Written and Photographed by: Liv Foltiny Walking by The Fallser Club building, one might not realize they are passing by a live music venue. With its white walls and simple black decorative trim, The Fallser Club, unlike other Philly venues (e.g., The Met, The Fillmore, and the TLA), does not display its name in lights or have adornments emphasizing its nature. All of that changes, however, as soon as you walk through its doors. Entering the building a little after 8:30 p.m., I was greeted by venue staff and a couple of people from WXPN, who had a table set up whe ..read more

Written By : Killian O’Neil and Photographed by: Muriel Margaret PHILADELPHIA — Finneas took the stage at The Fillmore to a sold-out crowd, proving that he’s carving his own path as a solo artist, distinct from his sister Billie Eilish’s massive success. The night was filled with moments that felt like the universe had conspired for me to be there. I had literally been belting out his hit “For Cryin’ Out Loud” just the day before in my car. So when I received an email to cover the show, it felt like a sign I couldn’t ignore. Finneas, 26, stepped into his own spotlight at The Fillmore, with a s ..read more

Written by : Max Bennett. Photos provided by Derek Dorsey Philadelphia — Derek Dorsey has been a fixture in the Philadelphia music scene for more than two decades. Chances are, you haven’t heard of him, but you may have attended one of his shows. The 56-year-old has booked shows at beloved venues such as the Electric Factory (now the corporate “Franklin Music Hall”), The Fire, Underground Arts, Khyber Pass Pub, and The Ave since the early 2000s. Artists he booked to perform at these intimate venues include Jason Mraz, Dr. Dog, Method Man, Sufjan Stevens, Kurt Vile, and The War on Drugs. These ..read more

Written by : Nick Hopton & Photographed by Bob Linneman There’s something about Philadelphia during the holidays. I’m talking about the ones we used to have: snow, laughter, love. We don’t get too many of those around here anymore. Times have changed. People have changed. The paradox of life is that we never really take full advantage of the moments that really mean the most as they’re happening, but rather look on them years later, knowing that they were the best of times. But for a night in December, magic once again took form. This time, it was in the form of a little rock and roll ..read more

  Written by: Max Bennett, Photos by: Ali Brant; David Lisowski; Matt DeVito   Altarviolet Is No Alter Ego, It’s Greta Hotmer’s Essence.  Go listen to the 2021 album Sojourn by Altarviolet. Then listen to Altarviolet’s 2024 album Tired Wild Hearts. One may think these albums were by two separate artists. But Altarviolet is, and always has been, Greta Hotmer. Releasing Tired Wild Hearts was not just releasing a collection of songs to Altarviolet; it was a release of pressure. “I come from a couple of backgrounds, a singer-songwriter, but also I was in a rock band, and Thrice, Def ..read more

Written and Photographed by: Max Bennett   This summer, Philadelphia’s premier public radio station, WXPN, challenged local musicians to write a song in 24 hours. While Khalil Amaru was named the grand prize winner, earning himself a spot on stage at this year’s XPoNential Music Festival, three other artists were named finalists out of the several hundred submissions.   Those artists are Yuneer Gainz, Mackenzie Johnson, and Best Bear, all of whom performed short but sweet sets Thursday night at World Cafe Live for WXPN’s Homegrown Live! show.   The free gig took place in WCL’s u ..read more

Written and Photographed by : Liv Foltiny As the final remnants of orange and blue faded from the sky, I walked up to the TLA and was greeted by its illuminated marquee, which displayed the name of the night’s headliner, Fit For An Autopsy. Even though the night’s event started around 6:30 pm, there were still a few groups of people outside, conversing while the first band, Judiciary, performed. Being somewhat of an awkward social butterfly, I decided to talk with one of the guys in the closest group and, noticing his lanyard, thought I should ask if he worked at the venue. After politely info ..read more

Written and Photographed by: Max Bennett   Philly Music Fest offered an eclectic array of local acts at numerous venues in and around the city. And at Johnny Brenda’s on Oct. 23, Philly Music Fest got turned up to the proverbial 11 with a ripping show featuring headliner Sheer Mag and The Out-Sect in support. The show got going at about 8:17 p.m. with The Out-Sect coming in hot with their surf rock offerings. Both the lead guitar and lead vocals were trembling with tremolo, reminiscent of Link Wray’s 1958 classic “Rumble.” The five-piece band also includes an organ, which complements ..read more

Written By: Lisa Melograno In a world where music can often feel like an endless cycle of sameness, Quiet Time emerges as a refreshing breath of bubblegrunge air. Their debut EP, “Everyone’s Having More Fun Than Me,” encapsulates the spirit of a generation grappling with isolation, nostalgia, and the absurdity of modern life. Hailing from Philadelphia, this band blends the raw, emotional edge of grunge with bubblegum pop sensibilities, creating a sound that’s both familiar and strikingly unique. Quiet Time’s inception during the COVID-19 pandemic gives their music an added layer of significanc ..read more

Written and Photographed by Liv Foltiny Walking along V St. NW in Washington, D.C., one could easily miss the 9:30 Club. With its brick facade and lack of any conspicuous signage, the 9:30 Club looks like any old building in the city to those unfamiliar with it; however, upon entering the venue, it’s apparent that isn’t the case. From the concert posters taped on doors and throughout the halls to a back room filled with an expansive collection of albums, there is no denying the music and memories that dwell within the building. This past Tuesday (10/15), the sounds and stor ..read more