audio interview and photos by Dan Rogers Hailing from Northern California’s fertile music scene, Dead Winter Carpenters is a rollicking, high-energy, Americana roots-infused five-piece outfit. With an indomitable spirt and organic approach to their songwriting, the band derives their influences from classic artists such as The Band and Neil Young. Their sound is born of wide open [...]

by Mocha Charlie Smooth vocals, beautiful lyrics with a background of pleasantly mastered instruments…That’s what you’ll find in the latest release by Shane Alexander, Ladera. His previous releases have garnered television, movie, and commercial placement, so chances are you’ve heard songs from previous EPs. As for the new songs, they have a high potential to [...]

by Jonathan Sindelman In celebration of his 70th birthday, legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette will return to Seattle for what could otherwise be slated as the “Lifetime Achievement Tour.” Dejohnette has been recipient of numerous Grammys, and more recently, the 2012 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master award.  A musical force that shines brightly to this day, over [...]

by Greg Roth photos and audio interview by Dan Rogers This Oakland quartet was born four decades late, but it’s never too late for well-crafted music produced with low-tech analog gear. In a parallel universe, in a house nestled behind the trees in Laurel Canyon, California… Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, The Mamas [...]

The Stone Foxes’ Spencer Koehler spoke to SMI contributor Rick Bowen about the band he started with his younger brother Shannon at San Francisco State. The rockin’ quartet, who have been building a strong fan base, have a new album, Small Fires, set for release February 12th. They bring their dynamic live show to Seattle’s Sunset [...]

by Greg Roth with Jennifer Austin photos and contribution from Bill Bungard SMI contributor Bill Bungard recently traveled to LA to hang out with Tacoma artist Nolan Garrett… The sweetest things in life come from putting yourself out there, recognizing unexpected opportunities, and being brave enough to reach for them – a lesson learned early by Tacoma’s Nolan Garrett. [...]

By George Benttley Danish-born country singer Jessica Lynne brings unexpected purity to her music. Having lived and performed in the Pacific Northwest for the last two years, she’s built a strong following with compelling songs like Fallen Angles Don’t Fly, Living a Country Song, and Wheels. Her first EP, Spiritual Cowgirl, is available on iTunes. You can [...]

by Bill Bungard Earlier this year, SweetKiss Momma submitted their song Strange Fire for consideration in a songwriting contest being held by John Carter Cash (son of the late Mr. Johnny Cash), where they were finalists, but did not end up winning the top prize. One of the judges was a man by the name [...]

by Jonathan Sindelman One of the brightest highlights from this year’s Earshot Jazz Festival also marks an historic occasion for Albanian vocalist Elina Duni, who arrived in Seattle last week to perform her first ever concert in the United States at the Cornish College of the Arts.  After striking an enthusiastic chord in France, Germany, [...]

By Alina Shanin For some people, music is a stress-relieving hobby. For others, it’s their life – and no obstacle is too great to keep them from succeeding. Seattle’s Whitney Monge (pronounced mon-jay), 25, is one of the latter. As an artist, she has experienced every aspect of the industry. Her strong and beautiful voice resonates with many, [...]

by Jonathan Sindelman  After almost four decades and 19 Grammys, Pat Metheny continues to be one of the most talked about artists in modern music. Who would think that in the summer of 2012 we would get a glimpse of where his journey began – plus a round trip ticket to the place that, for [...]

by Greg Roth photos by Mocha Charlie With an adjusted lineup and new attitude, Hot Bodies in Motion strutted into town on Friday, September 7th with their “baby makin’ mammal funk n’ blues” and proceeded steam up the windows at the legendary Crocodile. The boys have been busy working on their brand new EP for [...]