The Desert Vibe

The Desert Vibe LLC
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Music Interviews

The Desert Vibe Podcast is Arizona’s home for the local music scene, featuring conversations with musicians, songwriters, venue owners, industry professionals, and the people shaping music across the state. Hosted by Walt Richardson and Glen Gardner, with marketing and promotions by Emma & James Mattison, the show celebrates independent artists, live music, and the communities that make Arizona’s music scene thrive.Every episode concludes with “What’s Vibin’ in the Desert,” a statewide roundtable where rotating regional contributors share upcoming live shows, open mics, jam sessions, festivals, and other music opportunities from across Arizona.New episodes are released here on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. If you love supporting independent artists, discovering live music, and staying connected with Arizona’s music community, subscribe and come hang with us. 🌵🎶

  1. 2d ago

    Co-Writing Forces You To Grow Faster Than Solo Writing | Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 9

    A stage name can be a mask, or it can be a map. We’re joined by Phoenix singer-songwriter Amy Muñoz, who performs as Aurora Z, and she tells the real story behind the name: a brutal season of divorce, a return to old hobbies that wouldn’t stay small, and the moment music started to feel like home again. We talk about what it’s like to step onstage after years away, how fear shows up at open mic nights, and why a welcoming Arizona music community can change everything for an artist who’s still finding their voice. Visit her Site: https://auroraz.hearnow.com/ We also get into the craft side of songwriting and performing, from revisiting early work to rewriting lyrics with a totally different life perspective. Aurora Z shares why co-writing is so challenging and so valuable, how it forces new rhythms and new structure, and why you should record every musical idea, even the ones you think are garbage. If you’re into singer-songwriter stories, Phoenix live music, or the creative process behind personal songs, there are a lot of practical takeaways here. Then we switch gears with What’s Vibing in the Desert, our Arizona live music events and opportunities roundup. We highlight open mics, jams, and venues across the state, including details that actually matter when you show up to play. If you’re looking for Arizona open mic nights, ways to get booked, or new rooms to support, this segment is built for you. Subscribe for more Arizona entertainment and music stories, share this with a musician friend, and leave a review if the show helps you find your next stage. What open mic or venue should we scout next? Support the show Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast 🌵 Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast 🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products Hosts • Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com • Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net Marketing, PR & Website • Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music Regional Contributors Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment. Interested in being interviewed or representing your region? https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com #TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands

  2. Oct 23

    Mark Zubia Explains How A Scene Grows | Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 8

    Tempe has a sound you can hear in the first few chords and it didn’t happen by accident. Glenn Gardner and Walt Richardson sit down with special guest Mark Zubia, a veteran Arizona singer-songwriter with a deep catalog and serious scene-building miles, to trace how a guitar-driven pop rock identity grew out of local rooms, late nights, and a community that acted more like a co-op than a competition. Visit his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markzubia_/ We dig into what makes the “Tempe sound” feel distinct: country and folk instincts inside rock production, lyrical storytelling, and pop songwriting built on real hooks. Mark shares what it was like coming up when radio options were limited, when you could write a song in the afternoon and test it on stage that night, and when labels had to physically fly in, sit in a bar, and watch the crowd. We also talk honestly about what changes after a deal, why the “real work begins” once you’re in the big pond, and how decision-making inside a label can shape a band’s fate. Then we shift from history to right-now action with What’s Vibing in the Desert, spotlighting musician-friendly events and open mics across Arizona, from Sedona and the White Mountains to Glendale, Tempe, Casa Grande, Tucson, and Yuma. Walt closes with a grounded reminder about authenticity, art, and the long reach of small acts of kindness. Subscribe for more Arizona music scene conversations, share this with a friend who loves local music, and leave a review with your favorite Tempe or Phoenix venue so more listeners can find the show. Support the show Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast 🌵 Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast 🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products Hosts • Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com • Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net Marketing, PR & Website • Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music Regional Contributors Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment. Interested in being interviewed or representing your region? https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com #TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands

  3. Oct 16

    How A Retired FBI Agent Built A Life On Open Mics And National Parks | The Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 7

    She didn’t just retire, she reinvented everything. Sue Schnitzer joins us to talk about what happens when you sell the house, load up a Prius, and build a real music life around open mics, festivals, and the kind of community you can only find by showing up night after night. Visit Her Website: https://sueschnitzermusic.com/ We get into the details that matter for singers and songwriters: how Sue routes travel by finding an open mic in every stop, what she notices about the Arizona music scene compared with other states, and why Phoenix-area rooms often feel more like a true hang than a quick “play and leave” checklist. She also shares how a song changes when it’s performed live versus watched on social media, and why she treats every performance like a conversation instead of a broadcast. If you’re into songwriting craft, you’ll hear what she’s working on right now, from paying attention to verbs to cutting favorite lines that don’t belong, keeping songs under four minutes, and using prompts to break through writer’s block. We also talk about her path from children’s music to an adult-focused album, and how the skills of engaging kids translate directly into holding a room full of grown-up kids. Then we switch gears with “What’s Vibin’ in the Desert,” a statewide list of Arizona open mic nights, venues, and musician opportunities across multiple regions, plus how you can become a regional rep and help grow this grassroots network. If you enjoyed the show, subscribe, share it with a musician friend, and leave us a review so more people can find the Desert Vibe. Support the show Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast 🌵 Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast 🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products Hosts • Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com • Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net Marketing, PR & Website • Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music Regional Contributors Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment. Interested in being interviewed or representing your region? https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com #TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands

