Reverb Mixtape: Diplo vs radio, Sam Smith's week wasn't all bad, what has indie promoters worried?

heyreverb.com | @RVRB | FB/heyreverb What will this mean for indie music promoters? AEG Live is bringing the power of its Denver-based management team to bear in the Pacific Northwest, hoping to dominate live-music promotion in Seattle and Portland, Ore., as it has in Colorado. But concert industry professionals in the Pacific Northwest say the change is bad news for existing promoters and music fans. + Soda Jerk Presents takes corporatism out of music promotion. + AEG-owned AXS becomes exclusive ticket provider for Denver venues, including Red Rocks.

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Diplo: “When you challenge radio you never win”

Diplo tells us about the upcoming Major Lazer releases, balancing world sounds with U.S. radio tastes and how he shifts his style when producing for Madonna, Lorde and more.

+ PHOTOS: Diplo, OutKast and more at the 2014 Mad Decent Block Party.

+ Remember when Winter on the Rocks braved a snow storm in 2014?

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Land Lines connects Colorado’s indie music past with present

Martina Grbac’s low-key approach to her music sounds downright sheepish at first. “As a band we don’t really look around for opportunities,” admitted Grbac, the singer-cellist for Denver indie trio Land Lines. But don’tmistake low-key for unambitious.

+ Tennis escapes an “existential tailspin” to write third album, “Ritual In Repeat.”

+ Ark Life brings the spirit of the road to debut album, “The Dream of You & Me.”

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At least Sam Smith had a fun time in Colorado

Sam Smith might be settling copyright battles with Tom Petty, but at least he had fun in Colorado for his debut show in the state.

+ PHOTOS: Sam Smith’s show at the 1stBank Center

+ Here is the list of 2015 Grammy nominations (hint: Sam Smith is up for a ton of them).