Tempe’s Ryan Mendez on the Ups and Downs of Yellowcard

For those who came of age after Y2K, the heady days of heart-on-sleeve pop-punk, as defined by bands like Fall Out Boy, Cartel, and Panic! at the Disco, brought radio-ready acts that were as relatable and open-hearted as they were kitschy. Few records encapsulated this timeframe with the honesty of…

Planet of the Drums @ Monarch Theatre

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…

The Aristocrats’ Bryan Beller: “We Are a Rowdy Musical Democracy”

Within instrumental music circles, the majority of the talented musicians run alone — releasing solo albums, working as sidemen, dipping deep into numerous projects. And on occasion, a handful of those virtuoso artists come together to create more than just a collaborative album, and it gets a little rowdy in…

Holy Ship!!! 2014’s Ten Most Epic Moments

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,…

The Best Concerts I Saw in Arizona in 2013

I’m sure you’re burnt out on reading best of 2013 lists by now, but taking an extra two weeks to wrap up the best shows of the year list was productive. For one, it’s tough to compare a small, intimate show like Jimmy Eat World’s mini-Arizona tour against massive productions…

Top 5 Must-See Phoenix Shows This Week

Don’t worry: This man has not been harmed. He’s simply very intensely hopeful that you’ll come see his show. If you don’t–well, he could stop bleeding, or he could bleed even more. It’s hard to tease out his emotions. (View our complete concert calendar here.)…

Lock Up Your Moms: Train Is Headlining Liquid Sol

Look, your mom deserves to be happy. You get that and I get that. Dad’s been gone for a while, and all the kids are starting families of their own, and she’s certainly earned the chance to focus on herself for a change. But there’s something about Pat, her new…

The 10 Most Epic Moments of Holy Ship!!! 2014

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…

Janelle Monáe – Marquee Theatre – 1/11/14 (PHOTOS)

It’s really a shame Janelle Monáe was ordered by doctors to postpone her November performance at the Crescent Ballroom late last year for “mandatory vocal rest.” If her performance would have been anything like the Saturday, January 11, concert at Marquee Theatre, it most certainly would have been on our…

The Venomous Pinks Explain “Never Say Never” (VIDEO)

Local punk rock band The Venomous Pinks are fighting for gender equality in the music business every time they take the stage. The three-lady group says they face challenges at every gig they play because audience members aren’t always used to seeing so much female power on stage, and they’re…

Wooden Indian – Crescent Ballroom – 1/10/13

Rubber Brother Records is really cool — the cassettes, the amazing DIY shows, the sincere work with high-school-age musicians, and now a seamless transition from an epic underground festival to a sardine-can-tight all-ages show at Crescent Ballroom along with one of Phoenix’s premier acts, Wooden Indian. Like a lot of…

EyeHateGod’s Jimmy Bower Talks About Staying in the Van

“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…

9 Phoenix Frontmen and Frontwomen Who Will Make You Love Them

Pop music has a proud tradition of socially awkward lead singers — the Brian Wilsons, the shoegazers, the Rivers Cuomos. They are not what this list is about. This is about the other kind of frontman and frontwoman — the one who gets inside your head or maybe right up…

In the Name of EyeHateGod

“I think there’s a big misconception of EyeHateGod,” says guitarist 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…

Nevermore @ Club 24

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,…