This was our first time attending Phoenix’s M3F Festival, and not only was it great music, but a comfortable and communal atmosphere. As one of the only nonprofit music festivals out there, M3F stands out not just for its artists but for its mission.
Friday’s lineup had a wide variety of artists. Hippie Sabotage delivered their signature laid-back sound, creating an effortlessly cool vibe. Meanwhile, BadBadNotGood had the crowd dancing with their electrifying jazz instrumentals, blending improvisation and groove in a way that kept the energy high. LCD Soundsystem closed out the night with their signature synth-pop, bringing back the nostalgic energy of Brooklyn in the 2010s.
Saturday kicked off with a hype DJ set from Frost Children, whose high-energy mix of trendy tracks with their own hits had the crowd jumping from the start. The momentum continued with UPSAHL, a Phoenix native. Who had the crowd going with her hit Drugs and covers of Heads Will Roll and That’s Not My Name. She commanded the stage and it was one of the standout performances of the weekend. Sylvan Esso took the stage, delivering a mesmerizing performance full of electronic beats, ethereal vocals, and movement. The crowd even sang happy birthday to producer Nick, which made for a unique moment.
Iconic, French duo Justice closed out the festival with an incredible set. Their lights and visuals were next-level, and their live remixes gave their classics a personal twist. It was the perfect way to end the weekend on a high note.
Photo courtesy of M3F Festival // Kyle Dehn
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