March 10th, 2010
Written by: Katy McCourt-Basham
Category: Help!!!
Hello lovely SSG readers,
I’m Katy, the brand new photo manager for Seattle Show Gal. SSG is going to begin building an archive of concert and band photos, including more photos in concert review posts, and possibly publishing some photo essays!
This means that first and foremost SSG needs to build a team of volunteer concert photographers from the Seattle area. That means YOU!
There are many benefits to being a photographer for SSG:
1) Get into shows for free.
2) Build up your portfolio.
3) Master working in the least friendly of light conditions.
4) Make new pals.
5) Fame and glory.
If you are interested, please send an email to katy@seattleshowgal.com with the subject line “Photo Team.” In the body of the email, tell me a little bit about yourself and your background in photography (a link to a flickr would be rad as well). Also, please make sure to include your age (for assigning shows, 21+, all ages, etc) and what photo equipment you are working with. Point-and-shoots need not apply.
Thanks so much, readers. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Categories: Notes From SSG, Staff |
Tags: Concert Photographers, Concert Photography, Seattle Show Gal | No Comments
December 30th, 2009
Written by: Nikki Benson
Do you love your SSGs? Would you like to be one? We are currently looking for a New Music Editor and(New Music Editor hired! Thank you!) a few people to add to the Preview team. This is the first time we’ve been looking for staff that isn’t required to have camera equipment and can contribute from the comfort of their own homes! This is also the first time where we’re reaching out for a person that doesn’t necessarily have to be a concert-head, but a music-head.
New Music Editor:
Your duties will include being the first person that the inbound new music goes to. You will need to be available all day in some capacity to listen to new music if it is an urgent item for us to post. Being this person, you will have to pass at least three staff members tests of “Do you have good taste, or are you just a lover?” You will be a predominant voice for new music appearing on the pages of SSG.
Here’s where it gets fun, you will also be the primary correspondent from SSG to reach out to local and national labels for us to leak new music where you see fit. That being said, you are going to need to be someone who has their finger on the pulse of the local, national, and international communities as far as what is coming out and what bands are up to in general. You can have a lot of fun with this—the more obscure the better.
Preview Team:
As you have been noticing, we have been doing a LOT of previews. To be on the preview team, you need to be someone who is excited about music, shows, and sharing them with people. Obviously we don’t need a throng to come on board to let people know when The Presidents of the United States of America are going to be playing at The Showbox; we’re looking for people who will be invested in the D.I.Y. community, and tell the masses about the shows that are by donation and the bands that have not, as of yet, received any press. Of course these are extremes, but hopefully the point is getting across. Of course, most bands that we do previews for are generous enough to offer us free tickets, so there are always perks.
If you are interested in being an SSG, now is your chance!
As always, SSG staff positions are unpaid, but there are a gaggle of perks!
Categories: Staff |
Tags: Now Hiring, Seattle Show Gal | No Comments
November 4th, 2009
Written by: Nikki Benson
Category: Staff
I am pleased to announce the addition of Ankober Yewondwossen, aka Anka, to the SSG family! Anka is one of the cutest things since jaguar cubs, and the SSG family is loving her to DEATH! Hearing directly from Anka is the best way to get to know her, so without further ado, lets get into the mini Q and A.
Nikki asked: How long have you been following SSG?
Anka answered: Since June of this last summer.
Nikki asked: What is it that made you want to join the team?
Anka answered: I really enjoyed reading the reviews, and I learned a lot more about the Seattle music scene. I also learned about other unknown artists and bands through this lovely blog site. 
I just thought this would be a great learning experience through delving into two different worlds simultaneously–music and literature. It’s a beautiful thing when one can maturely acknowledge all areas of the spectrum when critiquing something as sacred as live shows. All the reviews on this site seem to be created by people who have the ability to do so. These are the kind of reviews I hope to one day produce, and this is why SSG is for me!
Nikki commented: AWE!!! Darn it! You are way to nice. The SSG readers are going to think I’m paying you.
(No I’m not paying her… 
)
Nikki asked: What do you love about music?
