On a hot August night I ventured to SE Seattle to see the highly pedigreed Western Standard Time Ska Orchestra. This outfit, fronted by Greg Lee (of Hep Cat fame) was a combination of a big jazz band, a ska band and modern mixed in with old and traditional. Greg Lee was fascinating to watch. …
On the inspiration for the song “Cadillac” William Dolan says: “It’s okay to talk about, and even worry about what’s happening in the world. But, you can still enjoy yourself whether you are a kid or an adult. I’m trying to open kids eyes about important issues and help make the world a better place. …
Check out Sly Dunbar and Anthony Red Rose discussing the making of ‘Free Your Mind’. Thank you Enriek Thomas for shooting this, Mike Martin for editing, and Roy Roy Ce for embracing the unique challenge of sending this footage to America via the series of tubes we call the Internet. Davin’s new song has been released and has become a global earworm …
Discussing her new track, Riley states “When I was younger, I suffered abuse by the hands of an older man. Being able to sing out my confusion and frustration made me confront some upsetting truths about my past. Innocence is about seeing these issues face-to-face and and way to heal from them.”
Mona Lisa is an “Off-Top Freestyle” that Auspiddit did after having a big disagreement with family and friends about investing in himself. This high energy trap-like song is produced by Brandon Chapa. The Risky, Religious church theme was shot and directed by Kyle Ahlberg.
Dig the new track from KXA with LA singer Jenny March: KXA Instagram Jenny March Instagram
The sun sets. Appreciate every gig. This is Tom Wilkinson‘s last gig with us until after his baby arrives. Every time The Staxx Brothers hit the stage, it’s all kind of a minor miracle that my friends and I built this tradition that is so many albums and unbelievable stories deep, that I have been able to sing …
On a warm early August evening I had the chance to do some time traveling. One of my favorite performers of the early eighties was playing a concert at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo. That artist is Adam Ant. I saw Adam a couple times in 81 and 82 and remembered him being an incredible performer. …
The Sarah Benasouli Quartet is a new Jazz-style project that combines original compositions, colourful arrangements and varied influences. Sarah Benasouli is a singer, creator and writer. She fully welcomes the audience into her musical world; an exciting mix of jazz, soul and ethnic music blending together a wide range of cultures and rhythms that have …
Don’t miss this brief interview with legendary dancehall producer and keyboardist Lenky Marsden as he discusses how he and the song’s producer Anthony Red Rose turned what Lenky considers my “American Folk Ting” into what is becoming a MAJOR hit in Jamaica. It certainly is a hybrid. As a Half Puerto Rican that has always felt a bit out …
I got some real challenges ahead in August. I know how to be Thick Jagger, lick a harmonica like boss, and front The Staxx Brothers all day. But this is new territory boss. I am joining forces with the reggae outfit Hold in Fyah at Morgan Henley‘s Rock The Nation Carnation, WA block party on Saturday August 4th and even …
Seattle police’s lip-sync video of Macklemore’s “Downtown” (above) has rightfully drawn a lot of attention. The department still under a Department of Justice order to eliminate brutality, especially against people of color, has thoroughly embraced the Seattle rapper’s one-love vibe while putting their show on the road, blowing away police department lip-syncing videos from around …
This is a beautiful, uplifting video shot on a CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) train. Thanks to Victor L. Cooper
Laura Bettinson began performing in 2012, when one of her early south London gigs caught the attention of Nigel Godrich; together with him and Beck drummer Joey Waronker, she ended up forming one third of the electronic pop group Ultraísta. Encouraged by Godrich’s confidence in her unique and savvy tastes, Bettinson began creating her own …
Here is a live performance of Jason Hawk Harris’ tune, “I’m Afraid,” which appears on his EP Formaldehyde, Tobacco and Tulips. It was inspired by a story a friend told him about his “very Catholic mother” who had placed one of those bloody pictures of Jesus over his bed, and how he was more scared …
Sometimes in music, the stars align to unexpectedly bring together legends to tell a brutally honest and unfiltered story for the ages. Such is the case for Portland producer Jade River’s new single, “Flowers Die.” “Flowers Die” brings together LA hip hop icons Ariano, MC Supernatural, Pawz One and DJ LaLa on the turntables for …
If you’re on Facebook, please like Lewis Harding’s solo moniker Wyler. My English Brothers in Sherlock Soul (and our soon to be announced British collective, of which I am the token Yank) have this Romantic idea that they can masquerade behind these musical personas and cultivate new identities. While I find it hard enough to …
When I watched the movie Hype! as a teen and simply never could convince myself to return it to Hollywood Video, one song and one band blew my mind. It was Love Battery. It was this performance. I thought it was amazing all these local bands were making it big and being from Seattle and even …
When I wake up in a giant, empty bed… get on my feet and instantly feel a knee, a back… I’d just been talking to Elvis Costello as snow fell outside the windows… wonder what I’ll be when I grow up, and then remember that somehow I’m 50 years old now, and my dreams have …
“I’m incredibly proud to present “Fingerprints”,” says Toronto artist Annie Bonsignore of her newest video, a collaborative project with Director of Photography Philippe Maurice. “It has been an incredibly rewarding adventure for me. “For a songwriter, the chance to add the dimension of visual elements is a huge opportunity to expand the story-telling that the …
LIFE PLANS: It’s fun to tell you my plans for the future then, we can look back and see what fate revealed and what fortunes were won. I am currently planning to a few more albums for The Staxx Brothers then I want to shut that sh☆t down as a recording project. But it doesn’t necessarily mean …
This tune has some edge to it. Give it a listen. ElectroBluesSociety is a European duo who produce organic dance music by combining electronics with raw vintage live sounds. In December 2017, Cuban Heels singer Jan Hidding did a recording session with them and here is another original and new song, the third track from …
This new album, Pieces Of The Night, is a collection of songs expertly combining organic and live elements, with classy electronica and stunning production. Lyrically, these are honest songs about the human condition and human connection in an increasingly hectic world. The album ranges from stunning instrumental performances such as ‘Boy In The Frame’, to …
I just got a call from Decurrian, AKA DC. The third official member of The Staxx Brothers after Joshua Hanson and I started the band on 2002. He was one of my best friends at the time anyway, and I remember Tina Turnbull told me after we rocked a particular house party that I had better ask DC to officially join …
San Mei captains a technicolor ride with take-no-prisoners guitar runs and lush, ethereal vocals in the new video for single ‘Wonder’. Riffing off the traditional performance video framework, the visuals are a glimpse at the raw power and boss musicianship fans have come to expect from San Mei’s live show.
On Sunday June 23 Boston ska legends The Mighty Mighty Bosstones made their first Seattle appearance in four years and I was there to witness this esteemed event. The concert was once again held at Seattle’s Neptune Theater, a great venue to hold live music. This time they were promoting their brand new album While …
“Written for anyone who has ever been screwed over in a relationship, “Investment” is an anthem that investigates the meaning of self love and relationships in a modern age of non-committal dating culture that we’re taught to accept and accustom to without question.” – Domanique Grant http://www.domaniquegrant.com
Here it is, the long awaited video for ‘Free Your Mind.’: The Book of Horace Chapter One As I am on the cusp of quite possibly having a Top 40 Hit in several countries with the song ‘Free Your Mind’, I keep hearing the voice and sage advice of my greatest professor. Horace Alexander Young. …
The intensity builds on this track. Stick with it. Riley says of the track “My Ex called me a couple weeks ago, 2 months after he broke up with me, to tell me he was in a serious relationship. Which sparked some anger in me because he told me he wasn’t ready for serious commitment. …