Tempe’s Vektor Gets Some Metal Loving From NPR

Vektor​NPR has a way of simplifying complicated ideas for the layman, be they the financial crisis or the intricate web of Republican frontrunner intrigue. When it comes to their profile about Tempe’s sci-fi thrash metal four piece Vektor, they kept things uncluttered and uncomplicated: “Vektor: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Fast.”…

Mathmadix: Legal Pot and “F*ck SB1070”

Local rappers, Mathmadix unveiled the official video to their new single “Puff Pass” this past weekend. The video is the first look at the group’s long-awaited album, In a Class of Our Own. The song’s pretty self-explanatory, but the video debut marks the first time the outfit dabbles in video…

X103.9 To Become MY 103.9 Classic Rock — UPDATED

Update: Station DJ defines new format as “built for Gen-X , by Gen-X. Looks like big changes are headed to the Valley’s long-running X103.9 (those of us who have been around awhile still slip up and call it “The Edge” regularly). According to Kassi Jayde, the co-host of Dave Pratt…

Closed for Business: Club Silver…Again

The nightclubs and bars of Washington Street were alive with music and packed with people this past weekend, save for one spot. Club Silver, the one-story dance joint that specializes in hip-hop and Latin nights, was darker than a moonless night as it recently has been closed down. According to…

NOFX, Black Carl, First Friday of the Year and More

NOFX at The Marquee Theatre, 1/7/12 Fat Mike painted a grim picture of Arizona a couple weeks ago. He was convinced that nobody goes to shows in Phoenix anymore because it’s on its way to becoming the next Detroit. Sure, we’ve got our issues, but NOFX fans surprised everyone (myself…

Record Heat By Brad Dywer

We like to keep you updated on what’s moving off the shelves at Valley record stores with our weekly What’s Selling blog, but we’re also aware that after awhile, big stacks of records and CDs get to be a cumbersome haul. Seriously, moving with records is a special kind of…

Incoming: Lenny Kravitz, Creed, The Ting Tings

Uber-American rock and sex icon ​Lenny Kravitz is going to rock Comerica Theatre patrons to their knees. Watching Lenny jam would sure beat seeing Scott Stapp any day of the week.Lenny Kravitz, Creed, The Ting Tings and other artists will be bringing their A-game to the Valley over the next few…

NOFX at The Marquee Theatre on Twitter

It was somewhat of a surprise that NOFX sold out last night’s Marquee Theatre show at the very last minute. In spite of Fat Mike’s poo problems and outspoken attitude toward our city, we welcomed the band with open arms and screamed along to the songs as if our lives…

Black Carl’s The Fool Record Release at Crescent Ballroom

​If we’re being realistic, not every band that comes out of Phoenix is really worthy to be classified with what Emma Pew and crew do on a show-by-show basis. The lead singer of Black Carl and her four-piece backing band obliterated Crescent Ballroom last night as they celebrated the release The…

NOFX at The Marquee Theatre, 1/7/12

NOFX Marquee Theatre Saturday, January 7, 2012 See the full NOFX slideshow here. Fat Mike painted a grim picture of Arizona a couple weeks ago. He was convinced that nobody goes to shows in Phoenix anymore because it’s on its way to be coming the next Detroit. Sure, we’ve got…

Cream Stereo Lounge Closes for Renovation

Stereo HD Fridays isn’t happening tonight at Cream Stereo Lounge in Scottsdale, nor is Ultimate Saturdays, Blush Thursdays, or any of the club’s other theme nights. In fact, absolutely nothing’s been happening at the club recently, as Cream is currently undergoing a complete makeover and renovation.According to a few Scottsdale…

Van Halen (With David Lee Roth) Headed to Phoenix in June

So, the Radiohead thing felt pretty big, and Gun N’ Roses was positively surreal. So try this one on for size: Van Halen, featuring David Lee Roth and the Van Halens: Eddie, Alex, and Wolfgang, are headed to US Airways Center on Saturday, June 16. That’s right. Saturday night. With…

Vinnie Iñiguez, What Are You Listening To?

Vinnie Iñiguez Iñiguez is a professional golfer. For more info on him, visit his website here. When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station would play right now? Straight out the gate, it’s usually BackSpin on Sirius. Its got a solid mix of classics. What’s…

10 National Releases to Look Forward to in 2012

Looks like 2012 is going to be a big one. Quite a few giant records are dropping this year.Some of them are timely followups, while others have been a long time coming (hello No Doubt). Some have release dates, and the dates of others have yet to be announced. We’re…

How Cover Nights Can Create Local Music Fans

​Some people get stuck in ruts. My dad, for example, has been listening to the same 300 songs for the past four decades (let us take a moment to remind you of Nothing Not New, where our own Jay Bennett gave up all his favorites and listened to nothing but…