Spring 2010
Tacoma-Seattle Live Music Renaissance
Blog by Debbi J. Needham
Rock Music Goddess
Following the Northwest Music Scene since the '80s!
An incredible sound is amassing from garages and sheds along the I-5 corridor from Seattle to
Portland. Neighborhood bars and taverns are becoming music venues and jockeying to book old
and new rock bands.
Why the resurgence of alternative sound? Perhaps my comrades in rock and roll are inspired by the
social, economic and political climate in the good 'ole US of A. The political arena is awash in
partisan feuding while the economic climate continues to disintegrate for the people, that is, who
are not currently getting our tax-fed $50,000 holiday bonus checks.
The solidarity in the scene is uplifting as live music offerings in the Northwest grows. Its not
uncommon to see a gray haired rocker play beside a angst-driven teenager. The music
infra-structure is also growing. Band managers, promoters, sound mixers, and venue bookers are
popping up all over and handing their business cards to anyone who'll take them. Whatever their
motivation, its inspiring to see people network and come together.
The time is right for another music revolution. This time 'round, the rockers are all grown up and
less susceptible to exploitation. The Seattle music scene's last claim to fame occurred in the '90s and
it shook up the musicians and fans living here.
Back then, the musicians were relatively young and vulnerable and exploitation reigned. Indie
record label scouts, and some corporate label scouts, journeyed to Washington to sign the next cool
thing -- 'alternative' bands -- only to dump them a few months or if lucky a year or two later. That
left the local scene reeling. Confidence and trust decreased, and solidarity lessened. Frustrated
natives watched out-of-towners cash in on their lifestyle, their image, and their efforts and trust
among us all diminished. (Anytime you want to know more about that time period, just find an old
native musician about the definition of 'grunge' and you'll get an earful -- but be sure to buy them a
coffee or another beer first 'cause you may be there a while.)
Regardless, I consider myself a connoisseur of music -- a fan, a follower, a groupie of local bands.
I'm immeasurably lucky to have such a cornucopia of live music choices always available to me
every single day of the week.
To document and share my adventures. I've created this site to post all of my band and music pic's
from the live shows I attend all over the Northwest! I've also cleaned out my shed, grabbed my
drumsticks and started jamming again! I hope you enjoy my images!
More Photos & Reviews Coming Soon!
Debbi J. Needham
Former Newspaper photographer and journalist, published novelist, artist, writer, and musician. Winner of Washington State Press Association medal for
news photography & print journalism. Following the Northwest Music Scene since mid 1980s.
Tacoma-Seattle Live Music Renaissance
Blog by Debbi J. Needham
Rock Music Goddess
Following the Northwest Music Scene since the '80s!
An incredible sound is amassing from garages and sheds along the I-5 corridor from Seattle to
Portland. Neighborhood bars and taverns are becoming music venues and jockeying to book old
and new rock bands.
Why the resurgence of alternative sound? Perhaps my comrades in rock and roll are inspired by the
social, economic and political climate in the good 'ole US of A. The political arena is awash in
partisan feuding while the economic climate continues to disintegrate for the people, that is, who
are not currently getting our tax-fed $50,000 holiday bonus checks.
The solidarity in the scene is uplifting as live music offerings in the Northwest grows. Its not
uncommon to see a gray haired rocker play beside a angst-driven teenager. The music
infra-structure is also growing. Band managers, promoters, sound mixers, and venue bookers are
popping up all over and handing their business cards to anyone who'll take them. Whatever their
motivation, its inspiring to see people network and come together.
The time is right for another music revolution. This time 'round, the rockers are all grown up and
less susceptible to exploitation. The Seattle music scene's last claim to fame occurred in the '90s and
it shook up the musicians and fans living here.
Back then, the musicians were relatively young and vulnerable and exploitation reigned. Indie
record label scouts, and some corporate label scouts, journeyed to Washington to sign the next cool
thing -- 'alternative' bands -- only to dump them a few months or if lucky a year or two later. That
left the local scene reeling. Confidence and trust decreased, and solidarity lessened. Frustrated
natives watched out-of-towners cash in on their lifestyle, their image, and their efforts and trust
among us all diminished. (Anytime you want to know more about that time period, just find an old
native musician about the definition of 'grunge' and you'll get an earful -- but be sure to buy them a
coffee or another beer first 'cause you may be there a while.)
Regardless, I consider myself a connoisseur of music -- a fan, a follower, a groupie of local bands.
I'm immeasurably lucky to have such a cornucopia of live music choices always available to me
every single day of the week.
To document and share my adventures. I've created this site to post all of my band and music pic's
from the live shows I attend all over the Northwest! I've also cleaned out my shed, grabbed my
drumsticks and started jamming again! I hope you enjoy my images!
More Photos & Reviews Coming Soon!
Debbi J. Needham
Former Newspaper photographer and journalist, published novelist, artist, writer, and musician. Winner of Washington State Press Association medal for
news photography & print journalism. Following the Northwest Music Scene since mid 1980s.
| Pics & Ramblings by Debbi J. Needham |
| Know a Cool Quirky Kid? I also write books! Buy 'em my cool Adventures Series! Adventures in Times Book Series by Debbi J. Needham amazon.com, djneedham.com OrchardHousePress.com |
| All Writing & Photos Copyright D. Needham 2000-2010. Please safeguard intellectual property by citing author and source. If you want to reuse or reprint a photo, please contact me. |
skyclyde.com
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My Life in Black &
White Hells Kitchen
Tacoma 4-24-10
White Hells Kitchen
Tacoma 4-24-10
SugarFixx
Java Jive, Tacoma 4-24-10
Java Jive, Tacoma 4-24-10
Public Image Limited
ShowBox, Seattle,
4-20-10
ShowBox, Seattle,
4-20-10
Fun Police
Tony V's, Everett, 4-24-10
Tony V's, Everett, 4-24-10
Jello Biafra & The
Guantanamo School of
Medicine
Showbox, Seattle
12-30-09
Guantanamo School of
Medicine
Showbox, Seattle
12-30-09
| Music Photo Blogs |
| Jello Biafra & The Guantanamo Showbox, Seattle 12-30-09 |
| The Fun Police Shows Tiger Lounge, Seattle, 3-13-10 O'Malley's, Tacoma - 4-17-10 Tony V's, Everett, 4-24-10 Chihuahua's, Auburn 5-5-10 |
| Public Image Limited ShowBox, Seattle, 4-20-10 |
| SugarFixx Bob's Java Jive, Tacoma 4-24-10 |
| My Life in Black & White Hells Kitchen, Tacoma 4-24-10c |
| __________________________________________ Want me to take Pics of your Band's next show? I'd be willing to come out for free cover and a donation offer! Email me! _____________________________________ |
All Writing & Photos Copyright D. Needham 2000-2010. Please safeguard intellectual property by citing author and source.If you want to reuse or reprint a photo, please contact me.
The above pics were taken with my little Motorola Blur camera phone. Its not the size of the camera that matters, but the person rocking it.
| THE KINGS |