9th Annual Summer Meltdown Darrington, WA 8/14 – 8/16 2009
With so many great bands lined-up to play this year’s Meltdown, it’s difficult to pick just a few to highlight and preview. There are several returning bands that have made Meltdown their festival of choice. Several others are making their debut appearance. Seattle Show Gal will be previewing several of the bands over the next two weeks so return often for your all Summer Meltdown needs. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that you also have a chance at winning tickets to the best festival in the Great Northwest!
Flowmotion – Seattle, WA Main Stage – Thursday & Saturday 9:15pm
Josh Clauson – vocals, electric guitar, & percussion
RL Heyer – guitar (electric & slide) & vocals
Eric Brison – bass
Bob Rees – percussion, keys, vibraphone
Scott Goodwin – drums & vocals
Flowmotion is not just the headlining act of Meltdown, they are also the driving force behind its creation. The first Meltdown was held on a friend’s property on the San Juan Islands and since then, the festival has outgrown several locations. Flowmotion is well known within the Seattle music scene and has recently been garnering the attention of music lovers across the nation. While rooted heavily in guitar-driven rock, Flowmotion is not your average rock band; this is one of those bands that simply must be experienced live. The infectious energy is brought to life by dance floor-ready funk, blues-heavy grooves, and pure unadulterated, melt-your-face, rock. Whether they are found playing a small bar stage, arena floor, or outdoor amphitheater, Flowmotion never waver about what they came to do. The audience is carried away and brought along for the adventure created by the magicians disguised as musicians; or maybe these musicians are magicians too.
“This is primo melodic rock grounded in rhythms that draw from Latin rock and juke joint blues to create expansive, dexterous groove music with hair on its chest and a quick step.” Dennis Cook, Jambase.com, Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, 2009
From the 2008 Summer Meltdown – Flowmotion – Naughty
Jackie Greene – San Francisco, CA Main Stage – Friday 10:30pm
Jackie Greene is a wunderkind of sorts; singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, harmonica whiz, and more. Upon first listen, 27-year-old Jackie is often compared to Bob Dylan; just don’t let him hear you say that. While describing the title of his new album, Giving Up the Ghost, Jackie says, “The phrase refers to the destruction of certain notions and practices that I used to hold in high esteem.I’m just sorta sick of being the kid with the harmonica rack. I don’t want to be Bob Dylan.” The similarities are there for sure, but as Greene has matured, his skills have become honed and his sound distinctive; Americana with a twist of foot-stompin’ blues, or perhaps a hint of island-inspired drums. Giving Up the Ghost not only depicts a more grownup Jackie, but it also demonstrates his desire to spread his wings and try some new things. As with most great bands, the purest assessment can only be made once you’ve seen them live; Greene proves to be no different. His albums simply don’t convey the raw grittiness that seems to come so naturally and is undeniably awesome.
Recorded in the Spring of 2009, this video displays just a hint of what Jackie Greene brings to the stage.
TapWater – Portland, OR Garden Stage – Friday 2:20pm
Steve Moore – vocals, banjo, guitar, percussion
Rudy Slizewski – steel pans, marimba, trombone, guitar, percussion, vocals
Timmy Jones – piano, organ, accordion, vocals
Ravi Laird – guitar, vocals
Wes Elliott – bass, electric bass guitar, vocals
Simon Lucas – drum kit, percussion, marimba
My first encounter with TapWater was at Meltdown last year. This encounter did not occur on stage; in fact at the time, there was no indication that the kind people who were loaning me their wagon to haul my camping gear, were even musicians. Upon returning the wagon, we proceeded with introductions and then I was handed their business card and advised of an upcoming show sometime after Meltdown. My initial thoughts were, “Swell, first day here and now I need to try and remember about show a month away or attempt to not lose this all-information-providing piece of paper.” I did manage to keep that piece of paper but as it turned out, I didn’t have any trouble remembering TapWater. Picture if you will, it’s late at night, I’ve just wandered back to our camp and there is still much reveling going on in the general area and just up the “street.” As I’m snuggling into my sleeping bag, I’m struck by the sounds of steel drums and an accordion playing together. Being the type of girl who can’t resist an interesting mixture of musical styles, I removed myself from my cozy sleeping bag and followed the music. Imagine my surprise when I arrive at the very camp of the kind folks who just hours earlier loaned me a wagon and pimped their band. There was a growing circle of other people who were drawn by the unique sounds floating through the pines that night and ever since that night, I’ve been waiting for my opportunity to see TapWater on stage. Self-labeled as “World Twang,” TapWater brings together the many sounds and styles they have encountered and studied from around the world. They have created a unique and diverse experience that feels so new and fresh yet somehow familiar and comfortable.
