By Stella Violet

Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, Arizona, came alive last week as the M3F Festival celebrated its 22nd edition.

Since its inception in 2004, M3F has stood out as more than just a festival—it’s a community-driven event with a philanthropic mission at its core. 100% of its proceeds go to charity, making it one of the few large-scale music festivals in the country dedicated entirely to giving back.

The festival once again showcased an eclectic mix of artists, drawing music enthusiasts from all corners.

Headliners That Electrified the Stage

The festival’s main attractions, LCD Soundsystem and Justice, delivered performances that will be etched in attendees’ memories.

LCD Soundsystem, led by James Murphy, enthralled the audience with their signature blend of indie rock and electronic beats. Their setlist featured classics like “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House” and “All My Friends,” alongside newer tracks such as “x-ray eyes” from their upcoming album.

Justice, the French electronic duo of Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, captivated fans with their dynamic live show, mixing electro, rock, and disco elements. Highlights included performances of “D.A.N.C.E.” and “Genesis,” as well as selections from their latest album, Hyperdrama, which features collaborations with artists like Tame Impala and Thundercat.

*Photo from @OrionsBelte on Instagram // Taken by: Jaminthestream*

Exclusive Interview: Orion’s Belte

For Norwegian trio Orion’s Belte, stepping onto the M3F stage felt like slipping into a groove as smooth as their genre-blurring sound. Mixing elements of psych-rock, jazz, and cinematic soul, the band brought a hypnotic energy to the festival, drawing in a crowd eager to get lost in the music.

“M3F was great. Love playing in Arizona, the crowd was really into our music, so the overall vibe was great” the band told Gut Instinct Media.

Though their set at M3F was part of a larger U.S. tour, the band made sure to tailor their performance for the festival setting.

“Most festival sets are a bit shorter than the usual club show, so you have to think a bit differently for sure,” they explained.

Even with a condensed runtime, they made every note count, curating a setlist that balanced crowd favorites with deeper cuts, ensuring both longtime fans and newcomers found something to love.

“We have some songs that we know work well live, and then we try to add a lot of different ones to keep variation,” the band shared. “I think if the band is locked in and you see us enjoy the set, it translates to the audience in a positive way!”

One of the unique joys of festival performances is connecting with new listeners, and Orion’s Belte experienced that firsthand at M3F.

“You can tell the people at the festival were there to enjoy music and were open to hearing new stuff. Got a lot of positive feedback from people who didn’t know us before. That’s always nice to hear!”

Beyond their own performance, the trio embraced the communal spirit of the festival. “The good thing about M3F and other festivals with a great lineup is that you can go as a member of the audience and catch bands that might be new to you. That’s part of the experience of a really good festival.”

At the heart of Orion’s Belte’s live shows is a sense of musical exploration. “We always strive to find new paths and ways within our songs and want to give the audience a unique experience every time,” they said.

Whether listeners were swaying to the groove or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the band was more than happy to provide the soundtrack. “We play a lot of chill music, so the reaction can be people just relaxing and enjoying the vibe, haha. But you can tell when people are into it.”

With a set that resonated deeply with both fans and first-time listeners, Orion’s Belte proved that their music—dreamy, dynamic, and deeply immersive—was the perfect addition to M3F’s eclectic lineup.

*Courtesy of The Strike Press Release // Taken by: Maya Fuhr*

Set Review: The Strike

M3F Festival attendees gathered at one of the most energetic sets of the weekend: The Strike. The LA-based indie-pop band, known for their explosively melodic sound, delivered a performance that had the crowd dancing from start to finish.

From the first notes of their set, it was clear why The Strike has built such a dedicated following.

Frontman Chris Crabb’s powerhouse vocals, combined with the band’s signature anthemic hooks and high-energy instrumentation, created an atmosphere that was nothing short of electric.

Tracks from their latest album, A Dream Through Open Eyes, resonated with the audience, especially the track “Kids of the Last Days” and the uplifting “The Getaway.”

“We’re not too cool to be positive,” guitarist-keyboardist David Maemone said about the band’s sound in a press release.

