Olympia, Washington, and by proxy nearby towns like Aberdeen, Chehalis, Shelton, et al, has a rich history with cutting edge music. A small, but mighty scene that flows with the tide but never completely stops, is well known for proliferating zine culture, DIY shows in alleyways, and Evergreen State College. Olympia labels like K Records and Kill Rock Stars gave us Karp, Beat Happening, Pansy Division, the Melvins...and sent the Riot Girl movement to the world with Bikini Kill, Heavens to Betsy, Bratmobile, and more. In the early aughts and teens, bands like Tight Bros from Way Back When, G.L.O.S.S., RVIVR, and of course, Sleater-Kinney, kept the torch alive.
But what's going on now? Tober, with Olympia hardcore band Rat Cage, has some thoughts on it.
Name: Tober M
City/Scene: Olympia, WA
How would you describe the health of your scene?:
The scene has been slowly declining in the last year, but at the same time it’s a
healthy decline.
3 Things you love about your scene:
Community, Bands, The overall feel of spaces
3 Things you’d like to see improve:
MORE RADICALIZATION, Keeping it safer, More diversity genre wise
What are the best places to see shows?:
Definetely the Mortuary.
5-10 local bands you love:
RAT CAGE, Physique, Electric Chair, Malaise, Human Vaccuum, Stink Animal and the
Who are some people putting in the work to make your scene great?:
RAT CAGE has to be the most politically driven band that’s making a difference and
trying their best to keep the scene safer. Mayson Photography has also taken amazing pictures
If I were an out of town band, to whom should I reach out first to book a show in your scene?:
Oly Mortuary!!!! Beautiful DIY and good communication! Flexible times, dates, and
pricing!!
What is something out of towners should know before coming to a show there?:
BE SAFE, unfortanetely olympia isn’t the safest of the scenes, there’s a LOT of
horrible people that don’t deserve to be in these spaces that sneak through the
crevices. be aware of who ur talking to and ask around. there’s a lot of scene drama
that gets over looked that really shouldn’t.
Have a different perspective on the Oly scene or excited to share your scene?