Why EDM Producer Sharam Must Constantly Push Himself

Sharam isn’t the fist-pumping EDM DJ you may be used to hearing. You won’t be harassed by a hype man at his shows, or hear him play the most of-the-moment big room track, or notice him caring about if his music fits into whatever is trending. Sharam goes a bit…

Right Hear, Right Now: 5 Great New Songs From Phoenix Artists

Mitchell Hillman listens to more local music than just about anyone in the Valley. He presents his picks in his column, Right Hear, Right Now.  Huckleberry – “Trouble Is Real” I’ve been waiting for Huckleberry’s follow up to Fine Highway for far too long, in fact it’s been more than…

Nikki Lane’s Music Challenges Nashville Norms

Here’s the thing: With its swaggering rock riffs and loose, danceable sway, Nikki Lane’s “Right Time,” which opens the South Carolinian’s second full-length album, All or Nothin’, should be a country radio smash. Why not? If Sam Hunt can channel sensitive R&B star Drake, Kacey Musgraves’ mellow contrarian approach has…

Music School Dropouts Usually Don’t Go as Far as Imagine Dragons

Ben McKee’s decision to drop out of the prestigious Berklee College of Music with only one semester remaining to join Imagine Dragons must have seemed foolish at the time. In hindsight, the bassist for Imagine Dragons (whose members also include singer Dan Reynolds, Wayne “Wing” Sermon on guitar, and drummer…

Local Metal Singer Griffin Kolinski Passes Away

Monday evening news broke that Griffin Kolinski, singer of local band Apparitions and former Knights of the Abyss bassist,  passed away on July 20. He was 28. The cause of death was congenital heart failure. Apparitions issued a statement on the passing of Kolinski on their Facebook page, stating: “Some…

Now Open: Club Luxx in Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix’s club zone along Washington Street got an infusion of throwback charm recently, courtesy of newly opened dancing and drinking spot, Club Luxx. The 3,500 square-foot establishment, which opened in mid-July, features a vintage flair and is aimed at those looking for some after-work imbibing or some after-dark dance…

6 Best Concerts in Phoenix This Week

Here are our picks for the best live music in Phoenix this week. Be sure to browse our comprehensive concert calendar for more options. Le Butcherettes – Tuesday, July 21 – Crescent Ballroom Many bands have elaborate stage shows, but not many are as violent or eccentric as Le Butcherettes…

Heems Gets Serious and Discusses Going Solo, Day Jobs, and Pizza

Most probably know Himanshu Suri, a.k.a. Heems, from his work with the irreverent joke-rap group Das Racist. The group was known for its dizzying lyrics and snide social critiques, while rising to prominence with songs about Taco Bell. It was never clear whether they were casting playing a joke on the…

Are Minions a Cornerstone of Music Education?

As of last Friday, July 10th, Minions is in theaters. The lovable yellow overall-clad henchmen of Steve Carrell’s “Gru” character from the first two Despicable Me films finally have a motion picture to call their own. Minions have become a ubiquitous part of society, popping up in commercials across multiple…

Right Hear, Right Now: 5 Great New Songs From Phoenix Artists

Jim Adkins – “I Will Go” Last week Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World launched a fascinating project with the “Jim Adkins Single Series”. Every Friday, starting last Friday, Adkins will release a new song through August 14. Six songs in total consisting of three originals (A-sides) and three covers…

Eternal Summers Embraced the Studio on the Band’s New Album

Stripped Up Eternal Summers took advantage of the studio on the band’s new album. Preparing to record its fourth album, Eternal Summers settled on a goal of discovering and incorporating the sort of sounds the band had never put on an album before. “We just really wanted to explore the…

After the ’90s Ended, Eve 6 Faced a Rough Road

Nothing says ’90s nostalgia like a band that made it big during the dot-com boom, releasing two chart-topping albums, only to face constant struggle in the age of Napster and American Idol. When Eve 6 emerged in 1998, the group revealed itself as a smarter Blink-182 and a less self-pitying…