Established in 2004, the nonprofit McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F) has since become a staple in festival-goer’s musical appetites. The event which takes place in Phoenix, Arizona, prides itself on donating 100% of its proceeds to two local, family-based charities – the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and the UMOM New Day Center.
Taking place between 3rd and 5th March, in Hance Park, Downtown Phoenix, the festival satisfies year after year with their a diverse lineup; one that caters to all musical needs. Ranging from top billing hip-hop artists and forward thinking electronic producers, to a grand haul of popular country, rock and indie bands – M3F has made its mark as one event that can’t be slept on.
No doubt many are already excited about the festivals 2017 roster, but in case you’re new to McDowell Mountain Music Festival, we’ve collated a list of who you should be watching at this year’s proceedings.
“McDowell Mountain Festival is a great opportunity to experience the spirit cultivated when people join together to enjoy themselves and help the community.”
Flume
The Australian producer, musician and DJ, known best for his trademark synth-heavy sound, is set to headline M3F. Flume’s beats are crammed full of eclectic percussion and gorgeous euphoric synth work, making him a hallmark of the instrumental hip-hop scene.
Flume boasts an impressive amount of credits, with two chart-topping albums under his belt – the 2012 self-titled Flume and his latest, 2016’s Skin. He has also worked with a variety of influential artists such as; Vic Mensa, Aluna George, Raekwon and Beck. Remixing the likes of Disclosure, Lorde, Sam Smith and Arcade Fire, Flume is sure to deliver a bundle of his own enchanting edits into his set.
Fun fact – you may recognise Flume’s edit of Disclosure’s ‘You & Me ft. Eliza Doolittle’ From Lacoste’s The Big Leap advert in 2014.
DJ Mustard
Dijon Isaiah McFarlane, a.k.a. DJ Mustard, is someone you definitely need to check out if club heavy hip-hop and trap beats are your thing. The Los Angeles-based producer and DJ has worked with all of the biggest names in rap and proves time and time again he’s a serious contender in the hip-hop club scene.
Producing tracks that brim with his trademark swing, DJ Mustard is credited for hits by such artists as; Tyga, Ty Dolla Sign, Travi$ Scott, 2 Chainz, YG, Drake and many, many more. Mustard’s style has snowballed in recent times, emboding the contemporary style of West Coast hip-hop.
The Record Company
It was only back in 2011 that The Record Company were hanging up old microphones in their bass player’s living room and live recording their raw, righteous performances.
Now, 6 years on, the talented trio have been nominated for a 2017 Grammy with their album, Give It Back To You, in the ‘Best Contemporary Blues Album’ category. The album’s first single, ‘Off The Ground‘ spent two consecutive weeks at the number-one spot on the Billboard Adult Album Alternative (AAA) chart and is crammed with their scratchy back porch aesthetic sound.
Since the release of their ground-breaking album, Give It Back To You, the band have spent nearly all of their time touring. Rolling Stone Country praised The Record Company following one of their first performances at Bonnaroo, crowning them among the events “Best Country and American Moments” with a set that was “wildly energetic” and “one of the most communal experiences of the festival.“
SunSquabi
SunSquabi, the three-piece electronic hydro-funk act, are certainly one to watch out for at this year’s M3F. This trio is likely to send you on a seriously mind bending journey.
SunSquabi have spent a lot of time on the road during 2016 following their breakthrough debut EP Odyssey on All Good Records. SunSquabi has continued to break down the barriers between what is expected of a ‘Live-Electronic’ band and constantly strive to push their sound forward bridging musical gaps as they go.
Harrison Fjord
Harrison Fjord is a “tastefully strange” collective of friends who make nostalgic, psychedelic rock – with a jazzy twist.
Gaining an insane amount of momentum within their community, and the Phoenix music scene, these guys will undoubtedly send you spiraling. Receiving national recognition from the Presidential candidate, senator Bernie Sanders, these seven guys deliver an unforgettable experience. An eclectic mix of bluesy guitars, retro synths and velvety vocals, this group is quickly making a name for themselves.
Harrison Fjord have had a busy year, releasing a plethora of visually stunning videos, releasing a full-length record and reeling from the success of their since gone viral hit ‘Approximately 906 Miles‘.
Like what you see?
We’re offering two lucky music lovers the chance to win a pair of tickets to McDowell Mountain Music Festival. For your chance to win, head to our Facebook page. If you’re not one of our lucky winners, you can buy tickets from the official festival website.
