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. 5d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Aug 28

    To Loop Or Not To Loop, Guitarist One-Man Band | The Desert Vibe · Season 2 · Ep 1

    Looping can feel like magic until it slips by a millisecond and the whole song collapses. We sit down with Bruce Bytes to get honest about what actually makes live looping work, especially when you’re building a sound in a small Arizona town without a steady band. He shares why he committed to the “one person band” path, how layering helped him learn faster, and what he wishes he knew before buying gear. We get practical about the setup: how a looper and drum machine can either lock tight or drift into chaos, why MIDI compatibility matters, and how tools like a BeatBuddy style drum machine change what you can do on the fly. Bruce also talks about the musical side, blending singer-songwriter alternative rock with jazzy chord progressions, reharmonized standards, and theory choices that keep the harmony interesting without turning into traditional jazz. Then we zoom out to the Arizona music scene with “What’s Vibin’ in the Desert,” calling out open mic nights and events across the state, from Flagstaff spots like Hops on Birch to big opportunities like the Glendale Folk Festival, the Laveen Folk Festival, and the Tempe Festival of the Arts. We also share Tucson updates, new venues, and ways to plug into a supportive community that helps new performers get on stage faster. If you like episodes packed with actionable music tips, open mic guidance, and Arizona live music listings, hit subscribe, share it with a musician friend, and leave a review so more artists 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

  5. Aug 8

    How A Digital Morning Show Spotlights Local Arizona Makers | The Desert Vibe · Ep 44

    We talk with Melissa Farley and Marshall Shore about building a joy-driven local morning show that elevates Arizona creators and small businesses. Then we pivot to what’s vibing in the desert with practical picks for Phoenix-area open mics and listening rooms.  Website: www.OnTheMorningShow.com RobatTV.com, @onthemorningshow @themelissafarley @hip_historian • turning traditional journalism skills into modern community storytelling  • using joy as a clear content filter and a creative mission  • spotlighting small businesses and first-time founders who need visibility  • why Arizona feels like a supportive creative co-op  • personal paths to the desert and what keeps people rooted here  • Arizona lore, Route 66, and the case for visiting Oatman  • favorite Valley venues and new DIY-style music spaces  • what’s next: an Arizona State Fair talent stage, new live experiences, a book and companion podcast, and a sci-fi film project  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. Aug 1

    Joey Gutos Shares How Acting, Place, And Memory Shape His Writing | The Desert Vibe · Ep 43

    Joey Gutos joins us to talk about songwriting that leans on emotion, character, and the desert places that keep him inspired. We also zoom out to the Arizona music community, from legendary venues to open mics that survive because people actually show up.  Website: https://www.instagram.com/joey_gutos/ • the story behind the rescued Mellow Mushroom painting and why patina matters  • early acting roots and how performance instincts shape stage presence  • building cinematic music videos through collaboration and clear story beats  • Arizona as creative fuel through Salt River, Sedona, and Coconino trips  • guitars as long-term partners and how to choose the right instrument  • what fans want from a live set and why open mics keep scenes alive  • the unglamorous back-end of full-time music and why a tight team prevents burnout  • the EP plus film project from Edge of the World and a wake-up call from fire runoff  • Rhythm Room’s planned closing and what it takes to run a venue for decades  • Dubliner’s 25-year open mic milestone and the urgency of supporting local rooms  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. Jul 25

    The Renaissance Artist Of Arizona | The Desert Vibe · Ep 42

    We sit down with Arizona creator Deon Doughty to talk about living as a true multi-hyphenate and why making art is sometimes the only thing that keeps you steady. We also map out what’s happening across Arizona, from local comedy rooms to northern open mics that keep the music scene growing.  https://hiredeon.com/ • Deon's path from downtown Phoenix poetry into Tempe’s creative orbit  • Painting local musicians as a way to honor and elevate community  • Using technology and AI experimentation inside art and music  • Why stand-up comedy feels harder than music performance  • How Arizona’s comedy scene works, including clubs, mentors, and learning options  • Fatherhood, creativity at home, and turning pain into joy  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. Jul 17

    The Secret To Hit Songs Is Tarnished Silver | The Desert Vibe · Ep 41

    We sit down with singer-songwriter Eric Douglas to trace how he went from New York City to building a life and a catalog in Arizona, and why the desert changed what he writes about. We also dig into what makes a song connect, how he records at home, and how open mics and festivals keep the local music community alive.  His Website: ericdouglasmusic.com • moving from New York to Arizona and letting place shape the writing  • breaking down “When I Was Superman” and why it resonates with parents  • tightening lyrics with stronger images like “tarnished silver”  • choosing instruments for tone, feel, and specific songs  • capturing ideas fast and building a practical home recording setup  • collaborating with other musicians through studios and shared files  • writing in first person while aiming for universal themes like love, regret, and nostalgia  • finding community through songwriter gatherings and the Glendale Folk Festival  • what’s vibing in the desert: Miami Artworks, Globe spots, Starlight Lounge, Mesa Social Club, and more  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
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Desert Vibe LLC
  • Show Website
    The Desert Vibe