Anka answered: Oh man, I love the feelings music can create. The thoughts provoked through music are driven from that raw feeling it produces. It’s that same feeling that has me constantly wanting to do better, to become something magnificent–we all deserve it. I don’t believe anything else has the ability to make me rethink the type of person I am the way music has done and continues to do. Live music is like a forthcoming of what you’ve already experienced on record, except it’s hella more … LIVE! And, the universal nature de música is always a plus! 
Nikki commented: Well, artist can be “hella more live,” but they can also bite the big one. That’s why concert reviewers can be a valuable asset! If we’ve already reviewed an act, you can see which artists are “hella more” and which artists shouldn’t be playing publicly. :p
Nikki asked: What do you look forward to contributing to SSG?
Anka answered: Mmmmm, hopefully contributing in the ‘all-ages’ arena. Meaning, everywhere from scouting cool new groups from ‘battle of the bands’ contests with HIDEE , or attending hip-hop shows featuring new local emcees. I would even like to come along to interview sessions and setting up the camera… After I learn how. What’s beautiful about doing something like this for the first time is my contributions go hand-in-hand with the amount of stuff that I learn here. So, creatively speaking, I definitely wanna try my hand at reviews, and with that, I’m really down for whatever.
Nikki commented: Sounds good! We’ll wear you out yet!
Nikki asked: Lastly, how old are you?
Anka answered: Sixteen years old/young
AWE!!! OUR LITTLE BABY SSG! Welcome to the family. We look forward to abusing you–as long as we can get you home by curfew that is.
Categories: Staff |
Tags: Ankober Yewondwossen, Seattle Show Gal Staff | No Comments
October 26th, 2009
Written by: Nikki Benson
Category: Staff
Yet onward we gather! You guessed it, the SSG family wrangled in another one. This time, the SSG du jour is currently a writer for several Seattle outlets and wanted to get in on the SSG action. Can you blame him? Our lovely new family member’s name is Caleb Arnold, but some of you might already know him as C_Leb. Here is the 411 on this 206!
Nikki asked: Tell the SSG readers a little bit about yourself.
Caleb answerd: I’ve played music in the Northwest for years in multiple bands; never been signed (technically). Last year, I Finished a full length album call Broke Downtown. This album is self recorded and produced, but not without the help of an amazing group of friends and musicians. The experience was really humbling. I currently still play in C_Leb and A_Bro and with other various projects that are slowly developing. I love the harmonica and bass but would consider myself an artist and producer more than anything.
I took film and broadcast in college and have always written, but only within the last two years have I started writing music related reviews and articles. Nwmusicblog.com, seattlesubsonic.com, an article to nadamucho.com and most recently the “Decibel” page for the printed local magazine D-List. I don’t hate any style of music, just bad music, and sometimes even that.
Nikki said: Wow! You have your hands in a bit of everything. Thanks for wanting to add SSG to your list.
Nikki asked: When did you fall in love with the Seattle music scene?
Caleb answered: Sounds cliché, in the mid 90’s when everything kind of gravitated here. Ever since then its been kind of a dream to come out here and play music. I guess you can say I’m living the dream . . . its not quite as glam as I imagined, but it has it’s rewards.
Nikki asked: What other things are you involved with?
Caleb answered: Raising two kids, writing a book, releasing an EP in November, and trying to sleep sometimes. Oh and on any random given day you might find me busking the Mississippi sax down in front of the SB’s at Pike market.
Nikki said: I had no IDEA you had kiddies. Cool! You’re a busy man.
Nikki asked: If it were between giving up music forever and knowing the day that you were going to die, what would you choose?
Caleb answered: I will die the day I give music up forever…
Nikki asked: What do you look forward to contributing to SSG?
Caleb answered: Musical channeling via literary content.
Well, you sure sound like you are equipped to do that. Thank you for coming aboard! We look forward to your contributions!
