Band Members
Jowed Hadeed – Vocals
Justin MacDonald – Guitar
Ryan Jander – Guitar
Brian Paxton – Drums
Seth Humphrey – Bass
When arriving at Nectar, there were high expectations laid upon Eclectic Approach. Having listened to their tunes for a while and doing my research, I felt that I was up-to-date with the band. Boy, was I wrong. Eclectic Approach represents themselves on MySpace and YouTube as having six members in the band; a four-piece instrumental section and two vocalists. Live, there was only one vocalist. It was like going to see OutKast and Andre3000 not being there. Well, not quite, but you get my drift. If you represent your band a certain way in promotions and present a different package live, then you are setting the audience up for disappointment. Frankly, that’s how this show went.
Eclectic Approach has very relaxed stage presence. They all looked at home and felt like they were performing for family. The guitarists were amazing musicians; they TORE up their respective guitar solos. It had been awhile since I’d seen or heard some of licks that sounded so crisp and melodic during a solo; It was very impressive. The drummer played a solid tempo and seemed to be the glue of the band in general. The bassist was a bit bland and didn’t really stick out, but that appeared to be a good role for him in a group like this. Frankly, when every member of the band was showboating it got a bit overwhelming.
Jowed Hadeed showed great diversity with his singing and being able to rhythmically flow in a similar rap style as LFO. Although versatile, his vocal quality was pitchy at spots. Also, Jowed didn’t show that he had depth of range when they covered “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley. Eclectic Approach’s music had a feel-good vibe that reminded me of the vocal style of Maroon 5 with a bit of rapping; musically they sounded similar to Sugar Ray.
Eclectic Approach puts on a decent stage show, but nothing mind blowing. They were musically sharp and seemed to enjoy themselves on stage. However, the set seemed relatively short at barely over 30 minutes. In addition to that, none their favored MySpace songs were even play. All and all, the evening turned out to be a bummer.
On a positive side note, Eclectic Approach played for free last and contributed in raising over $700 for the fight against Leukemia. Thanks Eclectic Approach!
Please enjoy their video captured June 24, 2009 at Nectar Lounge.
I would like to introduce you to Seattle Show Gal’s newest writer, Jodi Kaufer aka Redheadhippy! Jodi is someone who is so passionate about music that she could literally talk your ear off about it. I mean really — your ear would be gone. You don’t have to take my word for it! I asked her about music, and here’s what she had to say:
“I’m often asked ‘What kind of music do you like?’ The answer is simple; I don’t just like music, I LOVE music, all types. I don’t need a genre-specific label to tell me if I’m gonna like something or not. I’m always looking for new music. Most recently I seem drawn to music that infuses several styles at the same time; Staxx Brothers and solo artist Aaron Daniel are two of my favorite local acts doing just this. My music collection is so varied; from Mozart to Madonna, The Beatles to Benny Goodman, Pink Floyd to Phish, Green Day to The Grateful Dead, music feeds my soul and I couldn’t imagine a day without it!”
Wowzers! Do I dare to ask more? I’m a glutton for punishment. I asked Jody about her current involvement in the local music scene and what she hopes to accomplish by being on the SSG staff; this is what she had to say:
“Locally, I get out as often as possible to discover new music and support the community. I can often be found handing out handbills for upcoming shows and doing what I can to promote and expose others to the artists I’m not just friends with but believe deserve some recognition. Too often, the best of musicians get overlooked for one reason or another. Seattle has the most amazing and supportive music community. I hope my work with SSG introduces people to the music they may have never even known existed.”
Now if this isn’t a match made in heaven, I don’t know what is! Redheadhippy, welcome to the Seattle Show Gal staff! We need your spirit, and look forward to all the additions you are going to bring to the table.
Below is Redheadhippy’s first contribution in the form of a Preview. Enjoy!
Can you dance a Celtic jig? Maybe you prefer the thumping beats spun by a DJ? Does the twang of a sitar getting you moving? If you can answer yes to any or all of these questions then Delhi 2 Dublin is the answer to your mash-up prayers.
Delhi 2 Dublin, out of Vancouver, BC is bringing world music to a whole new level with their brilliant ability to fuse Bhangra, Celtic, and Dub into a house party of a good time. This dynamic quintet originally formed for a performance at Vancouver’s Celtic Fest in 2006 and since then, they have been grabbing the attention of fans all over Canada and the west coast.
