Let’s start with this fantastic new video for Motopony’s first single “King of Diamonds.” The music of Motopony – thanks to the principal collaboration between frontman Daniel Blue and producer/ keyboardist Buddy Ross – expands the possibilities of the singer/songwriter genre in a unique way reminiscent of The Postal Service and Frightened Rabbit. Simple, lyrically driven songs like “King of Diamonds,” “June,” and “God Damn Girl” propel forward with rich, creative backbeats and overdubs, resulting in some striking juxtapositions.  Most of these layers are in warm tones, percussion fills, or… Read More…

The story with Kris Orlowski’s upcoming EP, Kris Orlowski & the Passenger String Quartet at the Fremont Abbey, is less about him and more about about the process. A live/studio hybrid tracked in the Abbey’s great hall – mostly live but with limited overdubs – the EP strikes a balance between the loose, spontaneous feel of a concert and the attention to detail of a studio recording. Much like the Fremont Abbey’s nightly arts programming, this EP brings together some of Seattle’s best up-and-coming talent supporting Orlowski’s catchy new songs… Read More…

Seattle music blog Sound on the Sound does not simply write about great local music; they help create great local music.  They put on sold-out shows, they produce gorgeous music videos, they document magical live music experiences, and they do their damnedest to make sure great music rises above the fray and makes it to people’s turntables.  Most of the bands I’ve interviewed in the last few months have credited much of their success to the support of Sound on the Sound co-editors/founders Abbey Simmons and Josh Lovseth. In most… Read More…

When I think of the last three months, I think of going to the Conor Byrne Open Mic every Sunday night. When I think of the Conor Byrne Open Mic, I think of Tony Kevin Jr. He was one of the first people I met there back in January. His three-song set that first night was so good that a few days later it compelled me to schlep down to Columbia City and pay $10 to see him open for two bands I didn’t even know. Those bands turned out… Read More…

This pretty much sums it up: I’m not in the mood for much flowery prose – plus I’m inspired by how freaking short their songs are – so I’m just going to lay out for you. Reasons Why I Like The Young Evils and their Debut Album Enchanted Chapel A Lot: It’s effing catchy. Mackenzie and Troy are effing cute, endearing, and super nice. The melodies are sweet and sugary like a guilty pleasure without any syrupy aftertaste. Every song toes a very fine line between familiar and predictable, but… Read More…