Categories: Staff |
Tags: D-List Magazine, Nada Mucho, NWmusicblog, Seattle Sub Sonic | 5 Comments
October 26th, 2009
Written by: Nikki Benson
Category: Staff
The SSG family has wrangled some new members into the fold. I am please to announce that Jon Olken is now an SSG! Jon’s pretty great; he’s obsessed with music, and he’s a great writer! What more could I ask for? His passion sends him into the streets of Seattle regularly on a quest for new music. It is time that his gallivanting be channeled for the good of the people!
In the grand style of SSG welcomes, I asked our dear Olken some questions in hopes of getting some juicy answers. Here’s what happened:
Nikki asked: How long have you had a crush on music, and why?
Jon answered: I’ve had a crush on music for as long as I can remember. I guess all it started when I was a kid listening to Thriller. I fell in love with that album. I then discovered rock and roll shortly after that and I’ve been hooked since. There’s no real reason why. It’s been a love affair that I’ve never questioned. I just keep finding new reasons to love music, so I keep on loving it.
Nikki asked: Who are some of your favorite local artist?
Jon answered: Neko Case, Menomena, Eldridge Gravy & the Court Supreme, The Cave Singers, Bill Frisell, The Maldives, and The Grand Archives
Nikki asked: If you could describe the Seattle music Scene as a Lady, what would you have to say about her?
Jon answered: She’s a hipster in cowboy boots who is down for anything but refuses to dance when she gets there.
Nikki asked: Describe the BEST show you’ve ever been to.
Jon answered: The best show I ever saw was Phish at Big Cypress for the millennium new years. It was insane. It was in the middle of the everglades surrounded by crazy wildlife. I saw a guy dragging an alligator by the tail through the crowd! The weather was absolutely gorgeous, especially coming from the Boston area where there was a ridiculous amount of snow. They played 5 sets, all of them amazing, over 2 days. They played from midnight until the sun came up on New Years. People were dancing on giant ice sculptures, ferris wheels, and pretty much everywhere. It was the most surreal show I’ve ever been to and it was absolutely incredible.
Nikki said: Sounds awesome! That sounds like a once in a lifetime show, definitely worthy of a 10!
Nikki asked: What do you look forward to contributing to SSG?
Jon answered: I look forward to sharing my wealth of knowledge and my style with everyone. I have a serious passion for music. It flows through my veins like a euphoric drug. I’m so excited to now have an outlet to spread the word about all the great music that comes through town.
Well, you sound perfect! Welcome to the family, and we all look forward to you running yourself ragged for the love of the music scene.
Categories: Staff |
Tags: Jon Olken, Seattle Show Gal, SSG, Staff | 1 Comment
October 23rd, 2009
Written by: Nikki Benson
Category: Staff
You might have seen a couple of posts already from this infamous Suzi Pratt, and I bet you are ready for the 411. Who is this new Writer for SSG? Well, in the grand fashion of SSG introductions, I asked this little vixon some questions! Please enjoy the mini Q and A.
Nikki asked: What drives you batty about the Seattle music scene?
Suzi answered: As a music enthusiast, I love the long history of music in Seattle that continues to live on today, and the wide eclecticism among the many local artists and their styles. Also, it’s amazing how many music festivals and live shows there are in the Seattle area—it sure keeps my calendar full, and I’m not complaining about that!
Nikki asked: Who are your local favorites?
Suzi answered: The Cave Singers, Blue Scholars, Head Like A Kite, Sleepy Eyes of Death, Helio Sequence, Grynch, and Death Cab for Cutie (if they count as “local”).
Nikki said: OMG I totally love Sleepy Eyes of Death! They can rock out like nobody’s business–and they’re cute too!
Nikki asked: What was the best show you ever been to?
Suzi answered: I want to cheat and say that the 2009 Sasquatch Music Festival was pretty awesome (especially Nine Inch Nails!), but if I have to pick a single concert, I’d have to say The Flaming Lips at the Marymoor this summer is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Not only do The Flaming Lips play great music, but the show they put on is like a huge dance party, and there was never a dull moment. I mean, how many shows feature the lead singer rolling out onto the audience in a human-sized hamster ball?