Playing Smiling Balloon, here’s TapWater at the House of Blues in San Diego, CA.
What self-respecting summer music festival would be complete without a bona fide marching band? Summer Meltdown attendees have no need to fret, the MarchFourth Marching Band will be on-hand to handle all marching band needs. Comprised of a 12-piece horn section, a 10-piece percussion/drum corps, stilt-walkers, clowns, fire eaters, burlesque dancers, and much more, M4 is likely one of the most original and amazing spectacles one can expect to encounter at Meltdown. With music, art, and theater all rolled into one huge stage production, MarchFourth Marching Band is on the radar of acts that can not be missed during this year’s SummerMeltdown.
This video shows a great little medley of what can be expected while MarchFourth is doing their thing. Recorded at Outlaws Music Hall on July 26th, 2007
Also, for those of you paying attention and interested in winning a pair of tickets, this preview contains the second set of keywordsappearing in green, that need to be kept track of to complete a sentence. The third & final set will be revealed next week. The first person to complete the sentence and send it to >>>CLICK HERE<<< will be heading to the 2009 Summer Meltdown. (Be sure to include your full name and contact information, email and phone.) Winner will be notified by August 10, 2009.
Maybe you are familiar with Dejha Colantuono’s previous projects: The Rotten Apples, The Pin-Ups, and Ragazza. It’s been a bit since we’ve heard much from her but I’m happy to report that with Tea & Vodka,Dejha’s first solo effort, she is back and does not disappoint. Dejha has returned to Seattle to premier her new album on Tuesday 7/28 at the Sunset Tavern and she’s bringing some heavy-hitting friends along for the ride. Tea & Vodka itself features production from Minus the Bear and Mastadon’sMatt Bayles and session musicians who’ve worked with such artists as, Fiona Apple and Tori Amos. Dejha’s solo work shows a refined, more grown up approach than her work with The Rotten Apples, but it retains that unique rock-sensuality that Seattle fans and fellow musicians fell in love with. Each track on Tea & Vodka plays host to Dejha’s many varied strengths. From sultry and emotionally driven to all out rock goddess. Whether being played quietly in the background, or with the dial pegged at 10– Dejha’sTea & Vodka once again proves her spot as one of indie-rock’s greatest voices is not without merit.
Dejha’s performances have always been raw and energetic; I look forward to seeing the new material in a live setting. Between rousing rock-filled tracks there are some effusive little gems that really show Dejha’s skill as a songwriter. Joining Dejha on the intimate Sunset Tavern stage will be Jason Finn of Presidents of the United States of America (drums) and Kimberly Morrison of The Duchess and the Duke (backing vocals).
While this isn’t something off the new album, it does reflect Dejha’s pop-rock vocals: Love Career by The Rotten Apples
Band Members
Andrew Barnes – Guitar
Nathaniel Dominy – Bass, keys, samples, vocals
CJ DeLuca – Guitar, some vocals
Jud Mason – Drums
Tim Skirven – Guitar, keys, samples
featuring LJ Stank – Lighting
How much virtuous throttling can one tiny stage take? Put six men from Virginia in the corner of the short-ceilingedSunset Tavern in Ballard and you might not see a more amazing, skull opening performance. I feel like every night in the city there is one show you could go to that would far surpass all the other shows available. Not many people came to see Gifts From Enola open for other local instrumental acts Joy Wants Eternityand Misery Love Company, but there were enough on hand to justify such a livid and inspiring performance.
