Playlist 48

Arizona PBS created the digital music show “Playlist 48” in 2021 to spotlight local Arizona artists and bands of all genres with connections to Arizona, the 48th state.

The series serves as a curated playlist of Arizona’s music scene and the artists who are shaping it today. Viewers can watch the show online, on Arizona PBS’ Facebook and Instagram accounts and the PBS app.

“Playlist 48” brings Arizona music to the surface. It’s a microphone amplifying emerging artists, and a place where people can come and gather to listen to a variety of music celebrating the culture of Arizona.

The first artists to be featured included rock band The Black Moods, violinist Julian Nguyen, alternative rock band The Heartless, saxophonist Jermaine Lockhart and indie artist Danielle Durack. Durack has been on the front lines of launching a renaissance period for Phoenix music. The ASU alumna felt honored to be chosen by Arizona PBS for this series.

“It feels surreal knowing that I’m going to be on a big platform like PBS,” Durack said. “It’s an honor to be involved, and it’s cool that they thought of me.” Durack, whose album “No Place” was funded by her second job at a pizzeria, said she appreciates Arizona PBS’ effort in this project and how it sheds light on the Arizona music scene as a whole.

“Even as someone in the scene, I don’t know what’s going on in Peoria or Gilbert,” Durack said. “It’s a cool way to discover new talent in my backyard.”

Each episode features one band or artist performing two original songs with an interview segment in the middle. “Playlist 48’s” interview portion allows artists to talk about their music and their lives, including other work and interests.

“Playlist 48” highlights Arizona musicians in the hope of sharing their passions with the world and bringing those stories to life.