Tapes 'n Tapes headlining CU-Boulder's Homecoming Concert (VIDEO)

The members of Tapes 'n Tapes aren't sure what kind of Halloween costumes they'll be putting together, but they say they're ready to rock the University of Colorado's 2009 Homecoming.

The Minneapolis group brings its indie-pop sounds to the Glenn Miller Ballroom on Friday for the CU Homecoming Concert -- a free, all-ages alternative to Boulder's Halloween celebrations.

"We're going to have to do some coordinating with our costumes when we get to Boulder -- Prince is always good if you're a Minneapolis band," vocalist/guitarist Josh Grier said. "Our band's all about free shows that are open to the public.

"That always makes for a raucous good time."

The band got its start in the college world of the Twin Cities music market. The group's infectious blend of indie, pop and experimental sounds first caught on with bloggers, and word spread quickly.

"Minneapolis and St. Paul are great places to start a band," Grier said. "There are lots of venues to play. You can see lots of local and national acts on any given night.

"The bloggers

originally got our music out there, and that really helped with out first self-released record, The Loon. We sent out MP3s to them and it took off from there. We got a really good response and we kept rolling with it."

From the start, Tapes 'n Tapes has been a determined band. The group's debut record was made in the dead of winter -- in a cabin that was minus running water and heat.

The band's come a long way from there.

Tapes 'n Tapes is now touring behind its latest CD, Walk It Off. The record came out in 2008 and it showcases the band's fuzzy guitars, big rhythms and catchy hooks.

"We like to let every song we make speak for itself," Grier said. "We listen to a lot of different kinds of music, but we always mix things up, so we don't play the same thing twice. Our main goal on Walk It Off was to make the record sound like the four of us were playing in a room.

"That meant we didn't go crazy with over-production, but we did go for a loud rock sound. I'd been listening to a lot of rock bands and I thought it would be fun for us to rock out. It felt right for these songs."

Tapes 'n Tapes is also a fan of mixtapes, so the group created a special Minneapolis blend of tunes for its fans. Up-and-coming Twin Cities acts such as The Owls, Kid Dakota and The Plastic Constellations are featured on the project.

"We played three shows in three days in our hometown, so we wanted to make something that was a celebration of all the bands in St. Paul and Minneapolis," Grier said. "Some of the bands played on the shows and others are just our favorite acts.

"We let people download it for free for a week. We had so many hits that it took down our server. That was a minor disaster, but the whole thing was a success."

Tapes 'n Tapes' fans can also hear the band's music in the movie "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," and on TV's "90210" and "Big Love."

"David Byrne is the music director of 'Big Love,' and we got the call that he wanted our music used on the show," Grier said. "That's the kind of stuff we're nerds for."

Tapes 'n Tapes is now ready to take on CU's Homecoming weekend.

"We played the Fox back in January and we're pretty excited to be back," Grier said. "We're going to have fun in Boulder and focus on people having a good time. It's free -- and that will be good for students that are broke.

"But don't forget about the music. This will be a rocking show in Boulder."

CU Program Council Director Justin Greenstein said he feels Tapes 'n Tapes is the perfect band for Homecoming.

"There is something for everyone in Tapes 'n Tapes' uptempo and energetic sound," Greenstein said. "Having toured relentlessly, this is a band that looks to constantly keeping things moving, as reflected in its sound. The show ... will be a great free event for the CU student population, the community and returning alumni."

Program Council wanted to host a safe alternative to Boulder's wilder Halloween parties.

"The Homecoming concert is an all-ages event," Greenstein said, "It provides a safe environment to enjoy live music during Homecoming weekend. In addition to the music, there will be free giveaways and refreshments.

"Because most of Boulder's hosting 21+ concerts this weekend, this is a perfect opportunity to safely catch a show -- regardless of age."