The Enola Gay was one of the American planes that dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, and though their cheeky moniker is befitting of their epic, angular guitar brigade, Gifts From Enola started their show by giving the gift of ear plugs. Guitarist and keyboardist Tim Skirvin offered up a couple extra pairs of the precious ear foam before all five members leapt into their opener. They were collectively swaying and stomping, heads and beards darting betwixt each other, and firing each other up. It was an infectious beginning, one that fired this writer up to dance.
Highlights from the show included the monstrous Trieste, the twelve-minute center-piece off their brand new From Fathoms disc (the vinyl version of which is so premium and beautiful). With as many movements as a three act play, the band moved between pretty interplay among the three guitars, dreamy neck-hammering over synth washes, gigantic metal assaults complete with off-the-mic screams from bassist Nate Dominy, and momentous rock jams that contain a wealth of dynamism. This band can play! The sound inside The Sunset Tavern was average, but the guys from GFE later said their sound on stage was the clearest of their large North American tour.
Gifts From Enola impress with their stagemanship; no song is left to hang. Sound and sonic detail is constant as they move through a set. Silence was used as a tool, not a chance to catch one’s breath. They even brought a lighting artist with them on tour, further boosting the stage presence. LJ Stank, they call him, and he is just as into the music as the players, bobbing and thrashing at his console. At one point he changed shirts without anyone noticing. They finished with the album closer Aves, which climaxes with over-the-horizon guitar worshiping and all-together-now vocal harmonies. It’s just so incredible to be in such a small space and witness such a great band absolutely destroy. Who knew? More people ought to. Gifts From Enola are genuine, passionate artists that deserve to be heard.
Please Enjoy a video captured from their Seattle show at The Sunset Tavern captured on July 19, 2009
Upcoming Shows
Jul 24 2009 8:00P The Meadowlark Denver, Colorado
Jul 26 2009 8:00P The Replay Lounge w/Actors and Actresses Lawrence, Kansas
Jul 27 2009 8:00P The Record Bar w/Actors and Actresses Kansas City, Missouri
Jul 28 2009 8:00P Amvets Post 19 Waterloo, Iowa
Jul 29 2009 8:00P The Turf Club St. Paul, Minnesota
Jul 30 2009 7:00P The High Noon Saloon Madison, Wisconsin
Jul 31 2009 8:00P The Metal Shaker Chicago, Illinois
Aug 1 2009 8:00P Rubble’s Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
Aug 2 2009 8:00P The Pike Room Pontiac, Michigan
Aug 3 2009 8:00P Blue Rock Tavern Cincinnati, Ohio
Aug 5 2009 8:00P The Robin Hood w/If These Trees Could Talk Kent, Ohio
Aug 6 2009 8:00P The Smiling Moose w/If These Trees Could Talk Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Aug 7 2009 8:00P The Spy Club w/If These Trees Could Talk Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Aug 8 2009 8:00P The M-Room w/If These Trees Could Talk Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Aug 9 2009 8:00P The Public Assembly w/If These Trees Could Talk New York, New York
Aug 10 2009 8:00P Summer Tour tba, Connecticut
Aug 11 2009 8:00P The Elevens w/Irepress Northampton, Massachusetts
Aug 12 2009 8:00P The Monkey Bar w/Irepress Winooski, Vermont
Aug 13 2009 8:00P The Green Room w/Irepress Montreal, Quebec
Aug 14 2009 8:00P Hopfenstark Brewery L’Assomption, Quebec
Aug 15 2009 8:00P St. Michaels Hall Boston, Massachusetts
Aug 16 2009 8:00P The Blackstone Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Aug 17 2009 8:00P The Saint Asbury Park, New Jersey
Aug 18 2009 8:00P D.C. Mini Gallery Washington, DC, Washington DC
Aug 19 2009 8:00P Outback Lodge Charlottesville, Virginia
Aug 20 2009 8:00P The Bat Cave Harrisonburg, Virginia
9th Annual Summer Meltdown Darrington, WA 8/14 – 8/16 2009
With festival season in full swing across the country, we here at Seattle Show Gal thought it was a good time to share with everyone the best music festival in the Northwest. SSG will begin with an overall festival preview highlighting what, where, who, and why. Then over the next couple of weeks, we’ll preview some of the artists performing this year. There is also a chance to win a pair of tickets, so read on and pay attention.
