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Welcome to Rain City Ambience. We are a Seattle-based music blog, but our site offers much more than just news. On our music page you will find indie and alternative news, a Seattle events calendar, some of our anticipated album releases, and more!

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Music Monday: Local Edition

Greetings interwebs. Welcome to the Music Monday blog for this week! Last week was focused on pop punk, and the week prior was on hip hop. This week I'm shifting focus to some local acts that have been invading my iPhone's library.

Vocal Few - She'll Be Right
For Fans Of: Singer/Songwriter, Male/Female Dual Vocals
Matt MacDonald (of The Classic Crime) and his wife Kristie comprise Vocal Few. All the proceeds from "She'll Be Right" go towards their new born daughter. Crisp harmonies, smart lyrics, impeccable production, and catchy melodies. I could…
Read | Posted by Chris Bateson | Jan 30th 2012, 1:30pm | Music Monday, Seattle music

RCA EXCLUSIVE: MayWeather, "On The Run" music video



In case you've been living under a rock, we have our second show coming up! Kelly mentioned it in a previous blog, but we're so excited for the show and who is playing that dedicating a blog post to the headliner didn't seem unnecessary in the slightest.

MayWeather have been around the Seattle music scene for quite some time and with the release of their self-titled EP in October, they've generated a fair amount of buzz. I have to hand it to these guys, they write some of the catchiest…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Jan 23rd 2012, 12:38am | Video, Seattle music, Unsigned

The Moondoggies are playing The Neptune THIS Saturday!



In honor of the show The Moondoggies are playing this Saturday, they put this funny video together. The Moondoggies, a Seattle band, are playing at The Neptune this Saturday with The Maldives for their sixth annual Christmas show extravaganza. Tickets are $15 and doors open at 8pm. If you haven't heard about either band before, take the time now to check out the music on their Facebook pages.

For more information on the show, you can check out The Neptune's website.
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Dec 15th 2011, 3:16pm | Seattle happenings, Seattle music, Unsigned

Saturday Night CD Release: Keeping Secrets and Pink Bead at the Showbox



Hey hi hello. It's been a while since I've posted more than 10 words, and for this I apologize. My new "career job" kind of has me by the (metaphorical) cajones. That being said, Keeping Secrets and Pink Bead are throwing their CD Release show together at Showbox at the Market this Saturday, November 26th (TOMORROW). This is a perfect excuse to ditch the extended family who decided to stay for the entire weekend. Monsters Scare You, Vices, To Paint The Sky, and Numbers are…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Nov 25th 2011, 11:33am | Seattle music, Seattle happenings, Unsigned

Music Monday: the Numbers edition



All right, let's be real. This isn't the first or last time you'll hear about these guys from Kelly or I; well, considering this band is Kelly's baby, but also because they're great guys. I was kindly invited to hang out with them on the set of their first music video, which was a great time. Numbers are picture perfect of what a D.I.Y. band should be, from funding the production of their new merchandise to recording their first music video on their own. Besides the fact that they are talented musicians, I have…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Nov 21st 2011, 2:44pm | Personal, Seattle music, Unsigned

Keeping Secrets releasing New Album and Music Video!



Hey guys, it's been a few weeks since I have posted but in searching for something new, I decided to write about something fun and interactive that you can be a part of.

Recently Kelly and myself had the pleasure of working with a really talented band called Keeping Secrets from Tacoma, (I recorded their upcoming album, and Kelly did their promotional photos - she did a GREAT job!) and soon after I began managing them because I really believe they have something refreshing to offer not only the music industry in general, but also the…

Read | Posted by Joel Casey Jones | Oct 20th 2011, 1:03pm | Seattle music, In The Studio, Unsigned

"Everybody" Music Video by The Scene Aesthetic



The Scene Aesthetic are coming out with a new EP this fall. Here is their music video for "Everybody". Check out RCA's interview with Andrew de Torres here. TSA are playing a FREE show with He Is We on October 13th at Neumos. Click here for ticket info.
Read | Posted by Chris Bateson | Sep 29th 2011, 4:37pm | Seattle music, Music News

Music Monday: check out these unsigned bands!

Sticking with the theme of Music Monday on Twitter, I think it'd be appropriate to post this blog today. The last time I took a hard look at Seattle music, I was pretty disappointed; granted that was a year ago, when Gatsbys American Dream did their spur of the moment performance of "Theater" that inevitably led to the band's reunion. It's amazing how much can change over a year. Every where I look now, I hear about more Seattle music staples joining forces and creating new bands and even more bands coming out of the woodwork with musicians quite new…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Sep 26th 2011, 3:51pm | Seattle music, Up-and-comers, Unsigned

New music video: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - "Otherside"





This might sound crazy, but I'm in the back seat of a car on the way to the Gorge right now for the Identity festival.. What might be even crazier is that the scenery out here reminded me that I haven't posted about Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' video for Otherside yet.

If you aren't one of the 100k+ people who have already seen it , watch the video above! They've been working on it for a long time, and the outcome is incredible.

Wish me luck this weekend.…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Sep 10th 2011, 11:42pm | Seattle music, Video, Unsigned

Girl On Fire gets signed!


So most of you have heard of local boys, Girl on Fire at some point if you've gone to any shows here in Seattle in the last few years. On Tuesday August 30th last week, Hollywood Waste (Century Media) announced signing the band to a recording contract, as well as debuting a teaser of the new EP (which I of course had the pleasure of working on with my bros Wil Francis of Aiden, and Justin Armstrong who I also got to work on the last and upcoming Aiden record with).

