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…

Local Metal Standouts Make Good: Relapse Records Signs Gatecreeper

Relapse Records obviously knows a good band when it sees (and hears) one. The Pennsylvania-based label is home to an absolutely killer lineup of grind, death, and the heaviest of metal bands including household names (at least in cool households) like Cephalic Carnage, Exhumed, Obituary, and Iron Reagan. And as…

Charlie’s To Host Drag Show Fundraiser for Orlando Victims

The mass shooting that took place last weekend at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando has left us truly devastated. Luckily, people are coming out in droves to lend a hand; finding different ways to help affected parties and communities. Last night, at fundraiser at BS West in Scottsdale raised more…

Here’s Why 1986 Was The Most Important Year in Thrash History

Back in 1986, death was in the air. India’s Bhopal gas leak disaster exposed half a million people to toxic fumes, scorching lungs and killing thousands. The nuclear reactor meltdown at Russia’s Chernobyl power plant spewed radioactive fallout throughout Eastern Europe, an outbreak of cancer and birth defects riding the…

Growing Up in the LA Melting Pot Set the Tone for Fishbone

Classifying Fishbone is about as easy as explaining what makes Phoenix a desert environment. Some things just are what they are. So, while Fishbone is simultaneously labeled a funk punk ska soul alt-rock band, it’s important to look at how Fishbone got to this place. Though the band formed in…

The 9 Best Hip-Hop Projects By Phoenix Artists So Far in 2016

Phoenix hip-hop has come along way. Over the years the scene has risen from being non existent to having multiple artists operating on a national level. Internally, the talent continues to rise as the scene grows. With numerous artists trying to make their mark on Arizona hip-hop scene, we take…

New Music from PRO TEENS, Merit, Citrus Clouds, and More

Mitchell Hillman listens to more local music than just about anyone in the Valley. He presents his picks for best new music in his column, Right Hear, Right Now.  Merit – “My Favourite Chords” I wasn’t sure how soon we’d be hearing from Merit again after their magnificently ambitious three-EP…