Summer Meltdown is the homegrown effort of local rock band Flowmotion and hosted by the Terra Roots Foundation. With over 3500 attendees last year, Meltdown is growing, yet still retains the tight-knit family vibe is has become known for. Festival goers, many multi-year veterans, come not just for the stellar music and arts line-up but to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and simply reconnect with themselves. For three beautiful days, the Whitehorse Mountain Amphitheater becomes home. Meltdown has become the little festival that could.
Drawing heavily from the west coast, this year’s Meltdown features over 25 acts; including Flowmotion, Jackie Greene, The Everyone Orchestra, Panda Conspiracy, The Staxx Brothers, Big High, Vicci Martinez Band, TapWater, andOn The One. Meltdown utilizes two stages, the main stage and garden stage, located side-by-side. As one band is wrapping up on one stage, the next is already set-up and ready to go on the other, making for a continuous flow of music and energy, without the hassle of hiking from stage to stage. In addition to the main stage and garden stage, there is also the infamous late-night tent where those in the know, head for some of the most memorable highlights of the weekend. Saturday nights’ all-star jam is always an anticipated event full of speculation about who will play and what possible craziness might ensue. One of the most epic moments last year was Lee Oskar (War) playing harmonica during Low Rider; holy cow, it was seriously mind-blowing!
As with all great multi-day music festivals, included in the recession-friendly ticket price, is space in the campgrounds which are nestled throughout large pines that provide a nice break from the sunshine after dancing for hours. Ample space is provided for everyone to create their own unique niche, and there is no shortage of creativity when it comes to what people use to enhance their campsite. The campgrounds are a short stroll to the vendor areas, stages, late-night tent, restrooms (which are cleaned every morning!) and river access trails. The spirit of community thrives in the campgrounds and is a welcome reminder that not all has gone awry with the world we live in.
So much is going on over the course of the weekend that it is difficult to mention it all. For those shopaholics, browse the Vendor Village. Are your little ones joining you? Be sure to visit the Meltdown Kids area; arts and crafts, workshops, playtime; there is bound to be something for the young and old at heart. You should also check out the Green Villagewhich is returning to the festival with environmental and social outreach exhibits. Fast fact: 2008’s festival was the first festival in Washington State to run entirely on bio-diesel.
Also, for those of you interested in winning a pair of tickets, keep checking back over the next couple of weeks for more in-depth previews of the artists playing at Meltdown this year. Contained within the various previews will be key words appearing in green, that will need to be kept track of to complete a sentence. The first person to complete the sentence and send it to >>>CLICK HERE<<< will be heading to the 2009 Summer Meltdown. (Be sure to include your full name and contact information, email and phone.) Winner will be notified by August 10, 2009.
The bottom line here folks is that Summer Meltdownis more than just a music festival; Meltdown isa movement, a community, and an inspiration.
