The rain won’t stop, can’t stop this block party! But when has the rain ever stopped Seattleites from doing anything (besides driving weirdly)? Day one of Capitol Hill Block Party proved to be the quality day of music that they have proved in the past festival circuits. With familiar locals, bands you have never heard of, and alt-radio favorites, attendees danced until the wee hours of the early morning.
If musical fate were a thing, Josh Starkel (guitars/vocals) and Kyle Veazey (drums/vocals) of Seattle’s own Duke Evers, were definitely meant to have crossed paths. Having found each other whilst looking for roommates, it wasn’t until months later that they started jamming together and soon realized that their musical styles and ideas were destined to be melded into what is now known as Duke Evers.
Capital Cities is a band that can make even the most stubborn cross-armed-too-good-for-dancing concert goer tap their toes and bob their heads. Known for their breakthrough radio hit, “Safe and Sound,” this Los Angeles-based duo offers so much more musically and in their live show that people need to know about.
On any given Thursday night in Seattle’s iconic neighborhood, Capitol Hill, you are bound to walk into an awesome show. This was no different on October 23rd over at Barboza where local quartet, Tangerine, celebrated the release of their new EP, “Behemoth!” The basement bar was filled to the rim with loyal fans, friends, and family for Marika, Miro, Toby, and Ryan.
New Lungs is the indie/post-rock/post-punk product of five skilled Pacific Northwest musicians that put on a mean stage show. And what better way to represent the local scene than with a few guys from Seattle, Bellevue, and Bellingham.
Tangerine is a Seattle indie pop-rock quartet that has got some major flare. Glittering with sweet vocals by Marika Justad, pulsing beats by Miro Justad, driving bass lines provided by Ryan Baker, and vintage-y guitar riffs by Toby Kuhn – these freshly squeezed tunes will get you on your feet and dancing in no time (whether that be a slow-dance, or happy-go-lucky dance, Tangerine has got you covered). If Urban Outfitters ever needed a custom soundtrack for their store, Tangerine would be the perfect fit.
Having emerged from Seattle’s underground soul/r&b scene just a few years prior to releasing a slew of critically acclaimed tracks, Fly Moon Royalty has found the way to stand out instead of becoming just another cog in the man-made music machine. Vocalist Adra Boo and producer/keyboardist/MC Mike Illvester easily paved the way for up and coming acts, not to say that heaps of hard work wasn’t involved but a strong dose of pure talent doesn’t hurt. In 2012 Seattle Magazine named them as one of the city’s Best New Bands while simultaneously being voted by City Arts as the Best Local Band.
2014 is sure to be a big year for Fly Moon Royalty as well—with the release of their new EP,
Last Friday, I commemorated my return to Seattle by photographing the Moneta Music Video Release Show at Showbox at the Market. It was a strange feeling stepping into that room after almost a year of going to shows in New York City venues, but it’s hard not to appreciate the wood floors and upside down red umbrella sculptures on the ceiling of the original Showbox.
Seattle’s favorite Alternative Country artist Dylan Jakobsen is playing his album release show at Neumo’s this Sunday, August 25th. Dylan is sharing the stage with Tumbledown (Mike Herrera of MXPX), Stephen Jerzak, and Josh Withenshaw of Every Avenue. Doors open at 6, show at 6:30. Tickets are $13 advance/$18 day of show.
“We’re the shit and if you haven’t seen us perform live, you should stop being silly and come see us live,” Mark Hoy, emcee and singer of Theoretics, said jokingly. “That’s our strongest suit right now.”
