The Spec Blog

Posted by The Spec on Apr 18, 2012

Boys & Frogs Disbands, Emby Alexander Forms

There's something intriguing about Michael B. Alexander. His body language speaks through gestures and though he sometimes gets tongue-tied, the words that always get loose reveal his imagination. And if you never get to see this to believe it, you'll hear it in his music...

Posted by The Spec on Apr 6, 2012

Trunk Space Celebrates Eight Years in Phoenix

In its eight years of existence, the Trunk Space has grown into something that not even co-owners Stephanie Carrico and JRC expected. It is an intimate, all-ages venue that accommodates artists in all forms and carries a charm equal to that of its supporters...

Posted by Dee Wallace on Mar 30, 2012

Captured: Q & A with Photographer Patrice Jackson

In an age when digital photography seems to rule everything around us, Patrice Jackson has chosen to shoot primarily with film. Her hobby-turned-profession has afforded her traveling opportunities and encounters with some of her favorite musicians...

Posted by Nikki Bailey on Mar 29, 2012

Me or Your Eyes Frontman Dylan Pacheco Gets Personal

Numerous talented musicians have come out of Texas. Me or Your Eyes is one of many up-and-coming indie rock bands from the state. Lead by Dylan Pacheco, there is more to the Austin-based band than meets the eye...

Posted by Dee Wallace on Mar 22, 2012

THE SPECifics: The Riveras Know Art

Ready or not, here they come. The Riveras, formed in 2009, are an under-the-radar band focused on the art...of music. Drawing inspiration from numerous artists, the quartet crafts experimental, post rock music that is, in a word, enchanting...

Posted by Nikki Bailey on Mar 12, 2012

Portland’s AU on Music Making, Touring, Inspiration

Looking for something different, yet refreshing? Look no further than AU (pronounced “ay-you”), a self-proclaimed “experimental pop,” multi-instrumental band out of Portland, Oregon. Their sound is something new, something beautiful and I can’t seem to get enough...

Posted by Nikki Bailey on Mar 5, 2012

Junius Dish on Inspiration, Tour, Future

Junius is a rock band out of Boston, Mass. that formed in 2003. The band is comprised of lead vocalist Joseph E. Martinez, guitarist Michael Repasch-Nieves, bassist Joel Munguia and drummer Dana Filloon. Their latest album Reports From the Threshold of Death was released in October of last year and they’ve been touring nonstop since then. Says Repasch-Nieves of the touring experience, “Right now,...

Posted by Alexis Getscher on Feb 29, 2012

Rapper D Russ is Wrinkle Free

D Russ, born in Chicago as David Russell, moved to Phoenix in the fourth grade. He stands tall and lanky and confidently delivers a smooth flow. “I never thought I’d be making rap tunes, but it’s fun,” says Russ. His favorite thing about making music? "The finished product."

Posted by Matthew Stoner on Feb 22, 2012

Interview with Joey Lemble, a Professional Merch Guy

Have you thought to yourself how crazy it would be to hop on with a tour and go from "...Phantom Planet to Sigur Rós to Brian Wilson to Ice Cube"? I know a guy who has lived it...

Posted by Nikki Bailey on Feb 15, 2012

Trevy Trevoix: ‘Folk Meets Bass’

Trevy Trevoix (pronounced trev-wa) is a fresh new sound coming out of the Northwest. He makes his beats with whatever he can get his hands on and mixes in vocals to produce an undoubtedly unique sound.

Posted by The Spec on Feb 10, 2012

Indie Pop Band Saint Motel Set to Rock The Roxy in Scottsdale

Saint Motel frontman A/J Jackson chats with The Spec about the band’s musical taste, future plans and David Duchovny. On Feb. 25, Saint Motel will perform with locals Snake! Snake! Snakes! at Scottsdale’s The Roxy.

Posted by The Spec on Jan 27, 2012

THE SPECifics: Andrea Estella On Dreams, David Bowie, Guilty Pleasures

Andrea Estella is the frontwoman of New York-based band Twin Sister, formed in 2008. In their short career, they’ve accomplished a lot, including sharing the stage with bands such as Wild Nothing, John Maus, Explosions in the Sky and The Morning Benders.

Posted by Alexis Getscher on Nov 30, 2011

Shining Soul: ‘Hip-Hop Is Resistance’

Instructions: Mix one dash Black Star influence with a dollop of injustice; throw in a handful of pride and culture, steam for five minutes then blend one serving Liaizon and a helping of Bronze Candidate in a large pot filled with passion. Cook until hip-hop is born.

Posted by Dee Wallace on Nov 14, 2011

Kyle Andrews: New Album, Tour, Current Playlist

Kyle Andrews is back with a new sound and an album Robot Learn Love to match. Andrews' debut release came in 2006 with Amos in Ohio, and every year since then, the 29-year-old musician has consistently recorded and released new music. He is currently on tour in support of his new album, and will perform at Venue 104 in Tempe on Monday, Nov. 14.

Posted by Alexis Getscher on Nov 14, 2011

Katy Davidson on Inspiration, California Lite

Valley native Katy Davidson is back, touring in support of her new album California Lite with current project Key Losers. Although a nine song album titled Adjust was released in early 2010, California Lite is the first full-length release from Key Losers. The band will be performing at Trunk Space on Monday, Nov. 14 with local support from Filardo, Stephen Steinbrink and ROAR.

Posted by Dee Wallace on Nov 10, 2011

Smell It: Rubber Skunk Does Funk Fusion

True to their name, Rubber Skunk is a rubber band in the land of funk. Irrepressible, and yet capable of holding down a variety of genres - funk, progressive rock, reggae, experimental rock - is what the four-piece group is about. The band formed four years ago at the University of Delaware.