That philosophy was evident in every song they played at M3F.

Whether it was the synth-driven dreamscape of “Down” or the nostalgic, ‘80s-tinged “Just Like Paradise,” The Strike mastered the art of blending modern pop sensibilities with throwback influences, making their set feel both fresh and familiar.

The band’s seamless synergy—built over a decade of performing together—was on full display.

Drummer Jay Tibbitts kept the energy soaring with dynamic rhythms, while Maemone’s keyboards and guitar work added texture and depth. The show reached its peak with the arena-ready anthem “Heroes of the Heart”, a song that had the entire audience singing along in a moment of pure festival magic.

Throughout their career, The Strike has captivated audiences from Dubai to China, and their M3F performance proved why they’ve earned such a global following. Their music, already featured in hit shows and films like Dancing With the Stars and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, translated effortlessly into a live setting, where its infectious energy truly came to life.

“Like, all our melodies are written in a way to be screamed at the top of your lungs in an arena,” Crabb said in a press release.

By the end of their set, The Strike had left an undeniable mark on M3F Festival, turning a casual festival crowd into devoted fans. As the cheers echoed long after the final note, it was clear: The Strike isn’t just making music—they’re making moments.

Courtesy of LEISURE Press Release // Taken by: Frances Carter

Set Review: LEISURE

As the afternoon heat settled over M3F Festival, LEISURE took the stage and immediately transformed the festival grounds into a dreamlike haze of smooth, laid-back grooves.

The Auckland-based soul-electronic collective, praised by Rolling Stone as a “genre-hopping supergroup,” delivered a set that felt like a warm breeze—unhurried, immersive, and effortlessly cool.

Dressed in their signature understated style, the five-piece band wasted no time easing the crowd into their signature sound.

Tracks from their latest album, Leisurevision, filled the air with lush guitar work, silky vocals, and hypnotic rhythms. Their latest single, “Oh Why”, a collaboration with Two Another, became an instant highlight, its mellow bassline and dreamy melodies washing over the audience like a slow-motion summer memory.

“The song is about the indecision of an early part of a relationship, wondering ‘should I stay or should I go,’” the band said in a press release.

The track’s smooth instrumentation and introspective lyrics struck a chord with festival goers, many of whom swayed with eyes closed, lost in the music’s emotional depth.

“The bass was almost talking to us; faces scrunched, heads nodding as the melodies started flowing,” LEISURE shared about the creative process behind the song in a press release.

That effortless chemistry translated perfectly to the stage, where the band’s sound was both tight and transportive.

Despite their relaxed aesthetic, there was an undeniable precision in the way LEISURE crafted their sonic landscapes. Their music, built on influences from ‘70s soul, early ‘80s post-disco, and ‘90s hip-hop drum programming, blended seamlessly, creating a sound that was as nostalgic as it was fresh. The band has long embraced the idea of taking the scenic route rather than chasing overnight success, and that patience and authenticity shone through in every note.

By the time they played crowd favorites like “Take It to the Top” and “Got It Bad”, the festival grounds had turned into a full-fledged groove session. LEISURE’s “striking sense of cohesion and style” (The Line of Best Fit) was fully on display, proving why they’ve amassed over 400 million streams and a devoted fan base across the globe.

For a band that prides itself on authenticity and organic growth, LEISURE’s M3F performance was a reminder that some of the best festival moments don’t come from high-energy chaos, but from music that makes you pause, breathe, and feel.

*Photo from @Polarbearsdj on Instagram // Taken by: Tritt_visuals*

Exclusive Interview: Polar Bears

Closing out a festival is a special kind of responsibility—one that Polar Bears fully embraced at M3F. As the Vista Stage closers, the DJ group delivered an electrifying set, ensuring that festival-goers left with an unforgettable final impression.

“There’s always a certain magic to closing out a festival,” the group told Gut Instinct Media. “It’s really sometimes the set that leaves the lasting impression on someone and immediately what they’re reflecting on the next day and even weeks later. To be able to close out M3F was an amazing experience, and the energy was next level.”

