Navigating Music, Identity, and Authenticity: A Conversation with Amelia Day

Amelia Day, a queer folk rock powerhouse carving out her own space alongside legends like Brandi Carlile, has been chasing music since the days she banged on pots and pans as a toddler. Even back then, Day had a knack for making noise that turned heads (or at least caught her parents’ attention). By the time she was five, her fascination with the family’s upright piano blossomed into formal lessons, thanks to her parents, who were casual piano players themselves. Watching them play always lit a fire in her, and she was determined to create that same magic.

Meet Devonte Pearson, better known in Spokane’s music scene as T.S the Solution—a name that embodies his journey and his vision. Born in Long Beach and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Pearson’s story is one of resilience, dreams, and a beat that never quits. He’s not just a hip-hop artist or an audio engineer; he’s a builder of bridges, a catalyst for collaboration, and the mentor he once wished for in his younger days.

Jesse James talks about his journey from small-town blues enthusiast to Seattle’s music scene, sharing how his self-taught roots shaped his sound and what to expect from his long-awaited album Checkin the Mic.

Somewhere in the Pacific Northwest, ancient mythologies are resurfacing—and Landon Spencer might just be at the heart of it. Converge Music caught up with Spencer about his musical journey and the mythological influences shaping his lyrics.

At just 16 years old, Julie Chang Schulman, aka Julie-C, released her first professional project, “Welcome to my World” with the label Immaculate Flave, a bold entrance into Seattle’s Hip-Hop scene that hinted at her future as both an artist and an activist. But her journey didn’t start in the studio—it began at home, where music was more than a pastime; it was a bridge. With a father who was a musician on the autism spectrum, Julie-C learned early that music could be a powerful way to connect, communicate, and create meaning.

Kimberly Nichole’s journey into rock music was a natural evolution. Early on, while collaborating with a producer who had a strong passion for rock, Nichole was introduced to iconic bands like The Doors, Green Day, and Foo Fighters. Although she had always enjoyed rock, especially being from Seattle, it was during this creative period that her love for the genre truly deepened. The producer also introduced her to blues records, broadening her musical palette.

Raised in a household that he refers to as a "black museum," Shyan Selah was surrounded by an abundance of records, books, art, vinyl, CDs, sports memorabilia, and articles, particularly those reflecting the history of Black culture. His musical journey began in a household deeply immersed in cultural and musical influence.

In 2016, Brandon Phillips and Davon Revis first crossed paths on the set of a music video shoot. Davon had been brought in by a mutual contact to help with the production, a surprise to Brandon, as he hadn’t been informed. Despite the unexpected introduction, the two hit it off and quickly found common ground in their passion for music. Both artists were involved in separate music projects and groups at the time, but it wasn’t long before Davon joined Brandon’s team.

Born Russell Maynard, but to the world he’s known as DJ Infamous Sleepy, began his musical journey dating back to the 90s while being a student at Elizabeth City State University located in North Carolina. While being a full-time student and with a full school schedule, Maynard managed to frame houses and condos, alongside DJ’ing 95% of the college parties on campus.

Fresco Lee was an athlete first and foremost. While growing up, people often remarked on his talent for rapping, but his focus was primarily on sports. At 18, on his way to a studio session at the Southwest Community Center, he was shot in the leg. The injury forced him to set aside basketball and pick up the pen. From that turning point, he committed himself fully to mastering his craft, determined to make every performance and opportunity a testament to his growth as an artist.

Falling in love with music at a young age while listening to greats such as Earth, Wind & Fire, The O’Jays, Stevie Wonder, and Luther Vandross, Jay Dot found music sticking to him like glue. Mimicking sounds without even noticing, his journey since adolescence has been filled with learning more about the art. Understanding what music means while discovering his own talents, Jay Dot has put together an amazing career from his youth to the present day.

LeNard Jones of Goody Bagg was a basketball player before he became a musician. While his primary focus during his youth was basketball, the rich musical environment surrounding him left an enduring impression that would draw him back into the world of music years later.

Toby “Fresh” Campbell, better known as DJ DV One, got his start in DJing through an unexpected twist of fate. Initially aspiring to be a rapper, he was forced to take over DJ responsibilities when his own DJ was incarcerated.