I was two minutes into the first hypnotic track, DJ Swami’s Dil Nachde Swamified Remix, before I realized the vocalist, Sanjay, was spouting lyrics in something besides English. Under the spell of Tarun, Ravi & Andrew, who throw down the magic beats and rhythm and mesmerized by the fiddle player, Kytami, I had almost missed one of the most intriguing layers of this group. Too often, I disconnect from music with foreign lyrics. I spend so much time wanting to know what’s being sung that I can’t focus on anything else. Delhi 2 Dublin transcends this stigma; their music speaks for itself.
With a packed summer touring schedule that includes stops at High Sierra, Faerieworlds, numerous Canadian festivals and Bumbershoot, I recommend getting a sneak peek before everyone else. Skip your Monday morning meeting and get out on a Sunday night and check these guys out at Nectar June 28, with Third Eye Tribe, DJ Collage, and DJ SweetBeets.
This week’s undiscovered musical gem has me yearning for a sari, a pint of Guinness and a Punjabi to English dictionary and I couldn’t be more excited.
For your viewing pleasure, here is a March 2009 performance in San Fransisco
With Mad Rad’s recent rise to the front cover of Seattle Weekly, why not check out what all the hype is about yourself? Mad Rad highlights a solid bill with Neema of Unexpected Arrival, and Spaceman at Nectar on 6/25.
If you don’t know enough about Mad Rad from the Seattle Weekly article, why not check out a SSG review? The good , the bad, and the ugly has been written about this group. In short, Mad Rad isn’t for everyone but they don’t promise to be. Their high energy, action-packed show is essentially what brings their music to life. To simply listen to their recorded electronica hip-hop music won’t necessarily have many people raving, but their live show is where they butter their bread. Give them a chance – or two – and Mad Rad will surely get you moving or standing still from pure shock value.
As for NeemaKhorammi, better known as Unexpected Arrival, he is no stranger to exposure. After winning KUBE 93 NW Artist of the Year Award twice in 2002 and 2003, Neema has worked with many national artists including Twista, Kurupt, JIN, Mystikal, DJ Quik, YoungBloodz, Jurassic 5, and even Christina Aguilera. This show is unique as Neema will be “live and unplugged,” accompanied by live instruments instead of recorded music. Growing up listening to Unexpected Arrival in rotation on the radio I am interested to see how Neema has matured through these past 5 years. His music is production heavy but the lyrics are introverted. He often times raps about subject maters pertaining to emotional failures with relationships. With all of that said, is Neema still relevant in today’s Seattle hip-hop scene? I am doubtful, but look forward to finding out.
Eclectic Approach is a six piece band originally formed in Tri-Cities, Washington in 2003. They quickly gained a reputation around town for their innovative live performances; following that, they grew rapidly. Drawing from a wide variety of musical influences, their sound encompasses the soul of hip-hop, funk, reggae, soul , and a slight touch of rock & roll.
After looking over a few of Eclectic Approach’s live show videos, it is apparent that these guys are veterans of the stage. The cool, calm, and collected demeanor of the guitarists fit well with the demanding stage presence of the lead singers. They are very well put together and the structure of the songs are on-point. One can expect high energy with a laid back feel that won’t leave you emotionally drained. They also provide the space to have your mind off the stresses of the world. Personally, I am looking forward to tonight’s show. Come join me!
As if Eclectic Approach isn’t reason enough to come out to Nectar, all the proceeds (suggested $10 donation) from the show benefit the fight against Leukemia. Sounds like great music with an even better cause!
Upcoming Shows:
Jun 27 2009 9:00P @ ASCADA – Seattle, Washington
Jul 22 2009 8:00P @ The High Dive – Seattle, Washington
Jul 25 2009 8:00P @ Boat Race Weekend Bash - Kennewick, Washington
Aug 15 2009 5:00P @ Hot Import Nights – Pasco, Washington
Band Members
N/A. Mark Baumgarten is the Executive Editor of Soundmagazine
If you are a music buff as I am, you might have come to revere Sound as one of the most beloved rags on the news stand. Sound roves about the city in search of our musical hidden gems and gives our nationally renowned acts a place to flourish. Not only does Sound deal in music, you can also count on it to keep the city up to date on nightlife.
Due to Sound’s impact on local communities, my interest was perked about the Executive Editor, Mark Baumgarten. I had the opportunity to meet Mark at the Sasquatch music festival. He was quite the interesting fellow; very intelligent, music oriented, charismatic, and great hair! This cat seemed a little too good to be true. Being that I believe that there is always dirt under well manicured fingernails, I had no choice but to interview him!
