Electronic music is everywhere. Wherever you look, the rapidly growing house and progressive scene inspires new fans and continues to foster new levels of infamy. Even the Grammy Awards were no stranger to this, though this was a microscopic sliver of what the EDM (electronic dance music) community represents (and according to the SPIN author of the linked article, more of a puppet show). The Valley is no different. With weekly tributes to dance music that include Sticky Fingers at Bar Smith and XO Wednesdays at Chopper John’s (to name a few), local electronic aficionados are getting swept away in the lights and bass drops. So who are the faces behind this underground scene of DJs and dance parties? Countless souls yearn to be discovered and to perform at raves, clubs and concerts throughout the Valley. Websites like Don’t Stay In tell would-be ravers and electro-heads where the next great party will be happening. And promotion companies like Relentless Beats are always primed to bring the best national acts to the valley and to promote the local contenders.

Sticky Fingers is a weekly set at Bar Smith. Flyer from downtownphoenixjournal.com.

Mainstream tastes of the last year show its growing presence in the public eye; Artists such as James Blake or STRBKT are redefining what has been previously established as the baseline for the EDM genre. As the scene is growing the genre itself is developing into something new and exciting. Local DJs like William “Fucking” Reed,  Prince$$, Mikey Pro, and TABS are all bringing their own eccentric touches to the Valley’s electro-music scene. Each DJ concocts their own infusion of mash-ups, electro, techno, funk and new-wave disco. The purpose is to make Arizona dance, and they generally succeed. This new arena for growth within the EDM community only increases with time.  More and more events are beginning to pop up with the electronic community as the primary focus. The underground community of disc jockeys spreads its musical resilience to an eager audience.

Though mainstream electronic mavens like Skrillex and Deadmau5 seem to be at the forefront of the media’s depiction of the scene, there are many DJs that are the heart of local scenes around the country. The genre of EDM is a multi-spectrum device, and there are so many different subsets within to appeal to every type of listener.  The Phoenix scene in particular is a colorful array of lights and sounds that encourage all to dance the night away. So the next time you feel the inkling to get out there and groove, do it. Know that you can skip the top 40 playlists of Mill Avenue and find creative infusions of musical brilliance in many other places around the Valley.  The tide of EDM is changing, but it’s comforting to know that Arizona is lucky enough to host some of the front-runners of this electro-revolution.

When asked to describe their music, what are the first words that come to mind for St Ranger manager (and member) Jeff Taylor?  ”Well… music for sure.”  Though his answer elicited much laughter from my end, his more-serious contribution was akin to the truth. Made up of members Jake Ashton, vocalist Bruce Kimura, guitarist/vocalist Andy Phipps, drummer Jakeob Ewell, and Taylor himself, “Melodic, harmonious, and upbeat” summarize his description of the beautiful concoctions the quintet creates.  Even when I first encountered the band in late 2010 as openers for Pepper Rabbit at the Rhythm Room, their eccentric blend of harmony was not to be taken lightly.  Drawing comparisons to artists such as Grizzly Bear, Beach House and The Love Language, who use layered harmonies to depict their intricate yet delicate stories, the group’s music is an indie-pop gem of the local scene. Formed in mid-2010, Taylor says that the initial goal of the band was to create a more vocal-centered music catalog. Developed from a more progressive, alt-based band, “the idea was to keep song structures interesting but to focus on vocal work by writing tons of harmonies to accompany the songs,” Taylor says. Interesting is definitely the key way to describe their brand-new release coming out later this week.

St Ranger's record release poster. Photo from their label, The Color Group.

“Life Coach” is a collection of summer-infused melodies that were recorded at the end of the band’s three-week tour last August. Tracked over five days, the debut release is a concise blend of upbeat rhythms that have infectious pop sensibilities. The catchy mix of tunes is perfectly suited to the album’s title, as they soothe and engage the listener with unexpected, complex melodies. Building multiple-part harmonies into a song is no easy feat, but St Ranger makes the transition so smooth that what results is a terrific blend of music. Locally based with various members of the band currently attending ASU or alumni, the Tempe band has played with a wide variety of acts both national and regional. With several shows lined up already for this spring, including an album release tomorrow night at the Rhythm Room, the boys have a lot of exciting things coming up in the near future.

With their distinct sound and Beach Boys-esque harmonies, St Ranger is yet another example of the thriving local scene in the valley. With this first debut (and more tracks to be released in the future), St Ranger is definitely poised to create great things. For a chance to listen or download their music go to their Bandcamp. For more information about the group or it’s label, The Color Group, check out  strangerarizona.com.