  4. Oct 8

    From Marine Corps Deployments To Valley Songwriting Nights | The Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 6

    A $99 guitar. Three deployments. One decision to keep passing the instrument forward and keep playing anyway. Songwriter Matthew Moyer joins us to talk about the real arc from Marine Corps service to building an Arizona singer-songwriter community that actually listens. We get into what music does as a stress reliever, why stage time matters more when the room is supportive, and how mentorship often looks like a simple invitation: “Jump in on this song, we’ll get through it.” His Website: https://matthewmoyermusic.com/ Matthew also shares practical musician-to-musician details, including how he tunes his guitar for the chords he writes with, why “in tune with itself” beats “perfect on a tuner,” and how that shift can elevate both songwriting and performance. Then we talk family: how his son Whalen found bass, leveled up fast, and became his own person in the scene, not just “someone’s kid,” which is exactly what a healthy local music culture should do. We also roll into our “What’s Vibin’ in the Desert” segment, scanning north to south across Arizona with open mics and events in Prescott, Surprise, Tempe, Casa Grande, Globe, Tucson, and Yuma, plus tips on how to plug into the statewide network. If you’re searching for Arizona open mics, Phoenix live music, Tempe music events, or singer-songwriter showcases, this one is built to help you plan your next set and find your people. Subscribe, share this with a musician friend, and leave a review so more artists can find the map. Support the show Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast 🌵 Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast 🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products Hosts • Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com • Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net Marketing, PR & Website • Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music Regional Contributors Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment. Interested in being interviewed or representing your region? https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com #TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands

  5. Oct 2

    What Happens When Fans Decide Musicians Deserve Better Pay | The Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 5

    A dirt road in Tempe shouldn’t be one of the most reliable paying “venues” in town and yet it is. We sit down with Paul Kent, a devoted live music fan who helped create Gig At The Ditch, a neighborhood concert series that started as a pandemic survival idea and turned into a lasting community tradition. Paul walks us through how it began, why it evolved from multiple corners to one simple setup, and what surprised him most about the trust musicians placed in a show hosted on a dead end street by an irrigation ditch.  We get practical about the part musicians care about most: money. Paul explains their straightforward model of guaranteed pay plus tips, how Venmo keeps tipping going even days later, and why the whole mission is getting cash into musicians’ hands without the usual friction. We also talk about what draws a “regular Joe” into the local music scene, why kids seeing humans play real instruments matters, and what audiences can do to keep the Arizona music scene healthy.  Then we zoom out to Paul’s other world: Flagstaff Extreme, an outdoor ropes and zip line adventure course near Flagstaff built through a public private partnership, plus the real operational lessons of staying safe and adapting during COVID. Finally, we roll into What’s Vibing in the Desert with a statewide scan of open mics, jams, and festivals, and we close with a simple, repeatable stress check you can use anytime. If you like grassroots community concerts, Tempe live music, Arizona open mics, and real ways to support local musicians, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review. Support the show Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast 🌵 Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast 🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products Hosts • Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com • Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net Marketing, PR & Website • Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music Regional Contributors Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment. Interested in being interviewed or representing your region? https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com #TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands

  6. Sep 18

    We Can Chase Influences Without Getting Trapped By Genre | The Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 4

    A blues record can be honest without being a costume, and that question of authenticity drives our conversation with William Stafford, the songwriter behind Window Business. He joins us to unpack why he resists being labeled “a blues guy” even when the music hits hard, and how chasing influences across decades can produce something that still feels modern. We get into the difference between genre as a sound and genre as a community, plus what it really means to “earn the blues” without turning your whole identity into a marketing tag.  Visit Will's Website: window.business William also opens up about craft from a lyricist-first perspective, pulling inspiration from artists as different as Kendrick Lamar, Leonard Cohen, Harry Chapin, and Kurt Cobain. We talk about the magic of holding beauty and ugliness in the same line, learning the roots without repeating the mythology, and building a repeatable recording process with a trusted engineer and team. If you’re an independent musician, a songwriter, or just someone who loves hearing how records get made, there are plenty of practical takeaways here.  After our interview, we roll into What’s Vibin' in the Desert, our statewide Arizona live music and open mic roundup, with stops from Sedona and Glendale to Tempe, Florence, the White Mountains, Tucson, and Yuma. We wrap with Walt’s Wisdom and a simple idea that makes every scene stronger: it’s nice to be nice. Subscribe for more Arizona music discovery, share this with a musician friend, and leave a review with the open mic or venue you want us to cover next. Support the show Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast 🌵 Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast 🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products Hosts • Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com • Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net Marketing, PR & Website • Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music Regional Contributors Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment. Interested in being interviewed or representing your region? https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com #TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands

