Breaking Beats: That #PNW sound
This week, I took over the AJ+ Instagram account to fill our audience in on all types of Pacific Northwest realness. Specifically, I featured artists from my hometown, Seattle. I’ll share a couple of my posts, and a playlist that captures the current #PNW sound.
A lot of people assume Seattle is all guitar-heavy, post-grunge, indie sadness and while it is that, it’s so much more. This playlist brings together the acts that I’m most excited about and some of my all-time favorites. Broaden your musical horizons and experience that Seattle sound.
Youryoungbody — Smuther
Love ‘em. This is my third time writing about YYB. Isn’t this GIF sick? Major props to Sofia Lee for making it.
Hibou — Valium
“Valium” is kind of like driving down the coast, with the wind in your hair and maybe an awkward encounter with a crush. I saw this guy play in a dank underground coffee shop once—ideal location, right?
Dude York — Hesitate
I like their name a lot. And I’m digging the horns in this track.
Sol — Ain’t Gon’ Stop
SOL has been a big deal among my friends since I was in junior high. He still keeps it fresh and gave a lit performance at Capitol Hill Block Party in 2014.
The Flavr Blue — Oxygen ft. Jarell Perry
The Flavr Blue brings emotional R&B to a dance-y place with “Oxygen.” I recommend their new EP, Love Notes.
Tacocat — I Hate the Weekend
How can you not love this group? Songs like “Crimson Wave” and “Hey Girl” are wonderful looks into the life of an everyday woman. “I Hate the Weekend” brings me flashbacks to encounters with drunken idiots on Capitol Hill — the most popular place to go out in Seattle.
So Pitted — Feed Me
These peeps just got signed to Sub Pop, an indie Seattle record label that repped big acts like Nirvana in the ’90s. So, that’s pretty rad.
Dave B — Outside
Seattle hip hop is major right now. Dave B has been blowing up in the last few months and it makes sense why. “Outside” will make you catch some feels for that #PNWSound.
Sango — Love Again ft. JMSN & Ta-ku
Sango’s powerful and unique vocal quality make him stand out tough against a lot of singers out there. Similar to The Flavr Blue, Sango matches electronic and dance vibes with sleek and soulful vocals. Watch this guy throw it down for Seattle in the next couple of months.
THEESatisfaction — QueenS
I saw THEESatisfaction play at Sasquatch in 2012 and I couldn’t look away. They played this dope track, “Bisexual,” and I about lost my shit. But “QueenS” is so fun I just had to end with this.
