Kyle Dehn
Header photo: LCD Soundsystem at M3F. Above: Justice.
Despite some wet weather conditions, Arizona’s M3F festival was a great example of a music fest that delivered beyond expectations on and off stage.
M3F is a well established (over two decades) festival held in Phoenix that utilizes local volunteers in many positions, books local artists for opening spots, and donates profits and space to community charities, such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix food banks and local dog adoption programmes.
The 2025 line-up focused on electronic and indie rock and included acts with Arizona ties, such as Upsahl, Pariah Pete, and Alice.KM as well as international headliners. Friday experienced some heavy rain most of the day and despite lots of muddy feet and wet fans, once the rain let up, folks showed up with lots of energy.
Some highlights from Day 1 included alternative jazz masters BadBadNotGood, shoegazers Alvvays (who worried they’d brought the cold Canadian weather with them) and indie rock vets LCD Soundsystem. Front man James Murphy was as charming as ever and the band brought a warmth and personality and they also just ‘played the hits’.
By late Day 2, New Zealand band Leisure’s chill vibe felt totally appropriate for the festival and appearance of the sun. Sylvan Esso kept the bright, upbeat feeling alive with the duo bringing limited set decoration but an abundance of energy and attitude. Justice closed the festival strong with one of the best light shows touring right now and an intensity that belied their focused demeanour on stage. Justice could be one of the must-see shows of the year. The French electronic masters are as cool as ever.
With so many festivals aiming for sheer enormity and a calculated corporate approach that results in gigantic line-ups, expensive ticket prices and sameness, M3F has a genuine community feel to it and delivered a great festival.
Keep an eye on Lucire for upcoming festivals that present unique identities and a purpose. We’d love suggestions from readers for any festival recommendations and coverage you’d like to see.
Devin Colvin is entertainment editor of Lucire.
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