Take a peek at Flowmotion performing One Legged at the 2008 Meltdown
Band Members:
Mike Votava: guitar, vocals
Rick Weber: drums, vocals
Travis Young: keys, vocals
Ben Baier: bass, vocals
I didn’t go to my high school prom. It was my choice; I opted out. I think I was trying to save myself from the inevitable let down of not being asked by my crush. Whatever it was, I had people telling me left and right “Someday you’ll regret not going.” The stubborn 18 year old in me adamantly said, “No, I won’t.” Let us flash forward five years and about one month to The Crocodile Cafe. The Sweet Dreams Prom 2009 successfully made me regret not going to my high school prom.
We Wrote the Book on Connectors (WE) headlined the Sweet Dreams Prom along with supporting acts TennisPro and M. Bison. A sparkling backdrop fixed with a crescent moon adorned the stage while white and blue balloons covered the floor. There was even a place to cast your vote for the Prom King and Queen. The crowd was dressed to the nines, borrowing styles from the 80’s and 90’s. Sequins and tulle, spiked punch and all; this was the prom I never went to and the prom I wish I had.
We Wrote the Book on Connectors took the stage to an energetic audience. Looking mighty dapper in matching sky blue tuxes, WE opened with a cover of Cutting Crew’s “I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight.” This wasn’t the only gem of a cover song we heard that night; Tennis Pro and M. Bison covered the likes of Cyndi Lauper and Rod Stewart. Complete with ruffled undershirts and bow ties, WE shimmied throughout their set in white patent leather shoes.
Self dubbed “The Band of the Future” WE’s newest album Ride It Out Like a Turbo Horse features songs “Gothic Dance Party” and “Almost Magical.” They are the inventors of “Mustache Rock” and though it’s unclear exactly what that means, what is clear is this band puts on a pretty awesome show. They were reminiscent of The Aquabats (sans ska) with their comic book sense of humor lyrics. Throw in a little Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies, and we had ourselves a band that made the audience laugh, dance, and even put on a prom dress.
One of the coolest things about this band is the WE Song Writing Service. For a reasonable $18, WE will write a song about anything you choose. Just give them a subject and they’ll write the lyrics in their geeky, science fiction style. I may be taking them up on that offer soon.
Though some weren’t dressed in formal wear nor did we all have corsages pinned on the appropriate lapels, we all had a magical night. Thank you We Wrote the Book on Connectors, for putting on a hilariously nerdy show and giving me the prom night I never had!
Band Members:
Kevin R. Lord – Drums and Vocals
Aaron Poppick – Lead singer and Bass
Julian Thomas – Keyboard and Vocals
Starting with a wail from lead singer Aaron Poppick, Blood Red Dancers instantly got the attention of everyone at the Blue Moon. The band has a dark, psychedelic vibe to it mixed with a little jazz. Since the trio came into the spotlight last year with their release of their EP Let Him Fight, I’ll be in the Breadline and playing at last year’s REVERBfest; they have only gotten better.
The instant Blood Red Dancers took the stage, one thing stood out — their wardrobe. All three of them looked like they were trying for a different theme. With the sleeves rolled up on his white-collar shirt and dark slacks, Julian Thomas looked like he just came from a job interview. Kevin R. Lord was quite dapper; dressed in 50’s-inspired clothing with suspenders and completed with a handkerchief in his breast pocket. With a plain olive colored shirt and jeans, Aaron broke whatever collective style they were going for. Their attire would prove to be a good visual representation of their music.
Aaron is a vocally rough combination of Jim Morrison and Tom Waits, and Julian’s keyboards compliment the sound. Rounding out the trio is Kevin on the drums; his beats will lull you into a daze before he goes crazy and throws you into the music without warning. No single member of Blood Red Dancers stands above any other. They all play off each other to create a real experience. It is no surprise that they have all been friends since childhood.
It didn’t take long for the audience to react to the Blood Red Dancers. Only a few minutes into their set, people started to leave the booths and chairs to crowd the stage and sway to the music. The energy was kept up throughout the show. Julian’s occasional piano interludes provided a nice break without ruining the atmosphere.