Did I find out that Mark was really a wolf in sheep’s clothing? That remains to be seen. I will tell you that Sound got it right with whom they’ve chosen to captain their ship. Mark Baumgarten’s waters run deep; we had a very pleasant exchange.
In addition to interviewing him, I scored an invite to his monthly event, The Song Show. Filmed live at Can Can, The Song Show features Northwest musicians who play two to three songs and face the interview executioner known as — Mark Baumgarten. This month Mark featured Kerry Zettel of See Me River, Zoe Muth, and Ra Scion of Common Market. Being the Seattle Show Gal that I am, I couldn’t hold out on getting Ra Scion unplugged. This showcase of Northwest talent is a microcosm of how Mark Baumgarten takes what seems to be musically inaccessible and serves it to our community on a platter.
Please enjoy an interview with Mark Baumgarten and a live performance of 40 Acres by Ra Scion of Common Market.
Band Members
A’dje – Vocals
Chris aka Easz – Vocals
Brian Woods- Guitar
Josh aka Woody – Bass
Spencer – Drums
When it comes to Cheyenne, either you will really love them, or you won’t. Cheyenne provides a rush that is not for the faint of heart. If you follow Seattle Show Gal, you might have noticed that I have reviewed a post-rock band by the name of You.May.Die.In.The.Desert three times. I’m drawn to that band because of the dynamic energy that Brian Woods brings to the table; that boy has got fire that you have to see to believe. Curious to see how Brian Woods’s explosive energy would be manifest in a hard-core band, I decided to venture out and see Cheyenne as he is the guitar player in that band too.
Seeing Cheyenne was quite an adventure. I was expecting that Cheyenne would be – for lack of a better term – hard core, but I wasn’t expecting Brian Woods’s energy to be not only matched but synergized with the rest of the band. It was as if the wild stallion had been released to his herd and I was able to see his Pegasus fire for the first time! A’dje, the hard-core vocalist, drew strength from the bottom of his toes to the top of his head to let out a powerful roar. Chris aka Easz brings in the rap flavor, and Josh brings the force when it comes to the base. Spencer never let up when it came to the drums; he pounded on those drum heads so vigorously that I swear I saw smoke coming off of them.
Naturally the Crowds response was in the same vain. With the house not being filled to capacity, I was pretty relieved because figured I wouldn’t have to deal with a crazy mob. WRONG! The extra space was used to the full as the angst driven crowd screamed and shook their bodies in ways I have never seen before. It was good that the security remained on stand-by to break up fights because I saw a few kids get grabbed by the neck. Yikes!
Aside from the crazy atmosphere, Cheyenne really had some heavy things to say. Whether their songs were talking about racism, social injustice, or just activism in general, each song was taken from reality and driven from the desire to make a change. The chaotic aftermath of this show came as no surprise; Cheyenne is hungry to make a difference in a tumultuous society.
However, to be a leader, you have to have people following you. Cheyenne plays hard-core music because that is what they are into. Unfortunately for them, the hard-core music community is far from thriving. I enjoyed their show; if this is your style of music, I’m happy to show you a band in our community that might tickle your fancy.
Please enjoy the live performance of The Dream is not Dead, and an interview with Cheyenne live at The Showbox at the Market.
Did you hear there is going to be a party over at Neumos tomorrow night? OOOOH SNAP! Neumos is celebrating five years of being one of the most kickin’ venues in the city! To celebrate the event, they are hosting a party to rock your socks off – and it’s totally free! Is this too good to be true??? YES! Ahhh… I mean, NO! This is going to be an event for the books! First come, first serve! If you choose to get a ticket early, you can pick one up at Moe Bar.
Hailing from Beaverton, Oregon,The Helio Sequence is an indie rock band who has been touring and sharing their electronica-tinged music since 1999. Consisting of Brandon Summers on vocals/guitar and Benjamin Weikel on keys/drums, The Helio Sequence has a eccentric style that isn’t your normal everyday indie rock. The infusion of Weikel’s keys along with Summers eerie, Bob Dylan-esque vocals make for high expectation of their live show.
