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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.
PHOTOS: BigXthaPlug Hits Seattle’s Neumos Stage
BigXthaPlug came to Seattle and hit the Neumos stage on December 8th. See photos from his performance below through the lens of Marvin Patterson.
TS the Solution: Spokane's Bridge-Builder and Dream-Chaser
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: From Small-Town Roots to Seattle's Blues Scene
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.
Landon Spencer: Weaving Myth, Music, and the Heart of the Pacific Northwest
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.
Julie-C: From Hip-Hop Prodigy to Activist and Community Builder in Seattle’s Creative Scene
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.
The Rock Ballerina: Kimberly Nichole on Seattle Roots, New York Grit, and Finding Her Sound
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.
Shyan Selah: Music, Mentorship, and a New Chapter with Forbes
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.
lostinlkwd!: From Past Projects to a Bold New Sound
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.
From Brooklyn With Love; DJ Infamous Sleepy Is Still On His Marathon Decades Later
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.
From Athlete to Artist: Fresco Lee Talks Growth, Influences, and What's Next
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.
Shaina Shepherd's Healing Concert: A Night of Profound Connection and Musical Brilliance
Last Friday, I attended a truly extraordinary concert at the ethereal St. Mark's Cathedral on Capitol Hill in Seattle. The concert, headlined by the immensely talented Shaina Shepherd, was presented as a night of healing and reflection, a promise it more than fulfilled. From the moment I stepped into the cathedral, I was enveloped by the spiritual atmosphere.
Find Your Niche and Continue to Evolve
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: From Courts to Chords
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.
DJ DV One on Music, Art, and a Lifelong Love for Innovation
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.
Mixing Houston Roots With His Seattle Style
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.
Ryker: The Relentless Pursuit
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.
Spooky Season: Teza Talks Electrifies Neumos with Black Girl American Horror Story
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.
DJ B-Mello: Navigating the Changing Landscape of Hip-Hop
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.
Funk Daddy: Shaping the Future of Seattle's Hip-Hop Scene
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.