The rhythm and soul: Not only are these the lyrics/title to a terrific Spoon song, they are also the key elements for a blues-infused ensemble to succeed. If a group doesn’t have that distinct swagger that produces satin-smooth grooves, there’s no reason for them to be included in any soulful sphere of sound. Luckily Tempe’s Black Carl never runs into this issue. With lead singer Emma Pew belting the notes out like a tougher (and way cooler) version of Joss Stone, and hitting these incredible notes that drench the crowd in her impassioned singing and grooving, the band definitely has soul.

Black Carl performing at the Crescent Ballroom on Friday. Photo by the author, Gabby Marshall.

Having only heard good things about the group from a friend, I was excited to find myself amid the packed house at their Crescent Ballroom performance last Friday.  Starting off strong with stand out tracks including “Shine it Deep” and incorporating tunes like “Hussy”  and the simply fantastic “The Wolf” with all the soul and funk they could muster, there was some seriously hip-shaking to the beat happening. The heavy dose of blues was a trip back in time to the great soul music of time past, with some very explicit blues influences in the notes played. The instrumentation was on point, and there was scarcely a soul not dancing. You know when a band gets a group of grumpy-looking hipsters to dance that their magic is simply undeniable. It’s especially endearing that they are a Tempe-based band, yet another example of the thriving local scene that’s right underneath our noses.

With a full release and an EP that you can purchase at their website or download from Bandcamp, there’s plenty of tracks to “Get Up” and dance to.   Black Carl routinely performs around the valley, having graced the stages of venues including the Rogue Bar and Sail Inn. Slated to play at Crescent in early March, there is ample opportunity to groove out to the salient blues that Black Carl produces so eloquently. For more information check out their website.

The ever-commercial-laden institution of Valentine’s Day fast approaches with all the subtlety of a derailed freight train; the idea of love has been everywhere the eye can see. The hearts, the pink confections, the overall message l’amour have been jumping out from every retail enterprise in a five-mile radius. However, they seem to be missing out on the most interesting aspect of the whole deal. The spectrum of love is a varied thing. There are its highs (and its crushing lows).

Kate Seredy's "Hanging up the Valentines." Photo from allposters.com.

Beginning with the happy, fresh-new-relationship period and then the angry arguments that arise years down the line, things can either be very good or very bad and only time will tell what route the journey will take. The same thing can be said of love songs. There are those happy love songs that make us want to add a soundtrack to those precious moments of intimacy. Then, there are those darker impulses that make us crave the tortured songs of remorse and regret that symbolize the pain we may feel from the disintegration of a relationship. This wide spectrum of emotional response makes itself a part of every relationship we decide to embark upon.  Some bands seem to understand this better than others, having felt the two ends of the relationship stick. So this Valentine’s Day I leave you with some selections that really touch base on what that wild game of love is all about.

Ben Folds, the poetic connoisseur with a piano, is a master at creating a pool of emotions. One of his most beautiful and romantic selections, “The Luckiest,” is a terrific display of the emotions from a person who  truly cherishes the relationship they have built. With haunting piano melodies and gorgeous lyrics about having found the love that would last through the ages, this song definitely strikes a chord in the love department. Of course the multitalented Folds has also undertaken the opposite: “B*****s ain’t Shit”.  A cover of a Dr. Dre tune, this song is pure anger, all of it aimed at the opposite sex. Talk about a top speed turnaround, and romance kicked out of the equation…

The next selection hails from the dance-punk deviants that are LCD Soundsystem. One of their most amorous admissions is a lovely gem entitled “All I Want.” Its upbeat tempo makes it a great tune for romantic comedies galore.  The sweet undertones of the song convey a feeling of bittersweet love and the longing that results from missing that special someone.  Contrast that with “Tribulations,” which is about all of the games and manipulation that ensnare many a love-struck victim.

Think: Two artists for the price of one. No, Amazon has not decided to have an mp3 sale this week; rather, it’s an observation that collaborators on songs have been on the rise.  These days there can be duets, trios, mash-ups, or original song collaborations on any layman’s playlist. The trend of a “two-for” has struck with a vengeance. So what makes these multifaceted projects so intriguing? It boils down to an art form. A successful collaboration has to ensnare enough diversity and creativity to encourage the listener to the song in the first place. While recent years have had their fair shares of genius confections there have been some duds lost in the shuffle. Let’s make sure they stay lost. However, to those talented enough to make it work, praise is in order. In years of Jay-Z/Kanye and Britney/Ke$ha, the collaborative world has so many more gems to offer that you might not have noticed. Enjoy.

