Our first instance of Share Your Scene comes from the Emerald City, Seattle, Washington courtesy of RJ Riggins. Depending on to whom you speak, as one of the largest cities in the region, Seattle's scene conceivably stretches from Everett in the North to Olympia in the south. (We may hear differently when Everett, Tacoma, and Olympia speak up in the coming weeks!) RJ, an active member of what is now a thriving all ages scene through playing, publishing Anima zine, and...well, let's see what they have to say about it:
City/Scene: Seattle/South Seattle |
How would you describe the health of your scene?: Alive! Definitely not dead, but there could always be more! |
3 Things you love about your scene: We have a lot of queer/LGBTQIA + bands that showcase and represent our culture and the population of the scene. We also have some bands that are younger people, kids still in their teens and early twenty's that are full of energy and strive to make a change in the scene. And finally, there is a lot of accountability. People in this scene make sure to call out and bring attention to things they find wrong or unjust, and that's really what a community needs to make it a safer place for everybody,. |
3 Things you’d like to see improve: I personally would like to see more people creating DIY. There is some in the scene, but i feel that having those spaces would bring a sort of freshness and keep things more healthy. I'd also like to see an increase of All Ages shows. There are MANY venues that participate in the all ages scene, but the more places there are for younger people... the more people will be introduced and welcomed into the scene. The last thing i'd wanna see personally, is an increase of "straight edge" spaces. though they are not necessary, I do think they are important. To have places for people who are adverse or recovering from substances, seems like a good idea. |
What are the best places to see shows?: For smaller bands: Lucky Liquor, The Vera, and small house shows are always the way to go. and for bigger/touring acts I'd have to recommend El corazon, The Crocodile, both Showbox locations, and all the other more accessible clubs |
5-10 local bands you love: The Scoffs: https://thescoffsband.bandcamp.com/track/factories-in-heaven Storm Boy: https://stormboyoly.bandcamp.com/ MiSS PRiNCE: https://missprince.bandcamp.com/album/beta-phishing Torment in Tyranny: https://tormentintyranny.bandcamp.com/album/torment-in-tyranny Dry Socket: https://drysocketpdx.bandcamp.com/ Malaise: https://www.instagram.com/asphyxiati0n._/ The Disorderlies: https://thedisorderlies.bandcamp.com/album/10-years-later |
Who are some people putting in the work to make your scene great?: Davie of SAPS is doing gods work by promoting basically every show in the Seattle and surrounding areas. Andrew Repcik is an absolutely amazing photographer who does work all around here and travels to catch the bigger bands. Ghost writer booking is doing great work down at Real Art in Tacoma. and I'm sure there is a Ton more people I am forgetting but are still just as important in keeping this scene alive https://www.instagram.com/seattleareapunkshows/ https://www.instagram.com/i_am_rep/ https://www.instagram.com/ghostwriterbooking/ |
If I were an out of town band, to whom should I reach out first to book a show in your scene?:Your best bet is to contact SAPS, shows are constantly being planned and bands are always needed, whether it be a party or a bar show. |
What is something out of towners should know before coming to a show there?: The biggest rule is don't be an asshole. if you're caught roughing someone up, harassing, or just being a jerk to someone... you are gonna get called out. Also a pretty standard thing is, hate is not welcomed. Sexism, Racism, Homophobia, Transphobia, etc. Is a huge problem and is not taken lightly. |
Last words?: Y'all covered it! BUT, my biggest advice is to simply get out there. Go to a show, make some art, start a zine, GET INVOLVED!!! This scene will not go on unless there are new people coming in and out constantly. |
We'd love to hear about your scene. Why not take a few minutes and Share your Scene here?