The Fayetteville indie, punk and folk music scenes keep expanding in new and exciting ways. We’ve had an explosion of activity over the last few years and it’s culminated in an increase of shows this Summer and Fall.
New bands are breathing life into older genres, and collaboratively booked shows are putting artists in front of continually growing crowds. Emerging DIY music promoters HopOut, Holy Anvil Recording, The Collective NWA, Heavy Hits NWA, Hill Records and Stay Swinky have seen their small, grassroots events turn into backroom shows at George’s Majestic Lounge, and sold out shows at Smoke & Barrel Tavern and Nomad’s Trailside.
Fayetteville has always been home to some of the most original musicians in Arkansas, and lately it seems like we’re on the cusp of something big. No longer able to be contained to the weekend - you can see live music on most any night of the week in Fayetteville.
Bands to see this Summer and Fall
Idle Valley
Idle Valley jokingly refer to themselves as “Weezer-core”, and this influence is apparent in their extremely catchy songs “Girlfriend” and “Museum”, but there’s a lot more to their pop-punk sound. Their recently released debut record The First Album Ever is lightning in a bottle, one where every song combines infectious hooks and the feeling of youth. There is sarcasm and yearning scattered throughout these winsome songs, all keenly measured out in singer Ben Welborn’s vivid lyrics. This is the record you put on after leaving the Braum’s drive-thru with ice cream, driving to Locomotion or Lake Fayetteville on a hot Summer day. Roll the windows down and turn it up.
Modeling
Modeling is the electronic trio of brothers Connor, Ryan and Cuinn Brogan. The band’s brooding yet danceable sound comes together in unique ways on their excellent debut record Somewhere Before. Modeling are sonic architects on their gorgeous debut, building an entire world through songs that sound like impressionistic paintings. This is the score of a science fiction film that you haven’t seen before. Simply put, Modeling is one of the best bands in Arkansas. Their epic songs “Nothing Unexpected” and “Until It Ends” could accompany you during a visit to Arkadia Retrocade. Listen during a bike ride on the Razorback Greenway, while the colors along the trail blend into the music.
Jude Brothers
Jude Brothers’ self-described genre of “freak folk” is accurate, but limiting. Jude creates folk music so sly and quirky that they can’t be easily compared to other artists. Their voice is the stunning center of their debut record Render Tender / Blunder Sunder, released on the Fayetteville-based Gar Hole Records. The song “I’m Gonna Build A Life I Don’t Wanna Escape From” is one of the best songs released by a local artist. Jude’s record is the epitome of vulnerable songwriting, with harp and guitar just as ethereal as the soaring vocals. The songs on Render Tender / Blunder Sunder would be the perfect companion on an evening walk around Mount Sequoyah or played during morning coffee at Arsaga’s.
Resting
The band Resting is so new that they’ve only released the singles “Boys” and “Pushers”. Led by songwriters Tim Robinson and Daniel Warner, Resting’s sound falls in the dream-pop and shoegaze categories. The band creates warmly layered and cloudy tones that recall synth driven post punk from the 80’s and 90’s. If you catch them live, you can listen to their upcoming record being released in real time. This is a band to keep your eyes on. Resting’s sound would soundtrack a night out at Smoke & Barrel Tavern, or a walk up Dickson towards George’s Majestic Lounge.
The Phlegms
The Phlegms have risen up through house shows and DIY spaces into becoming one of the best live bands in Arkansas, playing larger venues and performing at the inaugural Format Festival. Led by Avery Lee, one of the most compelling vocalists in regional punk, The Phlegms bring nuance and an introspective fury to a genre that can often lack dynamics. The band has shared stages with some of the best punk bands currently touring, including London-based Shame and Detroit’s Protomartyr. Kansas City songwriter Kevin Morby recently dubbed The Phlegms “his favorite band” during a visit to Northwest Arkansas. Their engaging sound will catch your attention regardless. They would sound perfect blasting out of the speakers at Fossil Cove Brewery or while hanging out with friends at the picnic tables near Bottle Rocket Subs.
Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster
Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster toured the United States for a decade as the singer and songwriter of Water Liars, his critically acclaimed band that released 3 masterful records on Fat Possum Records between 2012 and 2015. After a life of constant touring, Kinkel-Schuster settled down in Fayetteville. Now as a solo musician, He’s released a series of hidden gems: Constant Stranger (2016), Take Heart, Take Care(2019) and No Tongue Can Tell (2022). Equal parts nimble folk and Southern rock and roll, these albums showcase a lyrical prowess that can draw comparison to the great Arkansas poets Frank Stanford and C.D. Wright. Kinkel-Schuster has shared stages with Angel Olsen and Julian Baker, and his songwriting is truly extraordinary and a genuine snapshot of our region. His records would highlight a First Thursday on the Fayetteville Square or an afternoon browsing the shelves at Block Street Records.
Don’t miss shows by Midnight Wagon, Deadbird, Mudlung, Always Tired, The Misdemeanors, Gardensnakes, Jess Harp, Ted Hammig And The Campaign, Mildenhall, Ozark Riviera, Sad Palomino, Obliviate, Chrono Wizard, Drew Hutson Rogers, and Squash Garden coming to a local venue near you this Summer.
There is an abundance of local bands and this is only a sample of the moment. Fayetteville’s sound is growing as fast as the city itself, and we have something for everyone - Whether it’s an acoustic show at Mount Sequoyah Center’s Vesper Point, a hip hop showcase at Nomad’s West End, a hardcore punk show at Nomad’s Trailside, a metal show at Smoke & Barrel Tavern, an EDM show at George’s Majestic Lounge, or an indie show at JJ’s Live.
The Fayetteville Sound is whatever you want to hear, now you just have to go out and find it.
