It’s pretty cool how every year Neon Desert Music Festival, here in El Paso, has always included along-side international superstar big names and underground favorites, the local talent that is birthed and bred here in the borderland which also includes Juárez and Las Cruces, artists. From bands, hip-hop artists, singer/songwriters and so on, the locals plug in each year on all stages of the festival and emit their sedulous artistry hooking new fans over.
On Saturday catch psychedelic blues-rock group Dizz Brew from Juárez, MX, who have been making noise in the borderland for several years now turning up to 11 letting that feedback roar to the more classic sounds of rock. You’ll get a dose of some heavy riffage, pounding drums and whaling solos to melt some faces.
Progressive experimental-rock band The Anhedonians have been making the rounds around town at the local spots showcasing their individual style of rock with traces of metal and folk. Keeping the spirit of rock & roll alive in the 915, these desert rockers are finding new musical roads to travel and want to take you on the ride. Young up-and-coming singer/songwriter Roman Rogue blends pop and soul to create earnest music. Already having released his EP Voicemails (which he self-produced with the collaborative effort of local DJ/Producer Cxstle Cvstl) and working hard on new singles to release this year, now its time to see the kid in action.
El Chuco punk darlings Mijas always bring the party and good times to their live set with lots of energy and volume. These dudes have been around since 2013 keeping busy touring and releasing vinyl, definitely a local favorite in the music scene here in the borderland. The rest of Saturday includes R&B singer Verse, indie-rock group Pet People and hip-hop jazz groovesters Ribo Ruckus. On Sunday you can check out alternative/folk band The Murder Police, who although having only one album under their belt(Same Old World)are actually individually scene veterans involved in other projects as well. Local singer/songwriter Emily Davis seems to have linked up with some of this town’stop players collaborate and create new sounds. Lo-Fi psych-punks Lunas keep it crunchy and heavy on their garage-tinged riffs. With fast beats and math-rock grooving, Lunas explosive set is a must see. Born in Columbus, GA but now an artist based in El Paso, multi-talented musician Lavell Jones style of hip-hop includes influences including Jay-Z, Jimi Hendrix, and Pharrell Williams. Already part of popular music collective Rare Individuals who’ve opened up for many big names like Ice Cube, Future, and G-Eazy, Jones will hype up the crowd with his hot flow and first-class beats, and maybe some possible Rare guest appearances.
An honorable mention on Sunday and shout out goes to Holy Wave who have long-time moved from El Paso to Austin, TX, and have gone on to great success touring all over the world, playing huge festivals and releasing amazing albums. Go see what all the fuzz is about. The rest of the local’s for Sunday include indie-rock trio Homerun Derby, R&B and pop singer Jordan Taylor, and indie-pop group Juice and the Suds. Maybe you’ve already caught some of these acts at some of the local venues that support local music ALL YEAR LONG—Love Buzz, Monarch, Neon Rose, Tricky Falls, and The Lowbrow to name a few of the few (ha!). Now its time to watch the locals shine, festival style.
