Scene

For these bands, having ONE® products (like our ultra-thin ONE® Flex® condoms) at the merch table is an extension of their values. Beyond offering free protection, the program gives artists a comfortable, stigma-free way to encourage conversations about consent, safer sex, and communication – all while connecting with fans in a place they already feel safe.

These bands are out there doing the work and helping to normalize conversations about about safer sex and sexual health:

“While there's certainly a combination of immaturity and perpetual adolescence in most music scenes, there's also a level of social responsibility that seems unique among others. For Cobranoid, I think the awareness gives the conversation some actual weight in regards to sexual communication, consent, and safety. While we're pretty far removed from the glamorized excess of the 80s, there were, and are real consequences to inadequate sexual health awareness. Putting it right out there with your merch and into conversation is simply another way to promote a responsible environment.” – Cobranoid

“Live music tends to be youth-oriented and young people tend to engage in more risky sexual behavior. Raising awareness through local music scenes as ONE® does is a great vector for reaching the people who need the information and awareness the most in the places they already are.” - Ghost Canyon Fest

“Music scenes thrive when people feel safe and respected, and sexual health awareness is part of creating that environment.” - Circling Over

“[Sexual health awareness] matters in all scenes. It is crazy that in 2026 people still get shy when talking about safe sex. This should never make anyone nervous, so let's normalize the conversation.” - Lost Relics

“We believe it matters everywhere. If we can share information and protection for free in our community, then that's really cool.” - Suicide Cages

“Safer sex/sexual health awareness is a great icebreaker to really get people engaged in discussing difficult (taboo) topics that have historically permeated many arts scenes, music being a big one. The more people know, the more mindful they can be towards themselves and those around them.” - Moon Pussy

And sometimes, all it takes to start these conversations is something small and unexpected. Our iconic condom tins are more than just a fun extra merch item for these bands. Having these available creates a stigma-free entry point onto talk about consent and communication:

"90% of the time people see the 'free condoms, no seriously' sign... and laugh. Then they pick up the tins... It's a unique piece of free merch and an easy conversation starter." - Suicide Cages

“[I wish people would talk more about] STIs, vasectomies, and the understanding that sexuality really isn't something to mold yourself to and comes in a wide range of flavors. That being said, you can't expect everyone to share the same interests so it's good to start off with building up those communication skills!” - Moon Pussy

From practical ("They should be as ubiquitous as ear plugs," say the Ghost Canyon Fest organizers) to playful, these conversations can leave a big impact. As Cobranoid puts it: "Your chances of getting laid at a metal show are slim but never zero."

If Our Music Were a Condom Flavor…

Of course, this scene doesn’t take itself too seriously – a little chaos is a necessary part of the culture. We asked bands to describe their music as a condom flavor:

“Banana. And not because of the phallic symbolism. We just have an association with them. It started out as a way to mitigate cramping while playing live and evolved into this running inside joke that became part of our promotion. If our condoms were banana-flavored, I'm sure there'd be an ‘of course they are’ response.” - Cobranoid

“Can reverb be a flavor?” - Circling Over

“Like licking a doom riff that’s been soaked in cough syrup, cheap candy, and regret.” - Lost Relics

“We would be mint chocolate because we're smooth but not for everyone.” - Suicide Cages

“Ribbed licorice because it sounds cool.” - Moon Pussy

About the Bands & Where to Support Them

Here’s where you can find and follow these incredible ONE® on Stage advocates:

• Cobranoid: Find them on all streaming platforms and at cobranoid.bandcamp.com. Catch them (and Lost Relics) at HUFR Fest at Bar 404, April 24-26!
• Ghost Canyon Fest: follow them on social media to discover a curated world of Denver punk, metal, and noise, and check out info for the 2026 version of the fest here!
• Circling Over: Streaming everywhere! Follow their socials for new music and show dates.
• Lost Relics: Check out their Bandcamp and catch them at HUFR Fest this April.
• Suicide Cages: Visit SuicideCages.com for Colorado dates in March and a West Coast tour this spring!
• Moon Pussy: Search “Moon Pussy band” on Bandcamp and streaming services (carefully!). Don’t miss their album release show at the Hi-Dive on April 18.

Plus, check out our other Colorado-based partners: Pink Fuzz, Definer, Necropanther, all:Lo Collective, As We Rise, Crotalus, Six Disc Changer Podcast, Barrol, Irah Nox, Only Echoes, Pheel, Braeburn Records, and Abandons.

Keep the Conversation Going

Want to help out with the ONE® on Stage mission?

• Support these bands: Stream their music, buy their merch, and go to their shows. A thriving scene supports its artists.
• Talk about it: Follow their lead and help normalize conversations about consent, boundaries, and protection in your own communities.
• Get your own tins: Are you a band or part of a music industry organization that wants to partner with ONE® on Stage? Learn more and apply here to become an advocate and get your own custom ONE® products.

Together, we can ensure every scene is an informed and inclusive space. Thank you to our Denver partners for leading the charge!