New Music from AJJ, Jared & The Mill, Diners, and More

Mitchell Hillman listens to more local music than just about anyone in the Valley. He presents his picks for best new local music in his column, Right Hear, Right Now. AJJ — “Goodbye, Oh Goodbye” It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than two years since AJJ (formerly known as Andrew…

The New Zia Records Store in Mesa Will Open on Friday

The wait is over for music lovers in the East Valley. Zia Records will open its brand-new Mesa superstore on Friday, July 15, at 9 a.m.  The company first announced the store opening back in April. The Mesa location will be Zia’s fifth location in the Valley, and the second…

All The Famous Musicians Who Died In June 2016

Here we are at the midway point of what has been the worst year for music having nothing to do with what was issued and everything to do with who was discontinued. “Sure,” you say. “We lost a lot of giants early in the year like Bowie and Prince, but…

New Music From Stephen Steinbrink, Miller James, DWARF, and More

Mitchell Hillman listens to more local music than just about anyone in the Valley. He presents his picks for best new local music in his column, Right Hear, Right Now. Stephen Steinbrink – “Absent Mind” Before he was Olympia, Washington’s Stephen Steinbrink, he belonged to Phoenix, Arizona. I first became…

How Three Metal Frontwomen Made Me Wonder If I’m Sexist

Fifty years ago, women’s role in heavy metal was mostly a lyrical focal point — a heartbreaking vixen, fantasy figure, groupie. Now, it’s commonplace that women not only frequent the stage, but work as tour managers, sound and light techs, promoters, publicists, booking agents, managers, and more — all in…

Myrlin Hepworth Takes Kickstarter Success and Heads Out on The Road

Few artists in Phoenix mix consciousness and music with more elegance than poet/rapper/educator  Myrlin Hepworth. His lineage as the son of an English professor shines in his music, which effortlessly jumps between race relations, feminism, sexism, police brutality, and violence. He’s now looking to take his show on the road. Having…

Want to Write About Music for Phoenix New Times?

Think you know music? Got a strong opinion? Do you have a particular set of skills? New Times is seeking music writers to write essays, hot takes, and other stories about the music world, both nationally and locally. We’re looking for writers who can turn a phrase, have a sharp…

EDC Vegas 2016: The Best and The Worst

There’s a little bit of everything at EDC Las Vegas. The outfits, décor and stages are all unbelievable, and the massive festival grounds offer plenty of chances to intermingle with fellow ravers. Throughout the weekend, there were many, many bests. But, as with any large logistical nightmare of a gathering,…

Shit People Said on the EDC Vegas Shuttles

The EDC shuttles could use some love. We get it; it’s not easy trying to transport thousands of people between Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the Strip. For those of us taking the giant buses, it was frustrating having no clear signs or indication of where, exactly, to find the…

After Orlando, Some Phoenix Gay Bars Increase Security

The shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, has sent shockwaves throughout the world, and the Phoenix gay community is no exception. There is a brutal randomness to the attack that almost says, “there but for the grace of God go I.” “I’m shocked and concerned,” says John Martinez, who…