Nikki asked: What are Looking forward to in your new SSG life?
Suzi answered: I’m looking forward to getting even more immersed in the Seattle music scene by being far more than just a member of the audience. I want to know what kinds of bands and music Seattleites are listening to these days, and I want to explore up and coming band to let Seattle (and the world!) know about what makes them worth listening to.
Oooh! You are JUST perfect! You are already doing a phenomenal job as an SSG, and I am so excited for you to tear down this city brick by brick! I speak for the entire SSG staff when I say . . . welcome to the family!
Categories: Staff |
Tags: Seattle Show Gal Staff, Suzi Pratt | No Comments
September 24th, 2009
It’s that time again people, the “now hiring” sign is posted, and .S.S.G. wrangled in a new one. I’m talking about none other then the beloved Jason Friendt! This new recruit is not your everyday average SSG, we’ve got a gay, bearded aspiring photographer/artist, with a penchant for most things indie and all things bearded. He Grew up in Minnesota; anyone for a lime jello salad?
Jason migrated to Seattle a little over 6 years ago and is loving it! Regarding his love for Seattle, Jason said, “It offers me the things that make me content in life such as music, crazy-ass panhandlers, cool weather, seafood, trannies galore, good beer, hot men, mountains, music, diversity, lunatics, passion, wildlife, a mountain on the verge of killing us all, great music venues, an incredible fault line that runs right under the city of Seattle, drag queens, local music, lush foliage, nightlife, and did I say music?”
I asked Jason a little bit about his history with shows, he stated, “I have been going to shows since I was about 15 or 16. I was brought up in a very controlling Born-again Christian household from about the age of 10 yrs on. I was limited to Christian rock bands such as Jerusalem, Petra, Stryper, Daniel Amos, and Steve Taylor. I tried to sneak in some Houdini, Fat Boys, and Grandmaster Flash whenever I could. As soon as I moved out, the first real “secular” concert I went to was King Diamond. Talk about rebelling and lashing out; I loved it!”
Lastly, I asked Jason what he looks forward to contributing to .S.S.G. He told me, “I LOVE turning people on to new music. I am that person that everyone emails or texts to ask me what I am listening to. So, I think that will be great to share on a wider scale. I also want to help expose more NW music to the masses. There is some ridonkulous music here, and it should be given a spotlight. Also being a gay man, I think a little “sugar” never hurts. Getting a good gay following is key. Just ask Madonna, Barbara, Whitney, Mariah, or Lady Ga-Ga. Its like fixed income. The letters “SSG” are very pliable.”
Thank you Jason for being willing to give your heart away to .S.S.G.! I’m wild about you. We are all looking forward to your contributions.
(For the current list of staff, please see Contact, Connect, and Request!)
Categories: Staff |
Tags: Jason Friendt | No Comments
July 17th, 2009
Written by: Nikki Benson
Category: Staff
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.
Categories: Staff |
Tags: Hidee Mangahas | No Comments
July 16th, 2009
Written by: Nikki Benson
Category: Staff
I would like to announce the newest member of Seattle Show Gal, Janelle Thomas; make some noise! (I’ve been to a lot of hip-hop shows recently.) Janelle is going to be one of the more visible faces of SSG as she is going to be our new ON camera interview gal! Let’s get up close and personal with Janelle…
Janelle, what is it that you love most about Seattle’s music scene?
Janelle: What I love most about the local music scene is being able to open up SW or The Stranger, checking out what shows are going on any given night, and finding that 90% of the time a local artist is playing that I like or have been curious to check out. I think when you’ve lived in Seattle for a long time, it’s easy to get complacent or take for granted what amazing choices we have to experience the music scene every day of the week.
What do you lust after regarding live shows?
Janelle: I am absolutely addicted to the feeling of walking away from a show and liking the artist more than I did a couple hours before. I think that sometimes the power of the live show gets underestimated. For me, I can not fully assess my thoughts about a band without attending one of their live shows. I have loved, LOVED a band and then attended a show only to have them basically play the songs straight through as if I was listening to the album at home — no interaction between the band or crowd, no personality. I crave that ’something extra’ — the performance, the personification of what/who inspired the music. It’s called a “show” for a reason: I can listen to the album at home; SHOW me something!
