There is nothing better than live music. To see a person in the flesh creating the sounds that you have come to love. It’s intoxicating and highly enjoyable.

And with all the bands and musicians that are well known, they were once local bands playing for free at some house in their home town, bringing misfits and gutter punks together in one moshing collage of sweaty awesomeness.

People have had the pride to state that they knew Nirvana when they were local, or the Beatles. Some people listened to Billy Joel when he was the actual Piano Man in a small bar in New York City.

Local music is iconic for past musicians and future musicians and it is the glue that is keeping the music scene alive currently. Local bands are everywhere and ninety percent of the time enjoyable. Also the kids that are in local bands or fans of local bands are the best people you can surround yourself with.

Below will be the list of the top local bands of Tempe, Arizona. Their name, genre, members, and instruments and a little description and pictures are included (from the talented Morgan Richmeier. her Instagram is: @dracule_). There is also social media on the bands to find events and how to hear them. Be sure to check them out. Regardless where you reside:

Band #1: SoMa

so-ma.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: Josey Judson, Trevor Reilly

People:

Josey Judson: Guitar/ Piehole (Vocals)

Jake Judson: Bass

Trevor Reilly: Three Drums of Doom(drums)

Three amazingly talented and sweet boys come together to form the coolest grunge band in town. Heavily influenced by Nirvana the band is simple yet makes a statement. They are known for having dramatic staccato stops or a seamless transition into each song. Either way, they are profound and they come with a punch. They have a few recordings done when I asked Josey about the band he said “We have a Demo and a terrible bootleg recorded from a phone, but we are going to make an EP and our first album [in 2017]” Josey and the rest of the boys are raw and they have this carefree attitude about them which makes them fun to be around. I highly recommend adding these boys on Facebook and give a listen to their stuff. (pictures below).

Band #2: Stinkeye

stinkeye666.bandcamp.com/

Facebook: Andrew Hosley

Instagram:@savagetastics666, @stinkeyephx

People:

Andrew Hosley: Guitar/ Vocals

Adam Demuro: Bass

Anthony Demuro: Three Drums of Doom(drums)

If you like punch you in the face sound, then Stinkeye is something that shouldn’t be ignored. All musicians that make up this marvelous trio are extremely talented and are spot on when sending the message that they could care less. Although their stellar performances and sound tend to blow minds, there is some rumors and reputation around some of the band members. Being young and in a punk band I would be surprised if they didn’t cause a little heat. Kurt Cobain wasn’t a saint but that doesn’t take away from the pure sound that he made. Same goes for Stinkeye. Distorted Vocals and drowning guitar will leave you in a daze that is like an interstellar journey. (pictures below).

Band#3: Colour TV

soundcloud.com/user-919901663/doldrum

Instagram: @tvcolour

People:

Isaac Hinson: Guitar/ Vocals

Eli Hinson: Bass

David Burks; Drums

Charles Harper: Keys

When I first heard these boys, I was absolutely blown away. The sound that they captured is as if Muddy Waters, The Black Keys, and MGMT, all had a love child. A blues and surf rock fusion emitting through thick sound waves are sure to coat you with some sweet sensations. All the boys are funny and nice and easy to talk to. They love moshing and you can catch them in the middle of the pit if they aren’t performing. They add energy and life to any show whether they’re on stage or goofing off in the crowd. They are a must-hear and must-see bunch. (pictures below).

Band #4: TOSO

Facebook: TOSO

Instagram: @TOSOband

People:

Zac White: Guitar/ Vocals

Marc Ellis: Bass

(E)Ric Ellis: Drums

Evan Dorney: Guitar

Like most things, the best is always last. TOSO is probably the most impactful Avant-garde punk band that I have the privilege to know and experience. All four of these boys bring a spectacular show every time they perform. Their shows are always different but the feelings that you get when you listen to them never change. Crazy sounds that tear you from reality and shove you into an intergalactic wasteland of psychedelic movement. You can barely take your eyes away when they are playing. The TOSO boys along with being creative and talented are super sweet and host a lot of shows and events. They are connected to not only Arizona bands but with numerous bands out of state. They have toured many times and continue to do so. TOSO will always be in my heart and the hearts of many until the end of time. (pictures below).

If you ever find yourself in Arizona, there are plenty of local bands that you can experience. What beats great, high energy shows for free or a small fee of 5-10 bucks? Hopefully this will entice you to become more familiar with the bands and maybe even the local bands in your neighborhood.