I highly recommend seeing the Blood Red Dancers. The intensity and rawness of the band live doesn’t quite translate on their EP — this is a band that must be experienced live. They have been playing plenty of shows in Seattle, so there is no excuse to have not seen them at least once. They also have a new EP coming out soon called The Bikini Island.
Here is some footage from the Blood Red Dancers’ show at the Blue Moon.
The Blood Red Dancers on Myspace
Upcoming Shows
Aug 29 9:00P The Sunset Ballard, WA
Sept 4 9:00P The Comet Seattle, WA
Sept 11 7:00P Ground Zero Bellevue, WA
Themselves will be performing at Chop Sueyon Thursday, July 23rd! $12 adv/$14 dos
For those not familiar, Themselves is a project featuring the legendary duo of Doseone and Jel of Subtle, cLOUDDEAD, and 13 and God. Themselves play noisy and loud avant-hip hop that will be surely be an awesome thing to behold live. Their newest record, theFREEhoudini, is up for download for free on their website; the catch being that if you actually go out and buy the CD, you get an extra fifteen minutes of music and track markers for each song. Those who caught Doseone charming the pants off of the audience between songs with Efterklang or Zach Hill will have some idea what to expect.
theFREEhoudini is surprisingly accessible for a Themselves record– they remain artsy and noisy but can still, unlike the The No Music, their 2003 album, theFREEhoudini strives for cohesiveness and playfulness. This disc has been on heavy rotation in my car over the last week and to be frank, I’m amazed that my windows haven’t shattered on account of the beats and reverb alone. It’s almost like a hip-hop meets industrial noise kind of sound, but it doesn’t meander. theFREEhoudini is a head-bobber as much as it is an eardrum-exploder. theFREEhoudini is crawling with guests, among them Aesop Rock and Slug of Atmosphere fame, and superstars of the indie hip-hop world. While they may not be with Themselves at the show on the 23rd, I can’t wait to see what they’ve got up their sleeves. Whatever it is, it’s going to be loud and it’s going to be good.
Curumin @ Neumos July 21st, $12 (Enter to win FREE TICKETS below!!!)
Curumin is bringing his unique blend of samba, hip-hop, and funk to Neumos on July 21st!
Get ready to move like you never have before; this dude is smooth! His energy creates a movement that is subtle, but it’s so all-encompassing that it’ll take the audience over before anyone has a fighting chance. From Brazil, Curumin’s gonna be bringing that favela meets Medeski, Martin and Wood sound to Seattle and we’re gonna get our dance on in a big way. Curumin’s funky and he’s got a strong bossa nova thing going, but there’s another reason that DJ Shadow and the boys at Quannum Projects decided to sign him — he raps in Portuguese and in English too!
Tellin’ you, Curumin’s a multi-talented cat and I can’t wait to see what shape that’ll take on the stage at Neumos. A lot of his stuff is funky hip-hop beats, and he’d be a more than capable producer on any hip-hop record, too. This will be a show to throw your arms up at, for sure.
This kinda show makes me wish it was in the middle of winter — I could picture it melting any ice around Capitol Hill. This show is going to heat up the entire neighborhood surrounding Neumos with all the movement inside.
We’ve got a giveaway for this one! Click –>HERE!<– to enter to win your passes to the party of the week! Be sure to include your name as you would like it to read on the guest list! Remember, you’re a VIP when you’re rollin’ with SSG!
Please enjoy the preview video of Vem Menina. This video shows off the smoother aspect of the party, but don’t let it fool you — you’ll be dancing yourself into a sweat before you know what hit you.
The Harem: Lisa Dank: Vocals
The Horde:Ryder: Vocals, Keys – Badger: Percussion – Thor: Bass, Guitar – Noble: Guitar
The Horde and the Harem was an enigma in that their greatest asset was also their weakest link — The Harem. If The Horde stood alone as a band of four, their talent would be arguably solid, but they wouldn’t be anything to write home about. With the Harem, The Horde has an audacious center piece. At the show under review, The Harem came with high-voltage shock value, but her musical talent was sporadic at best.
