It is hard to say what is louder — the actual Indy 500 race or the local Indie 500 festival, which features two full days of local bands racing straight through 500 songs.
With 100 bands performing over the course of 37 hours, there is bound to be something for everyone at The Trunk Space's third annual Indie 500. If you can't stay awake the entire event, make sure to check out these sets from local artists
AJJ
AJJ, or Andrew Jackson Jihad as it was formerly known, is probably the Phoenix music scene's most global band, having played all around America. Its music defies labels or genres but punk, folk and indie inspirations are apparent. Check them out during the 9 a.m. hour on Saturday, playing songs 26-35.
Andy Warpigs
Andy Warpigs is sort of an enigma in the Phoenix music scene, but his project is personal and completely unique. He combines the subdued nature of folk music and the lyrical angst of punk music to create something ska-like. He definitely can't be missed and is playing song 206-210 around 11 p.m. on Saturday.
The Blank Waves
The Blank Waves will be exposing the city to some psychedelic bizarreness. They will probably play some tracks off of its brand new album, which was due out last month. They will play tracks 146-150 at around 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Consumer
Consumer also doesn't really fit into a single genre easily, but if you are into head bobbing and aggressive instrumentation, this trio can't be overlooked. They will play songs 246-250 at around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning.
Diners
Writer and bandleader Tyler Broderick describes Diners as friendly rock and roll. When listening to their music, it is easy to go to another time, to a few decades ago. Diners is scheduled to play song 176-180 at approximately 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Dogbreth
Around the Phoenix area, Dogbreth is known for its down-to-earth rock music. The band is not only composed to Phoenix natives but some of the bandmates are from Seattle, bringing a unique sound to the Valley. The band has been an institution in the Phoenix music scene for years and will kick off the Indie 500 at 8 a.m. on Saturday.
Playboy Manbaby
As niche as the genre post-funk sounds, Playboy Manbaby will not disappoint. The sextet has a lot of influences, and you won't hear anything else like them at the Indie 500. Don't miss the band playing songs 191-195 at 10 p.m. on Saturday.
Red Tank!
Red Tank! has been around for almost six years and are still one of the most interesting bands in Phoenix. Its fans love them for musical talent, rawness and garage band feel. Don't miss them at around 7 a.m. on Sunday morning playing songs 306-310.
RØÅR
Singer and guitarist Owen Evans will be joined on stage by an array of musicians in his art-pop project RØÅR. The band is familiar and easy to listen to, especially for this familiar with its influences like The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Os Mutantes, The Pixies and more. They will hop on stage to play songs 11-15, sometime in the 8 a.m. hour on Saturday.
The Smiling Faces
The Smiling Faces have been around in the Phoenix metro area for about three years now. They bring a grungy and mature rock sound to the table, which will provide a necessary energy boost for its midnight time slot on Sunday morning where they will be playing tracks 216-220.
For two days, bands all across the valley and beyond will be racing through 500 songs and a wristband only costs $10.
Reach the reporter at tanner.stechnij@asu.edu or follow @tannerstechnij on Twitter.
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