ISSUE 10.2026
Dead Party Media

Featured Spotlight

Arkansas Independent Music & Scene Coverage
Music Isn’t the Only thing Wakaan has to Offer: A Look into the Magical Art on the Mountain
Spotlight Cover StoryEDM

Music Isn’t the Only thing Wakaan has to Offer: A Look into the Magical Art on the Mountain

While Wakaan is known first and foremost as an EDM festival, the art on the mountain deserves just as much spotlight—from live painters working alongside the music on the main stage to afters artists braving rain and darkness under tarps and umbrellas. This year's standouts included returning favorite Morphisart, whose latest piece was so detailed it looked like a photograph, alongside installations from Sacred Gem & Tree, Infinite Evolution, Lemvrs Limiteds, Noslo Art, Pikaboooop, and the iconic fuzzy Wakaan car at the Halo stage. For this four-year Wakaan veteran, the visual magic of the mountain is every bit as essential as the sets themselves.

By pettyvandalism•Oct 10, 2026•Read Cover Story
Shlump Talks Wakaan History, his Newest Album and What Comes NextEDM

Shlump Talks Wakaan History, his Newest Album and What Comes Next

Bass music producer Shlump sits down to reflect on his decade-long journey with Liquid Stranger's Wakaan label and festival, from his 2015 compilation debut and career-launching 50-stop tour to headlining slots on the mountain. He also opens up about "The Chronicles of Shlump – Sine Waves and Stardust," the most intentional and cohesive project of his career, and the roughly 40-stop album tour that wrapped with Wakaan as its final stop.

By pettyvandalismRead Story
Nostalgix Talks Debut Wakaan Performance and Debut Album “INFERNO”EDM

Nostalgix Talks Debut Wakaan Performance and Debut Album “INFERNO”

Fresh off her debut Wakaan performance, house favorite Nostalgix sits down to dish on the unforgettable b2b set with Canabliss that flawlessly fused bass and house on the mountain. From falling for the Natural State's scenery and famously friendly crowd to opening up about the long, rewarding journey behind her debut album INFERNO, Nostalgix proves she's just getting started.

By pettyvandalismRead Story
Yuni Wa Official: Expanding a Deluxe ProjectEDM

Yuni Wa Official: Expanding a Deluxe Project

Little Rock electronic artist Yuni Wa has released 'Cloud Computing Deluxe,' an expanded edition of his critically-minded project featuring six additional tracks steeped in synth-funk and synth-pop. The record critiques modern technology, misinformation, and our distorted sense of reality—while offering listeners an atmospheric refuge from it all. With over 30 independent releases, 36 million global streams, and a 2025 Best Male Electronic Artist win at the Arkansas Music Awards, Yuni Wa is a...

By valhallamediaandmarketingRead Story
Live Scene Calendar

Upcoming Shows & Live Events

Concerts, basement shows, and tour stops across Arkansas. Check flyers and ticket links.

All Shows
Shows listed recent to least • Crossed out = Past events
Full Calendar Archive →
Scene Journalism

Recent Articles & Stories

Interviews, show reviews, artist spotlights, and underground scene commentary.

Story Archive (68)

Page 1 of 12
“I Didn’t Make it This Time, But it’s Not Over” – An Interview with Kaylon Mcclish
COUNTRYOct 2, 2026
“I Didn’t Make it This Time, But it’s Not Over” – An Interview with Kaylon Mcclish

Arkansas singer-songwriter Kaylon Mcclish opens up about his gospel roots, learning to play from his grandfather, and the five-minute burst of inspiration behind his new single 'Famous' — written on a bench during a low point in Los Angeles. In this candid interview, he reflects on refusing to be boxed into one genre, the divine nature of songwriting, and the fierce competition facing emerging artists today.

By jljones6136Read Story
Yearning for a Little Bit of Everything: This is “Wishing on a Star”
OTHERSep 23, 2026
Yearning for a Little Bit of Everything: This is “Wishing on a Star”

Local musician Underwhelmed has returned with "Wishing on a Star," a dreamy, Beatles-inspired single that masquerades as your typical love song before revealing a deeper message about yearning to become your best self. Blending vocals, strings, drums, and keyboard with a nostalgic 70s/80s vibe carried into a new generation, the track romanticizes the universal struggle of growing up and feeling far from who you want to be. Stream it now on Spotify and follow Underwhelmed on Instagram to stay up to date on new shows and releases.

By pettyvandalismRead Story
A Hardcore Perspective on the Local Scene: This is “Gas Station Gambler”
HARDCORE & ROCKAug 21, 2026
A Hardcore Perspective on the Local Scene: This is “Gas Station Gambler”

An inside look at the Arkansas hardcore scene, this review highlights Ozark Mountain band Obliviate's explosive new project, "Gas Station Gambler." The album showcases the band's stellar instrumentation, powerful storytelling, and defiant spirit as they carve out their own space in the local music community.

By pettyvandalismRead Story
Central Arkansas band ‘Maynium’ blows minds with new album ‘Warhead’.
HARDCORE & ROCKJul 24, 2026
Central Arkansas band ‘Maynium’ blows minds with new album ‘Warhead’.

Central Arkansas rock band Maynium is turning heads with their new album 'Warhead' and a viral live cover of Skid Row's 'Monkey Business'. After opening for acts like Buckcherry and Saving Abel, the Hot Springs quintet is experiencing a massive surge in streams, social media attention, and album sales.

By valhallamediaandmarketingRead Story
A Modern Arkansas Coming of Age Story: This is “LIKE WHAT???”
HIP-HOP & R&BJul 17, 2026
A Modern Arkansas Coming of Age Story: This is “LIKE WHAT???”

In this raw and relatable review, the author explores Arkansas artist Farris's versatile new album 'LIKE WHAT???', comparing its cohesive storytelling to Tyler the Creator's 'Wolf'. The project acts as a coming-of-age story, navigating themes of mental health, substance abuse, and the creative struggles of living in Arkansas.

By pettyvandalismRead Story
Maryland friends turn a Sidequest into a successful band.
HARDCORE & ROCKJul 7, 2026
Maryland friends turn a Sidequest into a successful band.

Four long-time friends from Maryland balanced their busy school and work schedules to form the band Sidequest, blending pop, rock, indie, and punk music. Within just four months of forming, the all-female group secured second place at a local battle of the bands. Currently, they are channeling their passion into writing and recording their first original EP.

By valhallamediaandmarketingRead Story
…
Dead Party Media Logo
What is Dead Party Media?

Arkansas Music Documented With Zero Gatekeeping.

Dead Party Media is a grassroots collective of local Arkansas artists, writers, photographers, musicians, and scene creators. We exist to spotlight the state's underground culture with equal dedication across hardcore, metal, hip-hop, indie rock, country, and electronic music.

Use this platform to discover upcoming live concerts, submit your show flyers, explore claimed local artist discographies, check venue specs, and read independent scene journalism.

Read Full Story & Mission