For decades, Seattle has prided itself on its unique and vibrant music scene. With countless local bands performing every night, this city is overflowing with talented artists and innovative music of all genres. Here are seven of Seattle’s top local bands you should know as a student living on Capitol Hill. Each of these artists have a distinct Seattle sound and play plenty of local shows.
KITHKIN
This Cascadian “tree-punk” band combines elements of punk, pop, psychedelic, African music and other genres. Their thrashy, rhythm-driven songs incorporate fantastical and philosophical themes while still maintaining strong hooks and danceable grooves. Though these Seattle University alums have often ventured outside of our dear Cascadia, they always come home to play plenty of Seattle shows.
TACOCAT
This colorful feminist sci-fi band is full of cutesy hooks, kitschy clothing and distinctive, upbeat guitar grooves. Don’t be fooled by their outward appearance of sunny surf-rock and cheesy girl-group radio hits; Tacocat’s got some serious edge. Their light-hearted tunes take a satirical stab at stupid guys and are sure to make you smile. Plus, who doesn’t love a palindrome?
WIMPS
This garage-punk trio will have you dancing along to their catchy hooks and clever, cynical lyrics. Wimps is not your typical antagonistic punk band, though. Their intentionally dismal lyrics confront a boring and monotonous world with bright, bubbly riffs, sing-shout vocals and a commitment to not taking themselves too seriously. They’re probably Seattle’s cuddliest punks.
PICKWICK
This neo-soul group will grip you with its sultry vocals and bluesy bass lines. The six-piece band draws on the incredible musicianship of each member to blend elements of R&B, jazz and indie rock, resulting in a unique twist on classic ‘70s soul. Add in their poetic, passionate lyrics and it’s no wonder this band is quickly making a name for itself nationwide.
CHASTITY BELT
This all-girl indie punk group has a laid-back sound and a cool, confident air. The band met and formed while they were in college, and their tongue-in-cheek lyrics focus primarily on college-oriented topics like sex, drugs, beer, and parties. Make no mistake, though: these are intelligent girls with a bite who have a sharp sense of humor and something to say.
SHABAZZ PALACES
This experimental hip-hop duo combines free-flowing rap with metallic, minimalist electronic beats and lyrics which aggressively confront hypocrisy and racism in society and the rap community alike. Shabazz Palaces prides themselves on blending abstract concepts with the concrete, as evidenced in their deliberately dense song titles.
ODESZA
This electronic music duo has gained mad exposure both in and around Seattle for their ethereal sound, hazy vocal loops and danceable beats. Their multi-layered melodies blend to create sonic landscapes and lush musical textures that are perfect for zoning out on a foggy Seattle day.
Maggie may be reached at [email protected]
