Each fall, Desert Companion releases its eagerly awaited culture guide, showcasing event listings and highlighting emerging talent in the local music scene.
This year, we turned to Eric Duran-Valle, a local musician and regular contributor, along with Las Vegas Weekly staff writer Gabriela Rodriguez, for their picks on local artists and music that captured their attention.
Switterbeet
I am so happy that I can now talk about this band! People at home may recall I used to play bass for Switterbeet. I had to leave due to other projects needing my attention (as did the guitarist and drummer), but they’ve come back stronger than ever. Tierney Torchin is the bold and bawdy lead singer of the alt-rock group, giving their music a flirty flair that makes songs catchy and live shows an absolute spectacle. - Eric Duran-Valle
Where to see them: Swan Dive, Taverna Costera, Huntridge Tavern, fighting over the last plushies in the claw machine.
Choice Track: “Plum”
QNC DAYZ
QNC DAYZ (pronounced Quincy Daze) brings a fresh, alternative, and experimental approach to hip-hop. Rapping since the age of 12, his style is soulful and funk-influenced, with a steady flow that feels effortless. He’s a natural storyteller, and his music stands out for its old-school vibe, something you don’t hear much of in today’s trap-heavy hip-hop scene. Prepare to fade away (in a good way) and escape to soulful galaxies when listening to QNC. - Gabriela Rodriguez
Where to see him: Zia Records (Eastern Location)
Choice Track: “Letmeloveu”
Past Self
My lame claim to fame will be that I was only a few feet away when this band took one of its most viral photos: three goths sitting with Santa Claus at a shopping mall. Past Self is a pioneer in the genre that they call, “K-Goth,” which is a type of darkwave rock that melds Korean and English lyrics with energetic rhythms from bassist Spektor, harrowing vocals and guitar riffs from lead singer Sung, and rich synthscapes from keyboardist Æther. - EDV
Where to see them: Swan Dive, Sin Wave, Fremont Country Club/Backstage Bar and Billiards, a fever dream deep in the night.
Choice Track: “Slow Death and Exposition”
Sunroom
Perhaps you can refer to Sunroom as your "end of the world band,” because they were one of the last local acts I saw live before the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020. Their sound is a unique blend of indie rock and pop, with a distinct emo twist. Upbeat and lively music meets lyrically dark themes that often reflect personal struggles, and that combination makes you feel a certain tug of war you can’t help but play along with. - GR
P.S."indiemo" might just be the perfect term to describe their style, and that may or may not have been coined by Eric Duran-Valle.
Where to see them: Berlin Bar, Downtown Las Vegas
Choice Track: “Rope”
Crumbcatcher
Do you have the persistence to stick with a project for almost four years? I don’t know if I do and I signed a mortgage a couple years ago. But Jack Wagner, lead singer and guitarist for Crumbcatcher did for their new album Infinite Feedback, and it definitely shows. It’s a beautiful work that evokes the past two decades of indie rock and emo (indiemo?) to tell an emotional story about growing up, heartbreak, and persevering. - EDV
Where to see them: Red Dwarf, The Usual Place, the painful feeling of having just taped over a precious memory on a VHS cassette.
Choice Track: “Death Bloom”
Mutual
This shoegaze and lo-fi rock quartet places a strong emphasis on instrumental soundscapes, with the vocals acting more as powdered sugar on french toast. Blending psychedelic rock elements with layered, hazy guitar riffs and driving percussion — their sound is bound to set you off in a trance. With the band’s influences being iconic acts like Ringo Deathstarr, My Bloody Valentine, and Swervedriver; Mutual's music is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, making them a compelling pick for fans of the genre who are looking for fresh yet familiar sounds. - GR
Where to see them: The Griffin, Pioneer Saloon, The Usual Place
Choice Track: “Sitcom”