If watching endless hours of Star Trek taught us anything — other than how to proclaim “Qapla!” with the proper Klingon inflection — it’s that there’s infinite diversity in infinite combinations. It’s an axiom that’s most definitely apropos to the music world, whereby mixing and matching different artists and performers…
If you’ve ever been to a show at the Trunk Space in the summer — and experienced all that goes with it, like the heat sticking to your skin — then the venue’s recently launched crowdfunding project should make you happy. Ditto for those Trunk Space fans eager to celebrate…
Something especially malevolent will lurk just beneath downtown Phoenix after nightfall this weekend. But before you ask, it’s certainly not a C.H.U.D., Balrog, or hellspawn. It’s slew of sinister subterranean creatures of a more fetishistic and rivethead bent. Specifically, we’re referring to the mass of pleather-clad freaks and geeks who…
If there’s an answer to that eternal local-music question — who’s the next Phoenix band to break? — it might well be KONGOS. The familial four-piece announced Tuesday that they’ll be appearing at the Firefly Music Festival in Dover, Delaware, along with headliners OutKast, Foo Fighters, and Jack Johnson. “When…
Notorious B.I.G., ready to die.[In his column Serrano Time, award-winning writer and goofball Shea Serrano writes about his life and times.] I am working on a new book. I cannot say too much about it yet, other than: 1. it’s with the same company that published Bun B’s Rap Coloring…
Glenna JenningsBy Tom Murphy Tristan Shone was a mechanical engineer before he formed Author & Punisher. His first album, 2005’s The Painted Army, hinted at the sound Shone would later hone five years later on Drone Machines in 2010, after having fully integrated various MIDI controller devices that looked like…
Phoenix blues guitarist Chuck Hall has signed on with local label Fervor Records, who specializes in licensing music, and the move has already paid off — the label has landed his songs in an episode of Justified. The record deal calls for his band to produce a CD, and for…
Nowadays, Phil Anselmo is mostly an open book. On one hand, he’s creating a “brand,” even though much of his time is dedicated to representing everything that doesn’t want to be branded. On the other, it’s an underground brand of being fucking hostile, and he finds a way to somehow…
Everyone knows that Zia Records hooks up all the Valley music junkies. Big-time. The lure of that sharp red and yellow “Zia” sign brings in people from all walks of life seeking novelty toys, every possible music genre, and movies. Personally, it’s the smell of vinyl that calls my name…
For those who came of age after Y2K, we remember the heady days of heart-on-sleeve pop punk, defined by bands like Fall Out Boy, Cartel and Panic! at the Disco, radio-ready acts that were as relatable as they were kitschy. However, few records encapsulated this timeframe with the honesty of…
Photo by Ian WitlenHave you ever seen a gingerbread man with no arms do the shimmy? What about two sharks going at it in shallow water? Seriously, who doesn’t want to see a drunk dude having the time of his life, only to fall flat on his ass? It’s the…
The owners of the Monarch Theatre would be wise to make sure their much-heralded PK sound system is finely tuned, since that baby’s about to get a major workout this weekend. It’s likely to be put through its paces on Saturday, January 18, when 30,000 watts of warped bass blasts…
Photo by Ian WitlenAfter three years of raging at sea, Hard Events’ Holy Ship cruise has proven itself to be the best nautical EDM adventure that money can buy. (Of course, we here at Crossfade enjoyed press accommodations, so we didn’t actually pay.) It might still be a new-ish phenomenon,…
Photo by Ian WitlenEnough about the music and enough about the giant ship — everyone wants the good stuff! Like, who was the most wasted asshole on the boat? Who delivered the most snooze-worthy DJ set? And who was the most ratchet dancer of Holy Ship!!! 2014? While the rest…
Photo by Ian Witlen After three years of raging at sea, Hard Events’ Holy Ship cruise has proven itself to be the best nautical EDM adventure that money can buy. (Of course, we here at Crossfade enjoyed press accommodations, so we didn’t actually pay.) It might still be a new-ish…
Last year was surprisingly good for metal. Not only did we have some mosh pit-worthy tours and festivals — those only seem to increase every year — but there were a ton of kick-ass album releases, as well. Amon Amarth’s Deceiver of the Gods, Ghost B.C.’s Infestissuman, Phil Anselmo’s Walk…
“I think there’s a big misconception of EyeHateGod,” says Jimmy Bower. “People see the name, think, maybe these guys are Satanists, maybe they’re just stupid.” I first heard EyeHateGod back in 1992 when In the Name of Suffering came out. Admittedly, I was as enthused by their name as much…
By Mary Grace Cerni There are party fouls that can be forgiven. Really egregious ones, even, like peeing in the indoor plants. But disrupting the music by unplugging the host’s device in favor of your own iPod or smartphone? Now that’s fucked up…
Big Nick and the Gila Monsters have some experience ringing in new years — they’ve been together for 21 of them. Last week, they closed out 2013 with a New Year’s Eve gig at Janey’s in Cave Creek, where they play at least once a month; they’ll return this Saturday…
Once upon a midnight dreary, while other folks are asleep and weary, Club 24 will welcome many a freak through its door. It’s all for a big party, with music both dark and arty, that’s simply titled Nevermore. Edgar Allan Poe is the inspiration behind this insidious dance party gestation,…
SheaEditor’s Note: Shea Serrano is an award-winning music writer and goofball whose recent exploits include Bun B’s Rapper Coloring and Activity Book. Right now, Pitbull’s “Timber,” featuring Ke$ha, is number two on Billboard and number one on my GTFOH chart. I don’t remember the first time I heard — it seems…
Robert Bejil, FlickrMost people regard metal music as an anti-intellectual, chest-beating, noisy fit for cavemen. Despite this being 100 percent true, there are a few positive things that result from having an intense dedication toward one of the most juvenile forms of music out there. While listening to metal may…
