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(03/12/12 4:01am)
I love stuffing my face with delicious food. The meticulous foodie that I am, I would spend all of my time trying new and creative dishes if I wasn’t aware of all the ways my body would respond to such behavior (i.e. a larger gut). This weekend I was given the rare opportunity to combine my foodie love with another passion: music. At Hanny’s in downtown phoenix, the perfect opportunity arises for music and food to combine.
(03/08/12 10:54pm)
ASU alumnus, former NFL football player and Iraqi war veteran Jeremy Staat and fellow veteran Wesley Barrientos are biking across the country from Bakersfield, Calif., to Washington, D.C., to raise awareness for veteran issues and childhood obesity.
(03/07/12 11:00pm)
Mashing together songs seems to be a popular trend within the whole remixing phenomenon. However, there is a difference between simply layering a track over a set of vocals, and actually cutting and retracking to create a new product. This is what acclaimed documentary by Amir Bar Lev hopes to showcase. In Re:Generation Music Project, five talented DJs from all genres of electronic music each partake on their own adventure to remaster and create new material. Sounds pretty commonplace, right? The kicker: they have to choose artists and songs from completely opposing genres of music.
(03/05/12 5:01am)
Ever wonder what happens to those groups that reach superstardom? Well, ladies and gents, they often do what most people with clout do: break up and become solo artists. This phenomenon has taken place for years, and continues to ride strong. The other day I was reading a blog about the newest solo artist collaboration (which include people who used to be in big time-ish bands) and it got me thinking: How often does this happen?
(03/01/12 5:01am)
Arizona is a loud place. Music seems to pour out from every crevice, and there always seems to be some new band of the moment poised for recognition. Of course when I say loud I am speaking metaphorically (though sometimes when the neighbors have a little too much fun at 3 a.m., it seems like the whole world is shouting under my apartment). Starting this past Feb. 18, the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) opened its “I Am AZ Music” exhibit. Chronicling the past 100 years of Arizona musical talent, the exhibit offers different shades of the vibrant musical culture found in the Valley.
(02/27/12 5:01am)
So it finally happens: The day arrives when it’s time for that special record to be released after months of waiting in anticipation. The best part is when the release is supplemented by a live performance or signing. When musicians care enough to spend that special release with their loyal fans that have been there all along, it shows that they really do appreciate the support of their listeners. So fun.’s acoustic in-store performance last Wednesday night was a treat for their local following.
(02/23/12 5:01am)
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.
(02/20/12 5:01am)
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.
(02/16/12 5:01am)
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.
(02/13/12 5:01am)
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).
(02/09/12 5:01am)
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.
(02/06/12 5:01am)
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.
(02/02/12 5:01am)
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.
(01/30/12 5:01am)
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
(01/26/12 5:01am)
The term “independent radio” usually has the same resounding air surrounding it that fighters have to a resistance. They are free from the constraints and confines of larger radio networks and often have the creativity to create an innovative experience for the listener. They focus more on local businesses and ventures that will particularly resonate with its local supporters. For years, the station that most defined this particular set of ideals for me was The Edge 103.9. Then, of course, change happened, life went on, new owners emerged, and the station that was once the highlight of many a car trip was a distant memory. The most recent changeover for the station involved a complete makeover focused on the redesign of its music genre structure, a dramatic shift from alternative to classic rock. Understandably, this ignited the aggression of many listeners.
(01/23/12 5:01am)
The standard, unassuming font used for the sign display at one of downtown’s trendiest outings greets every visitor who chooses to grace its doorstep (and dance floor). Nestled between clubs PHX and Skylounge, Bar Smith brings its own eclectic touch to the downtown Washington Street strip. Having chosen this past Friday’s Sticky Fingers show featuring DJ Comic Strips as the headliner (along with resident DJs/local favorites William Fucking Reed and Prince $$) to make my inaugural visit to the hipster’s paradise, the night went along rather swimmingly.
(01/19/12 5:01am)
It’s finally that time of year again -- let the concert studded madness begin. With Coachella’s line-up having already been announced (and its tickets already a tragic memory), shows are popping up on every concert venue in the Valley’s radar. Artists are beginning to plot their arduous journeys across the desert and into that mystical Indio, Calif., golf course of dreams… or something less dramatic. The season of concerts and large amounts of ticket-buying has finally commenced.
(01/16/12 5:01am)
As STRFKR took the stage, the first thing that immediately took my attention was the way the stage lights refracted light of the band member’s sparkly dresses. In fact, three of the members were clad in such auspicious garb. And they were all skinny, tiny-framed men. This sight pretty much dictated the course of last Tuesday’s STRFKR show at the Crescent Ballroom.
(12/06/11 1:10am)
(12/05/11 5:01am)
It’s always amazing when there are concert designed around a discount price. My extreme lack of funds increases my disposition towards cheaper shows and even free events have a special place in my heart. So this week, thanks to the kind folks at The X 103.9, they are putting on a series of No Snow Holiday Shows Dec. 6-10. They even went so far to put aside a decent number of tickets for the humble prices ranging from $10.39 to $20. Very affordable considering some of the names on the bill: The Airborne Toxic Event, The Kooks, Cake, Blue October, and Company of Thieves. I am glad to be going to two of the aforementioned shows (Kooks and The Airborne Toxic Event), and invite the rest of you to do so. It’s a perfect way to wind down after those taxing finals or pump yourself up for the test torture that’s yet to come. More information for each individual show can be found here.