Their latest album, Keep Your Eyes Ahead, shows the evolution that The Helio Sequence as a band has gone through. After Summers vocal cords were damaged in 2005 from a heavy tour schedule with the Modest Mouse, Blonde Redhead, Kings of Leon, and Secret Machines, Summers had to take months off due to doctor-advised rest. In the process, The Helio Sequence worked within the obstacle and transformed from their earlier Coldplay-esque sound to a sound based on the tones of the instruments that The Helio Sequence has in their arsenal. Due to Summers relearning how to sing, Keep Your Eyes Ahead shows much more crafty, folky, and emotional sound than before and has received positive acclaim.
If you are a big fan of indie rock and looking for a band that is unique and always evolving, The Helio Sequence may be a keeper. Come check them out on Thursday, 6/18 at Neumos.
Band Members
Jim Acquavella – Drums
Bryce Shoemaker – Guitar
Steve Becker – Bass
When it comes to Bronze Fawn, emotion is the name of the game. Bronze Fawn is a group of three highly talented musicians who compose instrumental rock. Having their music as a wide-open canvas gives people all sorts of places for their minds and hearts to wander off and get lost.
Wherever each person ends up in the wanderlust of a Bronze Fawn’s show, it is a sure thing that you will be taken there by way of passion, powerful execution, and a hint of romance. Jim provides the drum blast with quite strength. He keeps his fire bridled when appropriate; but when it’s time to bring the fire, he unleashes an explosion. Steve brings his years of musical experience to the bass with creative infrastructure. His stimulating contributions build on a solid foundation that gives the lead guitar the space to thrive. Bryce, the lead guitarist, takes the solid foundation prepared for him and dances all over it. His contributions are extremely compelling. The three of them together are a dynamic compliment to each other and a perfect mix to keep the audience very excited throughout their set.
Visually they are a bit of kilter. Bryce, with his interesting guitar parts, is usually focused on the execution and not on stage presence. I would rather have accurately executed music than motivating stage presence, but it is preferable to have both. Steve on the other hand has movement in spades. His exuberant energy is good, but it also draws attention to where stage presence is lacking elsewhere.
When it comes down to it, Bronze Fawn is about the music. With their diversity of sound and skillful execution, their music does and will continue appealing to many.
Being intrigued with Bronze Fawn, I asked Bryce a few questions about where they are and where they are going.
Nikki: Why do you make music?
Bryce: I make music because it is something I have done since taking my first piano lessons in fourth grade. Therefore, it has become more a part of what I am as a human being, not a tool through which I hope to gain trivial things such as money, pussy or fame. Though I cannot fully speak on behalf of my band mates, it is my observation that we do this because we enjoy the challenges of working together to create smart compositions with interesting dynamic shifts, logical key changes, aurally stimulating tones, etc , etc, with the end result being a product we can all be proud of and have our own individual marks on. It’s a pretty simple concept: we make music because we like to make music.
Nikki: What contribution do you hope to make in the melting-pot of post-rock?
Bryce: “Post-Rock” is an incredibly vague designation and one that I personally loath. Too many bands are thrown under this umbrella term and it really does no justice nor provides ample description in regard to the music they actually make. At our core, we are an instrumental rock band with moments that are psychedelic, heavy, cinematic, lush, sparse, and so on. Diction aside, our contribution to the musical landscape would be one of creating an interpretive journey in each of our songs via varying motifs and passages that one can easily connect to without the aide of vocals for guidance – analogous to the hallmarks of classical music, only transcribed to a guitar/bass/drums format.
Nikki: Who are the Bronze Fawn influences?
Bryce: Space, massive volume, silence. We listen to such a wide range of things and come from such differing-yet-relatable musical backgrounds that our best influences may very well be one another.
Nikki: What’s next for Bronze Fawn?
Bryce: Just finished mixing our second album tonight [6/15/09] and the next step will be to get it mastered and put out either by a label or by our own means.
Thanks Bronze Fawn for the mini interview
So there you have it. Bronze Fawn is definitely a band to look out for, but you don’t have to take my word for it! Please enjoy clips from their June 5th performance at The Sunset Tavern.
Seattle Show Gal is in hot pursuit of undiscovered talent! How many great bands are out there that are slipping through the cracks? Seattle is saturated with so much music, it would be nearly impossible to sift through it all to find the good stuff. The Seattle Show Gal staff is not so proud to think that we can bring you all of it, but we are actively pursuing all different types of acts to give you a pulse on what is going on--right here in Seattle! (See more in "About")
This is going to be an event for the books! First come, first serve! If you choose to get a ticket early, you can pick one up at 