At the debut performance of The Horde and The Harem, Lisa Dank was reminiscent of the character Lina Lamont from “Singing in the Rain.” What is the connection between the burlesque Harem and a 1951 fictional movie star? In “Singing in the Rain,” Lina Lamont was a movie star in the era of silent films. She was gorgeous, a great performer, and not to be reckoned with. But, when silent films became obsolete, so did Lina Lamont — her voice was atrocious! The only way to save the shrew’s career when silent films transitioned into musicals was to have a double perform her vocals while she lip-synced. In regards to our modern day shrew, her magnitude of force was focused more on stage presence than vocal skill. The majority of her vocals landed as if she wasn’t even looking for a particular note. It was almost as if Lisa didn’t care to sing, but since she was on stage, it was obligatory for her to make some contribution other than dancing. It might be harsh to say that Lisa Dank stank, but it is fair to say that “her many talents” are served better away from microphone.
On the plus side, the audacity of Lisa Dank’s stage presence made it impossible for the crowd to tear their eyes off of her. Her level of commitment was fierce; there were moments when she was rocking so hard, she nearly broke her own neck. She gave herself to the music as if she were a human sacrifice. Her appeal was for those who were intrigued with the overtly sexy; she put it out there with no shame. Whether Lisa Dank will get far in this industry remains to be seen; it wouldn’t be a surprise if she succeeds — sex sells.
As far as the rest of the band was concerned, Ryder was the other stand out. He had very compelling vocals and clean keys. The rest of the band was good support. All together, they gave an entertaining show.
Please enjoy footage from The Horde and the Harem’s debut performance at Neumos.
I would like to introduce you to… Hidee Mangahas! Hidee is going to be putting her skills to work with photography on behalf of SSG. In addition to that, she is going to be running the myspace, and basically being the resident Seattle Schmooze Gal. Before she was even of legal age, Hidee found herself drawn to the Seattle music scene. She was working at venues and networking into what soon became more than just an appreciation but a realization to take her passion for the local music scene further. I can blab all day about our new gem, but I’ll let her speak for herself. Lets get up close and personal with Hidee…
What is it that you love most about Seattle’s music scene?
Hidee: The way it feels!! I love the diversity and availability of Avant-garde music from one hill to the next. Seattle offers a wide variety of unique creative expression Seattle’s musician’s overflow with. I love that you can walk down a street like 2nd avenue and get a dose of alternative metal, acid jazz, progressive house, old school hip hop, and maybe even a lil’ bit of Arabesque; it’s all good.
What do you lust after regarding live shows?
Hidee: I’m lust after the Intensity and movement! It is so much fun to be a part of the crowd when we can’t help but move our bodies like a crazy in dysfunctional unison. When you can tell the band is having just as much fun as the audience, shows become alive in a way that such a unique experience. I’d rather be moved by the artist’s talent and passion than impressed by their stage makeup or fan base, and Seattle’s musicians have some pretty intense talent.
Who are some of your local favorites?
Hidee: I’m really enjoying Dj100proofs new BackyardBBQ, Common Market, Grieves, The Fall of Troy, Sean Majors and Gene Lee, and I’ve gotta say I’ve been following Mad Rad and Champagne Champagne pretty heavy! There’s nothing in comparison to them right now. They are high fructose corn syrup; highly addictive.
What do you look forward to doing as part of Seattle Show Gal?
Hidee: I look forward to building. Just the opportunity and experience to visually reflect my take on live shows through my lens for SSG’s readers is amazing. The natural meet and greet of new people is something I’ll never tire of. I’m extremely stoked and thankful to do be part Seattle Show Gal.
Hidee, welcome aboard! We look forward to all your contributions going forward.
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")
