Prescott’s Whisperfest Draws Phoenix Bands, Supports Yarnell Firefighter Families

Located just an hour and a half north of the valley, Prescott is better known being a premier Christmas getaway than for its artistic community. With a population composed of more retirees than the average small town, it’s safe to assume that its music scene is also a little dated. The introduction of Prescott’s first DIY, nonprofit festival, Whisperfest, is looking to change that for good.

Widespread Panic Brings a Devoted Fan Base Wherever It Goes

High in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Widespread Panic takes the stage at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, as its done many times before. But the day is June 30, 2013, and this isn’t just another performance. With this show, Widespread Panic will leave holding another impressive attendance record: 42 sellouts,…

The Sweet Smell of Slightly Stoopid’s Underground Success

Spend some time with the guys in Slightly Stoopid, and you’re bound to walk away with a fascination for the band’s business model and a new cologne — of the skunk variety. For almost 15 years, the members of Slightly Stoopid have made music together, and somehow they’ve perfected one…

Ask Magic: My Girl’s Hung Up On Her Ex; Should I End It?

Lost in love? Your relationship too weird for Ann Landers to understand? Trying to discover what comes next in your life or your music? Bring your problems to Ask Magic, your chance to ask Arizona’s reigning slow-jam king for advice on whatever life throws at you. (Click here to ask…

Why Kenny G’s Hair Is the Most Dependably Great Thing In Music

One of the best things about life is spontaneity. Adventures and experiences, big or small, that happen on a whim can make life pretty fucking fun. Especially because, for most of us, the rest of that time is bogged down by realities like jobs, school, and bills; when we can…

Scottsdale Police Arrest Suspect in Martini Ranch Stabbing

Officers from the Scottsdale Police Department have arrested a suspect involved in the brutal stabbing that occurred at nightclub and music venue Martini Ranch late last month. Simon West, a 29-year-old resident of Gilbert, was taken into custody by Scottsdale cops on Monday afternoon, exactly a week after a patron…

The Members of Eisley Escape Outside Influence and Return to Form

Currents, the latest from indie darlings Eisley, is the sound of a band that’s free at last. At least, that’s the subtext — not just a sense of freedom from Warner Bros., after a brief major-label stint, but also the freedom of having gotten 2011’s bitter, angst-ridden The Valley out…

Two Breeds of Badass Female-Fronted Bands at Mayhem Fest

The annual heavy metal throwdown known as the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival is making its way through Phoenix this week, and things are about to get heated. This year’s lineup is one of the festival’s best, with heavyweights Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch, Machine Head, and Mastodon. But…

MC Magic: One Big Mistake Up-and-Coming Rappers Keep Making (and More)

Lost in love? Stuck in a relationship quagmire Ann Landers wouldn’t understand? Trying to figure out what comes next in life and music? We’d like to invite you personally to bring your problems to Ask Magic, your chance to ask Arizona’s reigning slow-jam king for advice on whatever life throws…

10 Hilariously Dated Videos Weird Al Has Parodied

“Weird Al” Yankovic has been releasing parody videos since people have been releasing actual videos. He’s made fun of decade-defining artists for four decades running. Through all that — while one-hit wonders fall out of view and genres and styles are declared officially over — he’s remained a timeless figure…

The Brief History of The She*Riffs

The She*Riffs are singing in unison: “In the name of the law, you’re going down / ‘Cause we’re the new sheriffs in town.” It’s May 18, at Lawn Gnome Bookstore. The four women dance to the music, instruments in hand, as the wooden stage they stand on starts shaking. Each…