Arizonans in search of a local music scene fix have an outing cut out for them with the return of Tempe Noise Takeover. The annual charity concert event runs through Sunday and operates out of two venues: Yucca Tap Room and Time Out Lounge. Spotlighting a lineup teeming with home-grown talent, the festival gives stage time to bands and artists across the state. Benefiting from this year's sonic gathering will be the Abortion Fund of Arizona, receiving proceeds to aid those seeking abortion services in the state. In a statement obtained by Phoenix New Times, organizer E.P. Bradley spoke of the festival's mission, emphasizing the importance of live performance exposure for local bands which often fly under the popular radar.
The festival, formerly known as Tempe Noise Pop Takeover, underwent a name change after a legal scuffle with the Noise Pop Festival from San Francisco, which owns the copyright to the moniker "Noise Pop." The cease-and-desist they received earlier this year left Bradley and his cohorts dropping "Pop" from their festival's name. Despite the setback, Bradley remains undeterred, telling Phoenix New Times, "The name isn't the festival itself." The focus, according to Bradley, stays squarely on the performing artists and the audience, a testament to the organizers' commitment to their cause.
The event's inaugural year faced its own challenges with venue cancellations, which organizers navigated by swapping in replacement spaces—a move that met resistance from the city of Tempe. Despite these difficulties, Bradley has honed the 2024 festival, with popular local artists like Josué Kinter and Bogan Via joining the bill. "The big thing is you will find your new favorite local band here," Bradley explained, underscoring the diversity and quality of the acts featured. Bogan Via, a seasoned musical pair, shared their enthusiasm for the festival's community-centric approach, noting the exposure it offers to new music. In an interview with Phoenix New Times, Madeleine Miller of Bogan Via highlighted the sense of discovery that such a gathering engenders for artists and audiences alike.
Kinter, slotted for performance on September 7, marks his live return after a six-month hiatus, bringing to the stage fresh singles including “PSYCHO” and “Yr Not Safe”. As for the festival's closing act, Bogan Via plans a “superset” equipped with a captivating projection show to complement their 45-minute set replete with new tunes and prior hits. They, too, released a collaboration track in August titled “Different Side of Me.” With the weekend drawing near, Tempe Noise Takeover presents a unmissable convergence of local sonance, community, and philanthropy. More details on the line-up and schedules can be found in the coverage by Ground News, ensuring attendees can plot their musical journey through the fest.
