The 10 'RAD' resolutions for being a better local music lover in 2025

Let’s get one thing straight pronto: we’re not going to call these "New Year’s resolutions." That term has too much baggage, like the promises you make to yourself at 12:01 a.m. and forget by the time you’re cleaning up confetti the very next morning. We’re calling these "RAD goals" on account of them being realistic, attainable, and designed for the Phoenix music lover who wants to step up their game. So, grab your planner and a beverage and turn on some old jams because we're going to make some actual, important life changes. Because who just wants to exercise more?

Goal 1: Support more local bands

Phoenix is home to a wealth of musical talent. From the indie rock badassery of Fairy Bones and the recently-reformed Necronauts to the glam rock goodness of Astrologer, there’s no shortage of sounds that deserve your attention. Meanwhile, if country and western is more your thing, Brea Burns and the Boleros and Last Train to Juarez are just two of the excellent acts you can support around town.

Don’t forget the punk and metal bands, either. If you like it a little meaner, there are plenty of great bands and venues to bang your head into a bloody stump. Bands like Corky’s Leather Jacket, Sick In The Head, Burn Victim and Necrambulant are all keeping it real. Regardless, Phoenix is this completely underappreciated musical mecca, and it is high time you got involved in its ongoing proliferation.

So, here’s your first goal: make a commitment to seeing at least one local show a month. Yes, even in July, when the idea of leaving your air-conditioned cocoon feels like a Herculean task. Small venues like the Rebel Lounge, Valley Bar and The Dirty Drummer are where you’ll find the next big thing before they blow up. Bonus points if you buy some merch as those t-shirts and vinyl records help pay the gas money for the next tour.

Check out everyshowjoe.com for a great local resource for shows every week.

Goal 2: Expand your musical palate

We all have our comfort zones. Maybe you’re a die-hard metalhead, or perhaps EDM is your lifeblood. That’s fine, but 2025 is the year to stretch those ears a little.

Challenge yourself to explore genres you’ve dismissed in the past or maybe you've just plain avoided. Try giving jazz a fair shake, and dive into a classic like John Coltrane’s "A Love Supreme." Better yet, check out Phoenix’s incomparable Francine Reed over at the Nash on Roosevelt. Never ventured away from K-pop? That’s alright, but maybe try out classic power pop from Nick Lowe. Phoenix radio station KJZZ often spotlights under-the-radar genres, and streaming platforms like Bandcamp make it easy to explore music from around the world.

Treat it like a musical adventure and maybe you'll actually see some new horizons. (Oh, and possibly even please an algorithm while you're at it.)

Goal 3: Learn (or re-learn) a musical instrument

Want more meaningful music in your life? Try picking up an instrument and making it yourself. Don’t worry about being good right away; none of your musical heroes were. Don’t believe me? Take a listen to the difference between the first Beatles record and the last Beatles record. OK, maybe the Beatles aren’t the best example because “Please Please Me” is pretty damn good, but you get my drift. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Growth can happen to anyone willing to pick up an instrument and stick with it. The Phoenix Conservatory of Music offers lessons for all ages and skill levels. Meanwhile, if you’re strapped for cash, YouTube is probably the world’s largest music school (and radio station) these days. Not only will this shed a little insight into what those artists you admire have been through, but it might also provide the courage to join an open mic night at Crescent Ballroom. Who knows? Maybe you’re the next big thing in the local scene.

Goal 4: Build a ‘Localpalooza Arizona’ road trip playlist

Phoenix is huge, and you can drive all over town all day and never see the same thing twice (except fast food joints). Still, don’t snooze on the incredibly vast and varied landscape Arizona has to offer. Whether you’re driving up through Sedona and into the gorgeous Oak Creek Canyon, or heading south to the old pueblo of Tucson, you need a playlist of local tunes to keep your travel toes tapping. Always include some Arizona legends like Linda Ronstadt, Alice Cooper and Duane Eddy, but don’t stop there. Add tracks from Charles Mingus (yep, born in Nogales), Trunk Federation and the Sun City Girls. With so many great Arizona artists to choose from, your playlist could last from the Grand Canyon to Bisbee and back.

Goal 5: Visit more music festivals

Let’s face it, music festivals are not for everyone. Regardless, Phoenix is home to a bunch, and it will continue to be as long as we have a mild winter and pleasant fall and spring. From M3F and Innings to Country Thunder, there’s something for everyone. But this year, make it a point to attend a festival you wouldn’t normally consider. If your typical scene is the sweaty mosh pits of Metalheads Clubhouse, maybe try the Irie vibes of Reggae Rise Up Arizona in April. The thing is, the sheer variety of festivals around our state offers a chance to dip your toes into a wholly different type of energy because festivals are often more than just a bunch of bands and artists doing their thing. They’re also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a temporary community of fellow music faithful.

Goal 6: Shop at local record shops

Love it or hate it, streaming is not going anywhere, but record stores are little (or big) slices of heaven for true music fans. Places like Zia Records and Stinkweeds are more than just shops: they're eye-opening cultural havens. These stores are a vital part of the local music community and a portal to discovering new tunes. Plus, you can geek out on rare vinyl and enjoy in-store sessions from local and national bigwigs. Make it a goal to visit one monthly, and while you’re at it, pick up an album from a local band like the Pistoleros. Remember, every dollar spent there keeps the local music ecosystem alive.

Goal 7: Dive deeper into an artist’s discography

In the age of bands dropping one song at a time, not to mention algorithm-curated playlists, it’s easy to lose sight of the full body of an artist’s work. Pick an artist you’ve always been curious about (maybe David Bowie, Nina Simone or Glen Campbell) and work your way through their albums chronologically. There is a great reward in immersing yourself in an entire body of work. If you have ever binge-watched a TV show, you can consume a dozen or so records. This will give you a deeper understanding of the artists' evolution and creative growth. It's also a perfect way to enjoy walks around your neighborhood or one of the many great hiking trails around town For a real treat with a local tie, immerse yourself in the discography of Bobbie Gentry. You're welcome in advance.

Goal 8: Volunteer at local music organizations

Phoenix has plenty of opportunities to give back while indulging your love of music. Organizations like the amazing Ladies Who Brunch often host events celebrating non-profit organizations, and they’re always looking for women to get involved. Sadly, many local music-centric organizations have slowed down considerably or ceased to exist, but the music community in Phoenix has historically been down for a good cause. Putting on a benefit show or setting up a music event to build awareness is a meaningful community act. The main thing is just being willing to put in the time and effort.

Goal 9: Keep a concert journal

Yes, there's something amazing about live music, but you probably won't ever watch that three-minute video you took of Redd Kross at Valley Bar last summer. (Memories often fade faster than the careers of acts like Milli Vanilli and Kid Rock.) Why not make 2025 the year you document your concert experiences via the written word. Buy a notebook or start a digital journal where you jot down setlists (setlist.fm is a great resource) an even highlights and personal reflections after each show. You'd be surprised the rush of simply re-experiencing some random summer punk show where you drank too much lukewarm beer.

Goal 10: Share your love of music

Whichever goal you adhere to, don't keep it to yourself. Recommend that great local band that you saw at Chopper John’s to a friend or coworker. Sharing the playlists you create and connecting with people through music can be one of life’s genuinely great rewards. Heaps of lifelong friendships started because people went to the same show at the Mason Jar or Hollywood Alley as someone back in the day, and that's still true today. Your next great friendship (or bandmate) might be right around the corner if you speak up the next time someone mentions your favorite band while slamming espressos at Copper Star.