26 March 6th-March 12th, 2025 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | Phoenix’s 9 best record labels These are the outfines that define music in the Valley. BY SHI BRADLEY T he music scene in Phoenix has often been hard to categorize. Sure, folks love a lot of metal, punk and hardcore around these parts, but we’ve also got solid scenes around country, electronic and even ambient music. It’s the daring artists and bands that have facilitated this diversity, but you also have to give credit to the local record labels. From outfits focused on Indigenous music to those interested only in dropping reissues, Phoenix’s independent record labels have helped foster the sheer level of music innovation pouring out of the city’s streets on the regular. Not every label is as busy or prolific as others, and some are interested in a curated model over an approach best defined as “cramming new records down listeners’ faces.” Still, both techniques have yielded results, and these labels have continually helped Phoenix perform as a cultural powerhouse when it comes to new, old and unheard music. So, where do you go if you want Native American folk music? What about harsh noise or crustpunk? Well, we’ve assembled a list of the 11 best indie labels for your regular perusal and reference. Whatever you’re looking for musically, these labels will have it and more, and each one adds something new to the cultural patchwork that is Phoenix. Now, open those wallets and spend with wild abandon. Ascetic House Ascetic House adheres to a stylish and minimalistic aesthetic across both its releases and online presence. That poignant but simple approach is the effort of a group of friends (Nick Nappa, Jes Aurelius, Alex Jarson and Danny Pupillo) who initially bonded over their love of literature, music and psychedelics. The label quickly went from being a place where the group self-published prose and plays to music, dropping as many as 30 projects a year, including those from Baby Blue, DivPro, King Vision Ultra, Cellular Feel and UBK. While the label’s last records released at the end of 2020, Ascetic House’s Instagram continues to promote shows by artists. Meanwhile, that page’s bio reads, “At ease in the shadows, the hand which works and builds; 2025.” So, yeah, expect big things from this rather cool outfit. Buffalo Jump Records Producer Stephen Butler co-founded Buffalo Jump Records in 2020 to help amplify the voices and sounds of Indigenous voices across the Valley. Butler previously worked as an executive producer for more than 20 years at Canyon Records, which promoted a similarly strong focus on Native American music. When label heads decided they would stop releasing new music and representing new artists, Butler moved to Buffalo, where he and Kristen Butler (who handles licensing) and Russell Marsden (an engineer and creative strategist) started empowering both artists and listeners in a truly collab- orative experience. The label currently has 10 active artists, including Tony Duncan, an Apache hoop dancer and flute player, and Fawn Wood, an award-winning singer. Common Wall Media With operations based primarily in Mesa, Common Wall Media was founded in 2005 by former Dear and the Headlights bassist Chuckie Duff (whose band is now also repped by Common Wall). Currently, the label represents around a dozen artists, including Breakup Shoes, who have garnered a larger national profile in recent years. They also rep established acts like Snake! Snake! Snakes! and Gospel Claws, with both acts having broken through to the larger national market. The fact that Common Wall also produces films and other media properties means their artists have a direct connection to sweet, sweet licensing deals and other career-expanding benefits. Earsweat Records With his own multifaceted background in hip-hop, Joshua “Rashenal” Bolick has positioned Earsweat Records to Fervor Records’ COO Jeff Freundlich with founder and CEO David Hilker. (Photo by Fervor Records) >> p 28 ▼ Music
