NOFX Writes The Book On Punk Rock

Most bands would take not developing much of a fan base over their early years, let alone eight early years, as a sign to throw in the towel. This is certainly not the case for NOFX. What started off as a hardcore punk band in the early ’80s slowly developed…

BroLoaf Is The Valley’s Most Absurd Party Band

When a band like the Valley’s own BroLoaf tells you its new record has “pop sensibilities,” you just have to roll your eyes. Those who have witnessed the spectacle of the almost 8-year-old band’s live show understand the general need to eye-roll when the subject of the “Loaf” comes up…

As Rock Wanes, The Darkness Will Not Go Gently

Though it may seem contrary to the notion of becoming a successful band, ignoring trends may be the best way to get discovered. At least, that concept proved successful for The Darkness. Formed in 1999 by brothers Dan and Justin Hawkins, the pair set their sights on the big time…

Here’s What It’s Like To Write An Album in a Month

Darrin Robertson and Jim Saccoman are looking at me suspiciously. The two local musicians thought a mutual acquaintance of ours had put me up to this interview, and asked me how I encountered their self-described “recording project” Sha-Pink, which has been creating music locally for more than 30 years. “We’re…

The People of Country Thunder 2016

Country Thunder 2016 has wrapped up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live vicariously through our pictures. These brave souls braved the rain and were rewarded by musical performances by some of the biggest names in country. Check out select few shots from the festival below, and explore the full…

Every Act Playing Coachella This Year, Ranked

After you’ve decided to start ranking all the acts on the Coachella lineup, there comes a moment when you realize you’ve made a terrible mistake. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is way too big, too ambitious in scale and scope, too sonically diverse to be reduced to a…

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Country Thunder 2016

A bastion of the country music community and a bucket list festival slot for its artists, Country Thunder in Florence is the crown jewel in a state that’s about as south as the Southwest gets. This year saw Kip Moore, Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen and Eric Church in headlining…

The Nine Best Concerts in Phoenix This Week

Music fans of Phoenix, get ready for an invasion.  Operators – Monday, April 11 – Valley Bar Dan Boeckner’s musical résumé, which includes Wolf Parade and Handsome Furs, reads like the indie rock equivalent of a Major League Baseball journeyman player. The Canadian singer-songwriter performs well with any team he…

A Guide to Record Store Day 2016 in Phoenix

Waiting 364 days since last year’s Record Store Day probably put a serious ache in the hearts of record collectors, but that veil of sadness is about to lift. Saturday, April 16, is the day vinyl fanatics and music freaks have been rabidly awaiting. Collectors and fans will flood local…

The Nine Best Concerts in Phoenix This Weekend

As we’re sure your aware by now, the legendary Elvis Costello is going to be in town this weekend. If not, consider yourself enlightened. Social Distortion is also scheduled to perform in the Valley this weekend, specifically at the Arizona Bike Week festivities in Scottsdale), as is metalcore act Killing…

Nonpareil Is a Noise Punk Band With a Message

Nonpareil is a band that want to tell it like it is. Locally grown but internationally influenced, the Phoenix-area quartet plays a noisy brand of post-punk carefully designed to enthrall and motivate the listener and will please even the most discerning devotee of the great Dischord Records label out of Washington,…

Operators Gives Dan Boeckner An Outlet To Shine

Dan Boeckner, currently touring with his New Wave synth-pop trio Operators, is a member of three indie  bands. Does he ever worry that he’s not dedicating enough time to each project? “I do constantly worry that I should be writing something,” he says. “That worry is like gas in the…

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Take No Prisoners at AZ Bike Week

In case you don’t already know, it’s Arizona Bike Week. Yesterday kick-started the annual event. This mammoth celebration of all things chopper-related also includes an active concert roster throughout its weeklong run, featuring a lot of longtime acts guaranteed to incite nostalgia and deliver hit-filled sets, like Social Distortion, Blues…

Snake! Snake! Snakes! Has Grown Up

In the six years between the release of the self-titled debut of awkwardly punctuated Phoenix band Snake! Snake! Snakes! and the upcoming release of the group’s sophomore record, Tranquillo (due out April 9), the rock ’n’ roll four-piece has changed an awful lot. For starters, the group traded in ivory…

Four of Elvis Costello’s Funniest Moments

You may not know this, but Elvis Costello has a wicked sense of humor. While the prolific musician may be better known for his rancorous songs like the contentious “Tramp The Dirt Down,” which famously stated he would dance on the grave of then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, he’s long…