M3F, the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, has become a cornerstone of Phoenix’s vibrant music scene. This annual non-profit festival boasts a diverse lineup, attracting thousands of music lovers with its infectious energy and commitment to the community. The vibrant energy of M3F 2024 has faded, but the echoes of incredible music, unforgettable moments, and community spirit still linger. Get a glimpse into the Moon Lvnding team’s favorite moments from the festival.
It’s Murph by James Jimenez
The dance music rising star It’s Murph blew me away at M3F. Knowing a variety of his music but never having been to one of his live sets made this moment a great experience. The Spring Phoenix weather combined with a diverse musical selection from the artist made this set a highlight of the festival for me. The crowd was engaged and I was in the audience dancing and vibing!
The production for this set was eye-catching! This was my first M3F experience and I loved the production and the venue layout. Each stage had its charm and It’s Murph’s set is a prime example. It’s Murph’s visuals complemented the vibrancy of his music to create an enjoyable time.
Dominic Fike by Gunnar Bartsch
Dominic Fike excelled in Tempe, Arizona in 2023 at the Marquee Theater and his M3F set was even better! He plays his guitar and sings during his sets. One can feel the honesty in his voice as he opened up about life’s struggles and how music saved him. Throughout each song, it is evident that he is genuine and connected to every word, chord, and rhythm.
The crowd grew bigger and bigger with each song he played as his voice and guitar drew people to his stage. With his hits scattered throughout his set mixed with his older songs from Westcoast Collective, it made for a good set and mellow vibe to end Day 1 of M3F.
DRAMA by James Kitamura
DRAMA was one of the most unique acts at M3F 2024. It is the multicultural collaboration between producer Na’el Shehade‘s chic Chicago house-infused production style and vocalist Via Rosa whose soulful delivery is inspired by the improvisational nature of jazz and playful patterns of hip-hop and bossa nova.
DRAMA brought the energy from the jump and was one of the highlights of the weekend. During their 5pm set at the Daydream stage, DRAMA performed various hits and deep cuts from Gallows, Dance Without Me, and their newest album Till We Die. Later that evening, Na’el and Via came back out on stage during Gorgon City’s nighttime set and surprised the audience with a live performance of their 2021 smash hit “You’ve Done Enough.”
Gordo by James Kitamura
Gordo came to party at his M3F set. His Latin roots fused perfectly with the Arizona vibe, creating an instant connection with the crowd. He kicked things off with a great one-two punch of “Hombres y Mujeres” and “Kill For this Shit” which got the crowd bumping and jumping. A heartfelt shoutout to the late Young Dolph paid respect for his fellow artist. Then Gordo unleashed the heat with some exclusive, unreleased tracks that left everyone wanting more. Gordo’s set flew by in a flash of heat and good vibes.
Lane 8 by James Kitamura
Lane 8 is famous for his unique “This Never Happened” event series, which adopts a strict no-phone/no-camera policy to allow the audience to get lost in the music and live in the moment. As Saturday night’s closing act, Lane 8 took the stage with his signature blend of melodic house and deep beats, captivating the audience with his emotive soundscapes and infectious rhythms.
Although festivalgoers were not required to tape over their phone cameras upon entering, Lane 8 kept the audience engaged throughout and had the crowd dancing from start to finish. His headlining performance at M3F served as a fitting conclusion to the weekend. It was a testament to his status as a leading figure in the electronic music scene, leaving fans in awe.
Conclusion
As the dust settles on M3F 2024, the performances and connections forged under the desert sky linger on. The festival was more than just music. It was a celebration of community, a testament to the power of shared experiences, and a reminder of the joy that music brings to our lives.
Each writer’s unique perspective added a different point of view to Moon Lvnding’s M3F mosaic, showcasing the diverse tapestry of emotions and experiences that make this festival so special. We eagerly await the next opportunity to lose ourselves in the magic of M3F and dance beneath the desert sun alongside fellow music lovers.
