Lipstick traces says farewell to the Flagstaff music scene
Feature story on Flagstaff local band, Lipstick Traces. Originally published for The Lumberjack on Feb. 2, 2025.
People packed into The Hive to dance, mosh and headbang to Lipstick Traces on Jan. 26 for the first and last time of the semester.
Lipstick Traces, made up of NAU juniors, is going on hiatus due to two of its members studying abroad this year. Before their step down from the local spotlight, the bandmates went out with one final performance in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
The band was formed in December 2023 after lead singer Lauren Malmstrom and lead guitarist Riley Hoffer met in a Politics of Punk class. The two then brought in Katie Akhbari on bass, Jed Bernier on rhythm guitar and Jackson Ramirez on drums. The band played its first show in February 2024 at Kickstand Kafe.
In the band's first year, it played 13 live shows — three of which were sold out — won the KJACK’s Battle of the Bands and got voted best local band in Flagstaff.
A year full of accomplishments set Lipstick Traces up for a wave of support, whether it was going to be for one final show or another record year. The high energy of Sunday’s show was proof of this, with audience members using their adrenaline to dance all night long.
“We had a great time,” Hoffer said. “It was cool to see The Hive that full. I haven’t seen a mosh like that at any of our shows.”
The sold-out show featured supporting sets from Alien Arcade and The Painted Eyes, other local bands fueled by the student community in Flagstaff.
In comparison to the other music markets in Arizona, like Phoenix and Tucson, Flagstaff has a significantly smaller population of about 76,000 residents. Akhbari said the size of the town and close-knit music scene allows for stronger connections between the musicians and their supporters.
When we sell out a show, it’s usually because of the combination of bands that are there,” Bernier said. “Every time we play with new bands and we sell out a show, I get to see a whole bunch of new people, and that’s always awesome.”
The three bands took turns engaging the crowd with each of their unique takes on rock ‘n’ roll. Alien Arcade encouraged mosh pits, The Painted Eyes inspired a sing-along with its cover of “Bodysnatchers” by Radiohead and Lipstick Traces got closer to the audience by playing a seated song in the middle of the floor.
Photo by Emma Stansbery
Lipstick Traces’ fan base showed up knowing the lyrics of songs off the band’s self-titled debut album, released in September 2024.
“It’s kind of funny,” Malmstrom said. “Sometimes, people will be singing the lyrics in the crowd so loud I can’t hear myself, and I feel like I’m singing it wrong.”
Hoffer said the show was a perfect farewell to the Flagstaff music community, and they are looking forward to coming back stronger.
Days after the show, Hoffer headed down to Phoenix to begin his journey to the Netherlands, where he will live for six months studying public health. In March, Akhbari will be following in his footsteps, studying German one country over.
Although the band is seeing local success, Hoffer and Akhbari said they think it is important to focus on academics.
“I think school and the band can bleed into each other sometimes,” Hoffer said. “Understanding when things come out of balance has been really important for me… I’m looking forward to senior year where I’ll be able to manage everything again.”
Hoffer still plans on checking out the music scene in the Netherlands, especially living close to Amsterdam, a hot spot for culture, nightlife and iconic venues. He said he wants to experience things that will help him grow into himself more as an artist.
The two are planning to continue their music journeys across the Atlantic by thrifting instruments or using their travel inspiration to write songs. Whether the two of them will be able to play music together or not, their proximity makes them hopeful they will find time to travel together.
“One of my primary goals when I get out there is to find a really old telecaster for cheap,” Hoffer said. “I think it’s a good coping mechanism if I’m going through a tough time while abroad.”
Bernier, Malmstrom and Ramirez, the members remaining in Flagstaff, will also continue to work on their craft.
Malmstrom said the downtime will allow them to work on things like songwriting, merch designs, album covers and conceptual ideas for when they are all back together.
“It’s been hard to focus on writing because of all the shows.” Malmstrom said. “You kind of have to prioritize one or the other. This is kind of the perfect opportunity to get a lot of songs done.”