Well said! I might need to get you writing show reviews! 
Who are some of your local favorites?
Janelle: Currently my favorite locals are many of the hip-hop acts that are tearing up the scene lately. In the last couple months I have not been able to get enough Mad Rad, Fresh Espresso, Grynch, GMK, Champagne Champagne, and The Physics. This is different for me because I am usually more into the “rock” genres (Thee Emergency), but lately the local hip-hop is too good to pass up. It has evolved into something more than just hip-hop. The line is becoming more and more blurred with mixing genres, concepts and creativity outside of the same formula. I love it and it’s gotten me very excited about hearing new things from the Seattle scene.
What do you look forward to doing as part of Seattle Show Gal?
Janelle: Interviewing! To say I’m curious would be an understatement! I enjoy finding out about the artist behind the music and what inspires and drives the creative force into making music I enjoy so much. I am giddy with the idea of the new music I will be exposed to as part of SSG. I think working for you and with the entire SSG crew will open my eyes to all the greatness that is the local music scene and all the great artists it has to offer. Conversely, I am very driven to share with viewers of the website what amazing music they should and need to know about. I love turning people onto new sounds. I get the greatest sense of accomplishment and love being able to say “See! I told you they were awesome!”
Seriously, could you be any more adorable? I am so thrilled to have you on staff, and I look forward to all of the colorful additions that you will bring to the team. That is, unless you choke. (I’ve already given this poor girl such a hard time.)
Welcome home Janelle!
Categories: Staff |
Tags: Janelle Thomas | 3 Comments
July 13th, 2009
Written by: Nikki Benson
Category: Staff
I’ve wrangled another one into the fold chickens! Who have I got for you this time you ask? I would like to introduce you to Brittany Schank. Brittany is going to be about town on a mission to write up every act that comes through Seattle, simultaneously, upside-down … spread-eagle! Well, not exactly, but she is SSG’s newest reviewer.
With introductions I’ll usually ask the newest recruit some questions, they’ll holler back, and I’ll edit it down to a nice little back and forth conversation. In this case, our little Cornish grad Brittany wrote her introduction so well, I’d just as soon leave it the way that it is. You can’t argue with perfection right? That’s at least what I tell myself when I look in the mirror every morning.
Without further ado, I give you … Brittany Schank!
As a teenager I used to think of myself as the greatest antithesis. We all know high-school kids are notorious for putting a social label on what you’re into, who you hang out with, and what you wear. Let’s be honest, even as young adults we do the same thing; it’s a hard habit to break. That said, I guess I was the “punk rock ballerina.” You could say I was the stereotypical high-school “scene kid” complete with studded belts and pink hair, but after school I turned my studded belts in for tights and a leotard.
My two greatest passions in life are music and dance. The two go hand in hand and from a young age I was at either a music concert or a ballet. When I first became interested in music I went to shows in the Tacoma area. Club Impact was where the local shows were played, but if my friends and I were lucky, we were able to make it up to Seattle to catch Schoolyard Heroes or Kane Hodder. Today, one of my favorite parts of living in Seattle is that I’m just a few blocks away from a dozen shows going on at the same time.
I went to Cornish College of the Arts and received a BFA in Dance Performance. Alongside refining my dance technique I also became interested in writing performing arts criticism. With this new interest, I found a way to mix all my passions together – music, dance, and writing. Seattle Show Gal is the perfect opportunity for me to check out up and coming bands and continue to follow old favorites. I’m incredibly familiar with the live performance and all the excitement that comes along with being at a show. Seattle Show Gal will be my connection to music and will allow me to dive deeper into the vibrant scene. I’m excited to continue working as an advocate for the talented musicians and artists Seattle has to offer!
Welcome home Brittany!
Stay tuned for her first review to be published next week.
Categories: Staff |
Tags: Brittany Schank | No Comments
