The Must-See Acts of Phoenix’s M3F Festival in 2024
Prepare to immerse yourself in a musical experience like no other as the M3F Festival is set to hit Phoenix, Arizona this March. As one of the city's most anticipated events, M3F stands out not only for its diverse lineup but also for its unwavering commitment to community, culture, and charity. Established in 2004 as a 100% non-profit venture, M3F isn't just about the music – it's about making a difference. With a mantra of “music, positivity, and giving back,” this two-day event has raised over $2 million for charitable causes and is powered entirely by passionate volunteers. Now, as the festival gears up for another unforgettable weekend, music lovers are eagerly anticipating the lineup of top-tier talent set to grace the stage. From beloved headliners to newly emerging acts, the M3F stage is set to ignite with energy and excitement. With so many incredible acts to choose from, it's no wonder attendees are buzzing about which artists to check out.
If you're wondering which artists deserve a spot on your must-see list this year, look no further. We've curated a selection of the top 5 acts from each day’s lineup that you won't want to miss, promising an incredible weekend of sound and soul.
Friday
Dominic Fike
Hailing from the sun-soaked state of Florida where he reigns as a boundary-pushing artist, his journey began in high school, where he first explored the world of music by sharing his creations on YouTube with his first release titled "Not A Word”. Fike's ascent to stardom began as he collaborated with his then-producer, Hunter Pfeiffer, also known as 54. Together they crafted beats that resonated deeply with audiences, sending Fike into the limelight with a slew of popular tracks on SoundCloud. With the release of his debut EP at just 21, the project caught the attention of many prominent figures in the industry, sparking a war among record labels eager for his talent.
Fike signed a deal with Columbia Records, catapulting his EP to new heights upon its re-release in October 2018. Among the EP's standout tracks, "3 Nights," emerged as a global sensation, scaling the charts in Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom with its infectious charm.His 2023 sophomore studio album, Sunburn stands as a testament to his evolution as an artist, following the success of his debut album, What Could Possibly Go Wrong. Delving into themes of heartbreak, regret, addiction, sex, and jealousy, Sunburn invites listeners on a journey through the complexities of the human experience, solidifying Fike's status as a visionary in contemporary music.
SG Lewis
As a versatile English artist, Lewis has left an undeniable mark on the scene through collaborations with Dua Lipa, Tove Lo, Lucky Daye, Victoria Monét, Bruno Major, and Clairo. Initially gaining traction with his remixes of tracks by artists like Jessie Ware, Lewis embarked on his solo journey with the release of his debut EP, Shivers. His musical journey continued with a series of collaborations alongside vocal powerhouses such as Gallant, Ray BLK, and Bishop Nehru.
In 2018, Lewis embarked on a creative exploration into the realm of club culture, unveiling a three-part EP series that would come to form the full length album, Dusk, Dark, Dawn. Drawing inspiration from an array of influences from the pop stylings of Bon Iver and James Blake to the rhythms of hip-hop luminaries like Common, Timbaland, and the Neptunes, Lewis crafted his distinctive musical identity. Lewis' artistic journey continues to captivate and inspire, fueled by his dedication to push musical boundaries and craft unforgettable sonic experiences.
Dayglow
Sloan Struble is the man behind the Texas-based indie pop band, Dayglow. Determined by the shortage of musical collaborators in Aledo, Texas, he embarked on a solo quest, mastering multiple instruments and honing his craft in the comfort of his bedroom. Throughout his youth, Struble drew inspiration from an array of artists spanning from Phoenix to James Taylor, leaving hints of each scattered throughout his own music. His debut album, Fuzzybrain, crafted with care within the confines of his home studio, captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. The album's viral success paved the way for various opportunities, including a slot at the renowned Austin City Limits Music Festival and a reissue under a major label.
In a triumphant return, Struble released his third album, People in Motion, in October 2022, featuring radiant singles such as "Deep End" and "Then It All Goes Away," the latter soaring to the 20th spot on Billboard's Adult Alternative Airplay chart. Struble continues to enchant audiences with his infectious positivity and creative spirit, solidifying his status as a leader in the modern indie pop scene.
Hippo Campus
Hippo Campus emerged onto the indie rock scene in 2013, quickly becoming leaders of the genre. Bonded by their shared origins in St. Paul and a camaraderie forged in high school, the band wasted no time in making their mark on the local circle. Their electrifying live performances quickly began garnering attention, drawing the gaze of prominent figures in the industry. The band eventually released their highly anticipated full-length debut, Landmark in March 2017, catapulting to the 15th spot on Billboard's Top Alternative Albums chart.
Hippo Campus ventured into a new sound with their sophomore album, Bambi, embracing a more electronic-infused sound that caught listeners by surprise with its bold experimentation. Continuing on their sonic journey, Hippo Campus unveiled their third full-length project, titled LP3, a testament to their commitment to musical innovation. With each release, the band reaffirms their status as pioneers of the indie rock landscape, pushing boundaries and captivating listeners with their undeniable creativity and infectious energy.
Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks is a leader of the rising stars in the indie scene, effortlessly blending the indie sound with soulful R&B and poetic lyricism. The London-based artist dove into songwriting at a young age, capturing her experiences in heartfelt lyrics that have drawn attention from listeners around the globe. The massive success of her debut record Collapsed in Sunbeams brought about global recognition for the artist having received multiple Grammy nominations, the award for the Hyundai Mercury Prize, and the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year Award.
