The must-hear new songs of July 2023

There's no hyperbole intended, but this might be the most jam-packed monthly local music feature that Phoenix New Times has ever published. With 18 songs total, this month’s list is a veritable who’s-who of both beloved artists/bands and hungry up-and-comers, each presenting everything from obscure electronica to earnest pop-rock and beyond. Sure, Arizona is a desert, but every once in a while the clouds open up and deliver their bounty. So, enjoy this veritable monsoon of high-quality music — what else are you going to do, hang around outside?

Hookworm Records, 'Hookworm TWO'

Back in spring 2022, Hookworm Records released a compilation called "Hookworm ONE." What it lacked in a creative title it more than made up for with great new songs from local outfits The Woodworks, Paper Foxes, SHOVEL and The Psychedelephants. Now, the label's back with "Hookworm TWO," and while the name's not much of an improvement, this time there are six brand-new tracks from six equally compelling Arizona faves. Buy physical copies of the comp here. The album release show is set for Sept. 9 at Last Exit Live.