  7. Sep 11

    Hans Olson Explains Why He Never Chased Money | The Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 3

    A gold-painted toenail on a chain. A radio dial that sounded cooler in Phoenix than it ever did in LA. A career built on community, grit, and a love of the blues even when the label never quite fit. We’re joined by renowned Arizona singer-songwriter and performer Hans Olson to talk about his new book, Arizona Troubadour, and the real stories behind how the local music scene got rolling.  Visit his website: http://www.hansolson.net/ We start with the book itself, including the R-rated warning on the cover and the guitars pictured there, then jump into the long arc of playing shows in Arizona: the early days on Mill Avenue, the larger-than-life performance bits, and the kind of friendships where you can laugh hard while still telling the truth. Hans shares how he got pulled toward “blues guy” status after arriving to a place with so little blues that fans latched on fast, and how legendary radio voices and stations like KCAC and KDKB helped shape taste, opportunity, and momentum for local artists.  We also get wonderfully nerdy about craft. Hans breaks down why he likes high action, how a super-thin bent pick changes speed and feel, and why turning up loud can transform your touch. Along the way, he reflects on playing with Brownie McGhee, the most embarrassing wrong-key moment of his career, and the personal resilience that comes from adapting early in life.  After the conversation, we run our What’s Vibin’ in the Desert segment with upcoming open mics, jams, and events across Arizona, then close with Walt’s wisdom on a surprisingly practical tool for calm: humming your favorite song to shift your nervous system toward peace. If you enjoy Arizona music history, blues storytelling, songwriter life, and practical musician tips, hit subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave us a review so more listeners can find Desert Vibe. Support the show Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast 🌵 Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast 🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products Hosts • Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com • Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net Marketing, PR & Website • Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music Regional Contributors Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment. Interested in being interviewed or representing your region? https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com #TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands

  8. Sep 4

    Les Paul Roque Explains Why Great Music Must Move Bodies | The Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 2

    A great musician can walk into any room, listen for a minute, and make the whole place move. That’s the energy Les Paul Roque brings to Desert Vibe, and it’s why he proudly calls himself “the people’s piano player.” We talk about what that phrase really means: playing for everyone, staying open to every genre, and never hiding behind “just like the record” when creativity is available. Along the way, Les breaks down his funk-first philosophy and why the right groove should put a hump in your back, not just impress other musicians. Visit his Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LesPaulRoque/ Listen to his songs: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2fspOROF6zlBHDl87YbO1j The conversation goes deep into musical roots and real-world craft. Les shares stories from the Sound of Philadelphia era and the TSOP legacy, where legendary arrangers, writers, strings, horns, and tight rhythm sections shaped a generation of soul music. We unpack what he learned from being around that level of talent, how listening can outrun reading, and why arranging is often where a musician’s identity finally becomes clear. We also spotlight his recent release “Sailing,” plus other music he’s building now, including reggae work and big-stage inspirations. Then we widen the lens to the Arizona music scene with a statewide “What’s Vibin in the Desert” roundup: open mics, jams, festivals, and practical paths for artists in Sedona, Phoenix and Glendale, Tempe, Casa Grande, Yuma, and Tucson. We wrap with Walt’s Wisdom on authenticity, calming nerves, and remembering you’re already enough to get on stage. If you got value from this, subscribe, share it with a musician friend, and leave a review. What part of Arizona’s scene should we spotlight next? Support the show Connect with The Desert Vibe Podcast 🌵 Website: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581168623261 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesertVibePodcast 🎵 Get Desert Vibe Podcast merch and support the show: https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com/category/all-products Hosts • Walt Richardson: https://walterrichardson.com • Glen Gardner: https://glengardner.net Marketing, PR & Website • Emma & James Mattison: https://emmaandjames.music Regional Contributors Featuring rotating representatives from across Arizona through our "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment. Interested in being interviewed or representing your region? https://www.thedesertvibepodcast.com #TheDesertVibe #WhatsVibinInTheDesert #ArizonaMusic #ArizonaMusicians #LiveMusicAZ #ArizonaLiveMusic #SupportLocalMusic #OpenMic #ArizonaBands

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About

The Desert Vibe Podcast is Arizona’s home for the local music scene, featuring conversations with musicians, songwriters, venue owners, industry professionals, and the people shaping music across the state. Hosted by Walt Richardson and Glen Gardner, with marketing and promotions by Emma & James Mattison, the show celebrates independent artists, live music, and the communities that make Arizona’s music scene thrive.Every episode concludes with “What’s Vibin’ in the Desert,” a statewide roundtable where rotating regional contributors share upcoming live shows, open mics, jam sessions, festivals, and other music opportunities from across Arizona.New episodes are released here on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. If you love supporting independent artists, discovering live music, and staying connected with Arizona’s music community, subscribe and come hang with us. 🌵🎶

Information

  • Creator
    The Desert Vibe LLC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Desert Vibe LLC
  • Show Website
    The Desert Vibe