Opening his club to the Seattle nightlife in October of last year with the slogan “OHM is home,” Jordan Quiller has brought his Houston, Texas, roots and mixed them with his Seattle style. The two mixtures have rewarded him with one of the best nightclubs here. Quiller has hosted big artists such as Veeze, Anycia, 03 Greedo, Real Boston Richie, Bino Rideaux, Jay Critch, and Bryson Tiller throughout his first year of opening.

Often working behind the scenes, music managers play a crucial role in shaping the careers of tomorrow's stars. Ryker, the manager of the multifaceted Oblé Reed, is no exception. With a sharp eye for talent and a deep understanding of the industry, she and Oblé have forged a strong partnership, with Ryker providing the strategic guidance that complements Reed's creative vision, helping him navigate the complexities of the music industry while staying true to his artistry.

It’s 7 PM on a chilly mid-October evening in Seattle’s Capitol Hill. A growing line forms outside Neumos, where concertgoers, blending punk and hip-hop styles, are eagerly awaiting tonight’s show. They’re here for Teza Talks, set to take the stage for the release of Black Girl American Horror Story, her highly anticipated debut album, hailed as her most innovative work yet.

Barry Williams, known by his stage name, DJ B-Mello, is a seasoned and respected award winning DJ with a rich history in the craft that dates back to the early 1980s.

Gregory Buren, also known as Funk Daddy, is a cornerstone of Seattle's music scene, embodying the spirit of hip-hop through his multifaceted talents as a producer, DJ, and former MC. His musical journey began in the mid-1980s, inspired by the vibrant beats of Sugar Hill Records. Funk Daddy's early days were marked by a passion for rapping along with his favorite tracks, leading him to hone his skills on instrumental records. As he immersed himself in the craft, he started acquiring his own gear, including a Roland 606 drum machine and a legendary keyboard dubbed the "freak board," setting the stage for a prolific career.

Originally from Iowa and with a musical background on both sides of his family, DJ Sean Malik moved to Seattle at the age of 12. Upon his arrival in the Pacific Northwest, he instantly found his love for hip-hop. It was perfect timing, considering he was at the school age when students were allowed to carry instruments. DJ Sean has stuck with the craft from grade school to the present day.

As you descend into the underbelly of Madame Lou’s at the Crocodile, a painting of Madame Lou herself seems to watch your every step. The floors vibrate, and the blues, reds, and purples of the stage lights melt into your skin as they reflect off the disco ball spinning overhead.

Since starting her career, Seattle-born, San Diego-raised Soul artist Choklate has established herself as a prominent figure in the local music scene.

Infinite—endless in space, extent, or size, impossible to measure or calculate—lives true to his name. His music catalog and career remain strong to this day. Encouraged by his mother, who wanted him and his sister involved in music, Infinite grew up in Seattle's Central District and started his musical journey in elementary school, playing the trumpet and saxophone.

In Seattle, there is no one more influential on the local hip-hop scene than Vitamin D. A long-awaited and much-needed interview, Vitamin D has touched the lives of nearly every young hip-hop artist in the '90s and continues to do so today.

Born on the military base Fort Lewis, Priest Mastersson understands the level of discipline it takes to be good at anything but as easy as it sounds, was not as smooth as it went. Growing up and dealing with bullying in elementary school and being in the foster care system, Mastersson always was infatuated and connected to music, with that he found his calling when he was gifted hundreds of tapes whether it was Run DMC, Beethoven, or Metallica the list goes on.

Over the weekend, Irish artist Andrew John Hozier-Byrne, known best as Hozier, returned to Washington, pouring his blues, soul, and indie rock into the wild embrace of the Gorge amphitheater.

From his roots in hip hop to his exploration of electronic genres like jungle and drum and bass in the early 2000s, Shomari Shanks, aka DJ Sho Nuph is a dynamic DJ.

At the crossroads of lo-fi and R&B, Kailyn Baccetti, also known as Kenshi Killzzz, crafts a sound that’s as fresh as it is evocative. Her music videos are visual poetry, blending traditional Indian attire with edgy streetwear, while her vlogs and photography account offer a behind-the-scenes look at her creative world.