With no act following them, Polar Bears had the rare freedom to push creative boundaries, crafting a performance that was as immersive as it was high-energy.

“The approach definitely changed. When you know you’re the last act to go, it kind of lets you just go at it from ‘artistically, we are going to do whatever we want to do this set,’ and that’s exactly what we did—playing a ton of high-energy tracks, original music, and 1-of-1 mashups that we’ve created.”

The crowd at M3F more than matched their energy. “This crowd definitely came to dance. There was hardly a moment when we would look up and not see the crowd just moving all over the place,” they said.

But one moment stood out above the rest. “I think the moment that stood out the most was when we got to play an unreleased song that comes out on Dim Mak Records this month and see the crowd absolutely lose their mind to it.”

Selecting the right music for a set like this is a delicate balance between reading the audience and staying true to an artistic vision.

For Polar Bears, authenticity is key. “One thing is, as creators, we are always going to stick to our authentic sound and be ourselves. That mindset is what has allowed us to play EDC, Decadence, Horizon Festival, and of course, M3F. We really stuck to what’s helped get us here this far and what we know has connected with fans across touring the world.”

Beyond the performance itself, the group recognized the significance of wrapping up the festival’s final moments. “It’s really a humbling feeling. We feel a great sense of fortune being able to close out an annual event here in AZ year over year. There was definitely additional excitement in knowing we really could just let it fly and play our best set without worrying about setting up a performer to follow us.”

M3F’s emphasis on music, art, and community shaped the night in a meaningful way. “M3F is an incredible vibe and something so great for the Arizona community. M3F really leads with art and experience, allowing those who come to express themselves freely, and that really motivated our performance—to do just that and play a ton of our original music in that spirit, to share our art we’ve created with the community.”

Offstage, the experience was just as rewarding. “Top to bottom, it was spectacular. So great to see so many people being in the present moment and enjoying the art, music, and community environment,” they shared. “Seeing BlackAm and Ward Andrews perform on our stage the day before was amazing. Justice was just hands down incredible. Most importantly, there was so much kindness from everyone we met and interacted with after our set, and that’s what will stick with us the most.”

With an explosive performance and a deep appreciation for the festival’s spirit, Polar Bears closed out M3F with a set that wasn’t just heard—it was felt.

*Courtesy of M3F Festival // Neil Schwartz*

Other Standout Performances at M3F

Beyond the headliners, M3F showcased an impressive lineup of artists who brought their own unique energy to the festival.

Always delivered their signature dreamy indie-pop sound, with frontwoman Molly Rankin’s ethereal vocals floating effortlessly over shimmering guitars.

Their set, filled with fan favorites like “Archie,” “Marry Me” and “Belinda Says,” had the crowd swaying in a haze of nostalgia and bliss.

*Courtesy of M3F Festival // Traveler Trippy*

Beach Weather brought an undeniable groove to the stage, blending alternative rock with sun-soaked melodies. Their infectious hit “Sex, Drugs, Etc.” had the entire crowd singing along, proving why the band continues to gain momentum.

Sylvan Esso closed out their set with pure electronic magic, seamlessly blending indie-pop and dance music. Amelia Meath’s hypnotic stage presence and Nick Sanborn’s pulsating beats turned the festival into a euphoric dance floor, with tracks like “Coffee” and “Radio” keeping the energy high.

These performances, along with so many others, highlighted the eclectic spirit of M3F, making it a festival that continues to impress year after year.

*Courtesy of M3F Festival // Kylie Brennan*

A Festival with a Purpose

Beyond the music, M3F’s commitment to community and charity sets it apart.

Since its inception in 2004, the festival has donated over $6 million to various causes, supporting initiatives in community development, education, arts, and the environment.

This year’s festival continued that tradition, with proceeds aiding organizations such as Rosie’s House, the Arizona Humane Society, Cowtown SKATE, and more.

For more information on M3F and its charitable initiatives, visit their official website.

M3F Festival 2025: A Celebration of Sound and Social Good