Parks returned with the entrancing follow up to her debut record on My Soft Machine, featuring the alluring single “Pegasus” created in collaboration with none other than Phoebe Bridgers. In her live performances, Parks puts on an equally intimate and electrifying set, captivating audiences and drawing them into her world of poetic lyricism and haunting melodies. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering her music for the first time, her performance promises to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing for more.
Saturday
Lane 8
Based in Denver, Daniel Goldstein, known by his stage name Lane 8, creates melodious house music that rises above typical club tracks, offering emotional journeys with each song. Raised in California, Goldstein’s musical journey began with garage rock before he transitioned to hip-hop production. However, it was in the realm of dance music where he found his true calling.
Kickstarting his career in 2012, Goldstein's original tracks and remixes garnered attention, leading to a signing with Above & Beyond's Anjunadeep label in 2013. His debut album, Rise marked a significant milestone in his career. Fast forward to early 2020, and Lane 8's third full-length album, Brightest Lights made waves, accumulating millions of streams shortly after its release.
Impressively, Goldstein is recognized for his unique approach to live performances, where he prohibits phones and cameras, fostering a communal experience where audiences can fully immerse themselves in the moment. Lane 8's commitment to creating memorable experiences extends beyond his music, making him a standout figure in the electronic music scene.
Duke Dumont
The English electronic dance sensation Duke Dumont delivers mesmerizing house beats made for both club nights and festival stages. Rising to prominence in the 2000s, this Grammy-nominated DJ has dominated charts worldwide with hits like "Need U (100%)," "Ocean Drive," and "I Got U." Dumont burst onto the scene in 2006 with a dynamic remix of Mekon's "Yes Yes Y'All." Continuing to build his reputation, Dumont's remixes for artists such as Late of the Pier, Bat for Lashes, and Lily Allen paved the way for his first DJ mix album, Fabriclive 51, in 2010.
His chart-topping success persisted with the Whitney Houston-sampling track "I Got U," which soared to the number one spot in the UK in March 2014. With a Grammy-nominated collaboration featuring Jax Jones, Dumont solidified his status as a global dance icon, earning platinum certifications in the UK, Australia, and Italy.
Gorgon City
Hailing from the UK, Gorgon City is a dynamic dance duo celebrated for their chart-topping hits blending garage, house, and pop seamlessly. Bursting onto the scene in 2012 under the independent label Black Butter, they immediately captivated audiences with their bold sound characterized by pulsating bass lines, infectious vocals, and polished production. Their ascent to stardom was quick, propelled by hit singles like the UK Top Five sensation "Ready for Your Love," featuring the soulful vocals of MNEK.
Their debut full-length album, Sirens, released in 2014, further solidifying their position as industry pioneers. Amidst their growing success, Gorgon City continued to evolve, collaborating with renowned artists and producers while maintaining a relentless schedule of DJ gigs and live performances. With their unwavering commitment to innovation, Gorgon City's journey continues with the release of "Rumblah" in 2023, followed by "Voodoo," the lead single from their fourth full-length album, Salvation.
Roosevelt
Known as DJ Marius Lauber, Roosevelt infuses the essence of his indie rock origins into his vibrant electronic synth compositions. Hailing from Viersen, Germany, Lauber earned his stripes playing in indie garage bands during his teenage years before delving into the techno scene in Cologne. In 2012, Lauber unveiled his techno-infused indie pop project, Roosevelt, with the release of the single "Sea" under the label Greco-Roman.
Establishing himself in the early 2010s, Roosevelt's dance floor-ready debut album emerged in 2016, showcasing his appetite for crafting infectious club anthems. Alongside his solo endeavors, he lent his remixing prowess to tracks by esteemed artists like CHVRCHES, Glass Animals, and Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Taking a brief hiatus from the dancefloor, Roosevelt returned triumphantly with the introspective "Young Romance" in 2018 before reclaiming his spot with the electrifying “Polydans,” which soared into the German Top 30 in 2021. Embracing new sonic horizons, he ventured into funk and '80s pop territory with collaborations like “Passion” alongside Nile Rodgers and “Ordinary Love,” both featured on his 2023 masterpiece, Embrace.
Poolside
Also known as Jeffery Paradise, Poolside is an electronic master who crafts a unique brand of dance music, affectionately dubbed "daytime disco." Originally a duo, Poolside burst onto the scene with their sun-kissed anthem “Do You Believe” in 2011, setting the stage for their debut album, Pacific Standard Time in 2012.
Following the album's success, Poolside embarked on a journey remixing tracks for acclaimed artists like Matthew Dear and Fool's Gold, honing their live performances with a talented ensemble and gracing stages worldwide with their DJ sets. In a surprising move, they released "Heat" in June 2017, a release filled with summer vibes. Amidst their evolution, Paradise revitalized Poolside as a live act, recruiting former members of The Rapture and U.S. Girls after former member, Nikolic's departure.
In 2019, Poolside unveiled the disco-infused gem “Can't Stop Your Lovin',” featuring a captivating collaboration with Panama, setting the stage for their next release “Low Season,” in February 2020. The journey continued with Poolside's soulful and vibrant 2023 album, Blame It All on Love, marking a return to live instrumentation and heartfelt songwriting. Featuring a plethora of guest appearances including Vansire, Ora the Molecule, and MUNYA, the album solidifies Poolside’s status as provider of groove-infused euphoria.