Karrie Williams, also known as Kuddie Fresh, embodies a multifaceted presence in the music industry and beyond. With over two decades of experience, he has seamlessly woven his roles as a music producer, artist, educator, and community leader into a cohesive narrative of creativity and empowerment.

Since 2013 the Seattle band Breaks and Swells have been stylishly igniting parties, gradually growing their fan base with their unique sound and their diverse lineup. 

Fred Byrdwell, also known as Beezie2Slaps, is a Seattle-based music producer and DJ. He’s been a part of the Seattle music scene since his pops first bought a record in 1979, though he might not have known it just yet.

The record was a surprise for Beezie and his brother. His father brought them into the living room and put the record into their stereo system — it was "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang.

Out of a group of 300, just 13 were selected, and among those 13, Tiffany Wilson got her start.

Wilson is a singer-songwriter, who has worked in LA, Japan, and Seattle. She has been part of numerous bands and has also worked as a solo artist. Most recently, she appeared as "Madame Z" in Teatro ZinZanni, a circus dinner theater that originated in Seattle's Lower Queen Anne neighborhood and has since expanded to San Francisco and Chicago.

The iconic Paramount Theater in Seattle was the setting for an unforgettable evening of music and celebration as Songs of Black Folks took the stage. The concert, a vibrant tapestry of African American musical heritage, showcased a rich blend of gospel, R&B, soul, and jazz, leaving the audience spellbound.

Kids of the 80s, brought up on hip hop and MTV culture, were influenced by the likes of MC Hammer, witnessing firsthand how Hip Hop and R&B converged. These same kids watched and began to wonder how music was produced, inspiring an entire generation of music producers. Barry Gayle, better known as DJ Topspin aka Blendiana Jones, was one such kid.

Just a month after her return from Korea, singer-songwriter Paris Alexa Williams aka Parisalexa is making waves with her chart-topping hit “Supernova” and gearing up for her performance at the upcoming Bumbershoot Festival in August.

She co-composed "Supernova," a track recorded by the South Korean girl group Aespa for their debut studio album Armageddon, alongside Kenzie and Dem Jointz, who also handled the arrangement.

Clocking 25 years and counting in music, art, and community service here in Washington and throughout the world, with his origins coming from South Seattle King Khazm is a prominent figure in the culture. An emcee, producer, and community organizer in the Seattle hip-hop scene, Khazm continues to leave a valuable imprint. 

Award winning artist and film festival programmer, founder of his own production company, 100 million views and counting through platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, in addition to partnering with companies like Alaska Airlines, Reebok, and Nordstroms. LexScope has made an impressive imprint in the creative art field, and continues to expand his brand since its founding dating back to 2010.

In the digital age, young artists are required not just to create and produce music but also to understand how to market that music online. Yonny is not only a singer-songwriter, but also a social media content creator. His song “City in Motion” was released in February and has since garnered 40,000 streams.

Before Beyoncé made a roots record, Shaina Shepherd was exploring the Americana genre. The music, inspired by the fusion of early European and African cultural narratives, compelled the young artist. The genre swept her away with its ability to tell a story that focuses on the warm tonality of the human spirit.

On a Christmas morning some years ago, a four-year-old Danny "Supreme La Rock" Clavesilla tore through wrapping paper to unveil a turntable. Decades later, that four-year-old has become an internationally known DJ, still scratching up vinyl records and producing music in a lane all his own.

The elusive “Seattle Sound” is not merely a singular genre or style; rather, it's a complex amalgamation of diverse musical influences and histories layered over more than a century. This sonic tapestry has been woven by the hands and voices of countless musicians, each contributing their own unique story and perspective to the city's musical narrative.

Converge Music is thrilled to announce its official launch on June 3rd, 2024. This platform is designed to connect artists with fans through immersive storytelling, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. The launch of Converge Music coincides with Black Music Month.

Barry Gayle, the multifaceted artist known as DJ TOPSPIN, alias BLENDIANA JONES, recently joined Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to provide an update on his latest ventures in events and music. With an illustrious career spanning nearly 25 years, Gayle has been djing in the Northwest and globally, having performed in Europe, the Middle East, throughout Africa, and recently at Carnegie Hall.

Seattle musician Shaina Shepherd graced the set of The Day With Trae in an engaging segment. In it, Shepherd delved into her recent artistic endeavors, shedding light on her creations, such as Jam Jar, Sunday Sessions, and her upcoming album.

Seattle got a dose of heat last Saturday when Bad Bunny pulled up to Climate Pledge Arena as part of his Most Wanted world tour. The show was electric, bringing the energy and vibes the global superstar is known for. From the moment the bass dropped to the final encore, the energy was off the charts, with Bad Bunny performing hit songs like ‘Me Porto Bonito’ ‘MONACO’, and ‘Ojitos Lindos’.

On a buzzing Friday night, Portland's Roseland Theater was the epicenter of an electrifying atmosphere, hosting a sold-out concert featuring the legendary Too Short and Portland's very own Cool Nutz. The lineup was stellar, with Mikey Vegas, Juma Blaq, DJ Fatboy, and Bad Habit setting the stage on fire, creating an unforgettable night for the city's live music aficionados.

Excited to announce that youth-led radio station, Ground Zero Radio, will be joining us once a month right here on Back2Besa! Their goal is to connect local communities, amplify youth voices, and inspire new leaders. This week, Lucia Flores-Wiseman brings us a story about Totem Star, a new studio near the King Street Station that's FREE and open for youth ages 14-25. It's amazing to see a space where money isn't a barrier for young musicians to make their music.

On December 30th, Converge was in the building as Trae & Proof caught the Digable Planets concert at Neptune Theatre. It was a jam packed house as this terrific trio made their way to the stage. The audience was in high anticipation for what was to come. With their melodic hip hop sound, they came to the stage prepared to give us a dynamic show that took us through their timeless classics.