How Phoenix Rap Duo Catharsis Build on Freestyle Foundations
They’ll release Out of the Vault from the Rib Cage on April 28.
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Brian Smith’s Spent Saints Is Getting the Web Series Treatment
Each of the stories from Spent Saints has been turned into a micro-short film.
Hip-Hop Trio Shining Soul Shoots Incendiary Music Video on the U.S.-Mexico Border
Chicano/O’odham hip-hop crew Shining Soul is most at home on the front lines. The Phoenix trio — MCs Bronze Candidate and Liaizon, along with DJ Reflekshin — first came up with staunch criticism of Arizona’s racist SB 1070 “papers please” measure in 2010, but on their latest, Politics Aside, they mostly…
Listen to Sundressed’s New Emo Anthem “A Frankford Night”
It’s easy to forget how dire the root meaning of “nostalgia” is. From Latin it translates to something like “severe homesickness — a kind of disease,” which means, if we’re being technical, we might want to put the attendees of those recurring Emo Nights popping up around town (and popping…
Five Rappers Who Are Putting Chicago’s Rap Scene On the Map
Chicago hip-hop is more than just Chance the Rapper and Kanye West.
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Katy Davidson Reconstructs Dear Nora With a Roster of Arizona Expats
Just outside of Cave Creek, Katy Davidson got her start playing along with Liz Phair and Pearl Jam CDs.
Eugene Mirman on Singing for Bob’s Burgers, Time Travel, and Why Anything Can Be Funny — As Long As It’s Funny
Even — or especially — armchairs.
Art-rock Outfit Emby Alexander Waves the Phoenix Flag, Whether or Not You Like It
Emby Alexander Waves the Phoenix Flag, Whether You Like It or Not.
Sundressed to Impress: Phoenix Indie Punks Prove Emo Can Grow Up
When Phoenix songwriter Trevor Hedges formed Sundressed in 2012, he was pulled in two directions.
My Morning Jacket’s Jim James Is Still Searching for Transcendence
Jim James gets spiritual on his new record.
Standing Rock/202 Resistance Benefit in Tempe Unites Movements
A fundraising concert seeks to benefit both the Standing Rock protestors and local Native communities.
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David Bazan’s Christmas Album Explores the Darker Side of the Holidays
Childhood is at the heart of “Dark Sacred Nights.”
The Music of Orkesta Mendoza is Borderless
Beginning in the 1930s, “border blaster” radio stations began lining the southern divide of the United States. Unencumbered by American frequency restrictions, these Mexican superpower stations — dubbed “X stations” after the first letter of their corresponding call signs — pumped music via high-wattage frequencies across much of North America…
M.C. Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger Owns His Blues, and Yours, Too
On November 18, 2014, North Carolina’s Hiss Golden Messenger appeared on The Late Show With David Letterman. After the band’s performance, a funky, swaying version of “Southern Grammar,” Letterman raved. “I like everything about this,” Letterman beamed. “What are you worried about?” Bandleader M.C. Taylor answered with a smirk and…
Using His Electronic Talk Box, Phoenix’s MC Magic Creates Latin-Funk Futurism
You know MC Magic when you hear him, and not only because the Phoenix producer/rapper/singer often intros himself at the top of his songs. Whether on one of his own records or features for Latin rappers like Brown Boy, Arion, and Ms. Krazie, Magic (real name Marco Cardenas) is instantly…
How Phoenix Comic Book Creators Are Celebrating Jack Kirby’s 99th Birthday
Among comic book fans, the legendary artist, writer, and designer Jack Kirby is appointed regal status: the King. And it’s easy to understand why. Before serving in World War II, he constructed Captain America with Joe Simon. Later, he and Stan Lee ushered in the “Marvel Age” of comics, creating…
Pop Punkers Dogbreth Reconcile Dreams With Reality
Tristan Jemsek, one of the primary representatives of Phoenix’s thriving downtown DIY music community, took off for Seattle early this year, leaving behind his bandmates. Settling in Washington, he took a break from playing music for the first time in more than a decade. “I spent the first four months…
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Bob Mehr Documents the Replacements’ Long Rise to Indie Legend Status
The story of the Replacements was about more than rock ‘n’ roll, and author Bob Mehr’s Trouble Boys: The True Story of The Replacements makes that clear. It’s got everything you want in a rock bio — crazy antics, detailed history, extensive background — but it goes deeper. Unlike so…
Jason P. Woodbury and Becky Bartkowski on Writing Stories for Bar Flies: “The Desert Is a Mix Tape”
New Times and The Senators are collaborating on a special edition of Bar Flies that takes place Friday, May 27, at the Musical Instrument Museum. Part concert and part reading, the event’s theme is “The Desert is a Mix Tape.” The evening will feature live music by The Senators presented…
Arizona Music Historian John “Johnny D” Dixon Throws 70th Birthday Bash at Crescent
Things have an uncanny way of coming full circle for John “Johnny D” Dixon, longtime Valley music scene fixture. Example: Back in 1967, he rolled tape at a small Scottsdale club called the Red Dog a Go Go, recording an act fresh from Las Vegas called the Nooney Rickett IV…
Audacity’s Been At It Forever, But It’s Just Getting Started
Hyper Vessels, the fourth full-length by Fullterton, California, rockers Audacity, is the kind fizzy, ebullient album that can only be crafted by 20-something weirdos fueled by youthful, crazed energy. But a deeper listen reveals a melodic sensibility that — while not “refined,” per se — sounds mature and developed. The…