First up is the delightful, partially homegrown concoction of fun. Their music is generally filled with indie pop confetti and insightful lyrics, therefore it’s no shocker that they paired up with their touring teammates Panic! at The Disco for the new album. PATD recently collaborated with the likes of Janelle Monae for “We are Young;” this lesser known tune is no less excellently executed.

Another song that has continually been popping up on my collaborative radar is the smooth rendition of French DJ Kavinsky and CSS’s Lovefoxx found in “Nightcall”. This cool caper can be found on the “Drive” soundtrack, and considering that the track itself makes you feel ten spades cooler upon listening, I would say it earns its street cred.

Reinvention: What once was becomes a transfigured relic of past transgressions. While some may struggle with it or find unbridled success, the fact remains that change is not necessarily a bad thing. A lot of artists go through these active periods of reinvention, these new chunks of creativity forming new pieces of musical fanfare. In Anthony Green’s case, his musical transformations only seem to add to the mystique and allure of his music. Beginning as the lead singer of screamo, hardcore aficionados Saosin for a brief period, his first musical rebirth came in the form of alternative experimental group Circa Survive.

Anthony Green's concert poster, courtesy of Stateside Presents.

A few years later came yet another musical revelation. Thus the solo career of Anthony Green was born. Shaping a terrific, acoustic-based, alternative sound with his special brand of vocal mixing, Green has since dropped a new album. His second release as a solo artist came out this year titled “Beautiful Things.” Currently, Green is on a tour of the U.S to share his unique take on musical arrangement. His sound is part alternative, part folk, part blues, and all seamless integration. It’s bound to get stuck in your head in an infinite loop of catchy indie rock that will have you humming for days.  One of his standout tunes consists of a top notch collaboration with hometown hero Nate Reuss (of The Format and fun infamy), and a number of musically vivid and engaging pieces. No doubt his live show will hold the same whimsy and intrigue that his musical releases do. An added bonus? A portion of the proceeds from the tour support the Keep-A-Breast foundation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6uMnJ2bmjU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpih532mVqI

Local music is always there to fulfill the yearning for good music — at least the Arizona scene is. Thriving with musical prodigies and talented acts, the Arizona music selection is both diverse and brilliant. So this Saturday, instead of sitting on your couch and watching the fifth season of Bones again, go out and support the scene at the River Jones Music Night. A night saturated with terrific indie-folk alternative, great music will be easily enjoyed.

You Me and Apollo. Photo from riverjonesmusic.org.

Acts including You Me and Apollo, Steff Koepen and the Articles, The Riveras and Sareena Dominguez will be gracing the stage of local haunt Yucca Tap Room.  The locally run, independent River Jones Music label represents many great acts so this is the golden opportunity to sample a few selections. Not to mention it’s free, which I’m sure are magical words to every broke college student’s empty pocketbooks. Guaranteed to be a terrific night of canoodling and hipster dancing galore, it’s a great fix to add to your weekend schedule.  The consistency of folk music is always a tangible one: great instrumentation paired with beautifully pitched vocals. And judging by the lineup, there will be no disappointments. For a taste of what’s to come:

In a world filled with creative musical stylings that produce new tunes (good or bad) every year, the arena of the cover song could seem unnecessary. But in the capable hands of a talented artist there is

Covermesongs.com is a great source for cover song. Photo is a screenshot of the site.

always the chance of a song’s evolution to that next level. The vastly different perspective that two artists can absorb from an identical string of verses is mystifying. There can be more passion and more emotion. Or, conversely, there can be less depth and more functionality. The original aim of the song can be skewed and altered completely. But the new message that would emerge from its rebirth can become a more-cherished favorite than the original ever mustered.  The way a great cover can make you feel is priceless — that instant moment of nostalgic recognition can send your mind whirling in new directions. The art of creating a well-done cover is not simple, but when done superbly, it becomes its own entity. Here are some great covers that have been stuck in my brain as of late. Hopefully they will rattle around in yours as well.

Florence + the Machine – Take Care (Drake feat. Rhianna Cover)

So at this point, I’m positive Florence Welch can do no wrong musically. This Drake cover is no exception. It’s a haunting take on an originally dance-friendly song.  Florence takes the same elements but creates a desperate plea, whereas the original showcased a conversation. Her strong vocals and background strings take the song on a different path entirely.