I have known these guys for…

Read | Posted by Joel Casey Jones | Sep 4th 2011, 9:39pm | Music News, Seattle music, Century Media

Seattle area musicians and those involved in any way, listen up!



Are you a musician, photographer, videographer, show booker, run a venue, run a music label, or are in any way involved in the Seattle area music scene? If so, we've got just the event for you. Happening in Tacoma THIS SUNDAY (the 28th) is the first ever South Sound Music Summit at the Redroom. This will be the perfect opportunity for anyone involved in Seattle music to network with fellow photographers, music venues, managers, videographers, and just about anything else you can think of. There will even be sweets, thanks to Katie Strozyk and Shelby Rude.

Besides…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Aug 25th 2011, 3:37pm | Seattle music, Seattle happenings

If a tree falls in the woods and is awesome...

We all know (or should anyway) that this past saturday was Dimebag (but still DIAMOND to me) Darrell's Birthday, RIP, which consequently was also my son Halen's first birthday. Rightly so, he was named after another guitar great, because his daddy loves the shred. Over the first weekend off I've had in a while, I got to thinking about my previous posts regarding the tons of great artists in the great northwest that are just waiting to explode. Of course, because of my line of work and the genre that I often work with, I know a lot of the…
Read | Posted by Joel Casey Jones | Aug 22nd 2011, 1:15am | Seattle music, Rants & Raves

FREE DOWNLOAD - BBNR! Villains EP Release

Business Boys Never Rest released their highly anticipated EP Villains for FREE DOWNLOAD today. Their sophomore release includes guest appearances from local Seattle scene heavyweights, Lizzie Huffman and Spencer Mertel (of Man Without Wax). Check it out!

Read | Posted by Chris Bateson | Aug 9th 2011, 5:02pm | Seattle music, Up-and-comers, Unsigned

"...Truth is, most of you suck." Seattle Musicians: Are they taken seriously?

While scrolling through the various status updates on facebook early this afternoon, I came across one of a status of one of musician friend's exclaiming his annoyance of another "friend's" distaste for Seattle musicians. This status that angered my friend stated, although he loves his fellow Seattle musicians, he believes that "most of (them) suck." His opinion unravels as he bashes most, if not all, local musicians who don't live up to his "high" standards of what a quality musician is.

As I sat there, jaw open and eyebrows clinched, I could only watch comments pour in one after another…
Read | Posted by Colleen Gilfoy | Aug 3rd 2011, 5:07pm | Seattle music, Rants & Raves

The best surprises come in unexpected packages



Last Wednesday, Thomas Dybdahl played a show at Chop Suey for an audience that should have been larger than it was. I had no idea who this guy was before Tuesday, but man this was a good show. When I heard that Thomas was from Norway, of course you think about everything that is going on IN Norway and I have to say, the talent this man possess blew me away. When I walked in, there was a band playing on the venue floor (which ended up being Kimo Muraki & Tiny Messengers, with an AWESOME stand…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Aug 1st 2011, 11:52pm | Seattle music, Show coverage

New Addition To RCA Staff

Hey everyone - My name is Chris Bateson, and I'm honored to join the Rain City Ambience team! I've been following this website since the beginning, and it's been great to see it grow to what it is today.

A little bit about me: Music is a huge passion of mine. I've played in bands since high school, and have toured across the US. I grew up in Hong Kong, and moved to Washington when I was 11. In junior high I picked up my first guitar, and constantly covered my favorite bands -- Blink 182, Green Day, Weezer, and…
Read | Posted by Chris Bateson | Jul 20th 2011, 2:23pm | Seattle music, Site news

New music video: Grynch x Sol - All I Wanna Do



The onslaught of local hip hop continues with Grynch and Sol's newest music video for All I Wanna Do. The shoot took place a couple of months ago in Eric of The GNU Deal's awesome party house in the U District, and... well, madness ensued. Watch the video above, and be sure to check out me and my awesome Tour Mom Says shirt at the 1:31 mark.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jul 12th 2011, 4:27pm | Video, Seattle music

Photo blog: Grieves and Budo at Neumos



In case you haven't noticed, I have been on a bit of a Seattle hip hop kick over the past several months. While I am no aficionado, there are a ton of local artists who are being recognized as up-and-comers to look out for--and for good reason. Case in point: Grieves & Budo, a duo who just released their first album on Rhymesayers Entertainment, Together/Apart. They played their CD release show in Seattle at Neumo's, and I was fortunate enough to snag a photo pass for the event.

Yeah, I don't even know how to begin…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jul 12th 2011, 1:29am | Photography, Seattle music, RhymeSayers Entertainment

Tomorrow night.



They say a picture's worth a thousand words, so read the above flyer and come on down, up, or over to El Corazon tomorrow for VICES' first show ever. It's an all ages shindig with a stacked lineup; you'd be crazy not to make an appearance. Bring your best Hamilton, and we'll see you tomorrow night. Support local music!
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jul 8th 2011, 7:46pm | Seattle happenings, Seattle music, Unsigned

Attack of the music videos!!!

So as promised, I am back to share a little bit of goodies with you!

As previously stated, I have been working relentlessly to help some of the Puget Sound's finest put out new music this past year. Something that I am really passionate about (other than music itself), is the fact that I value community and the music scene here in the Northwest depends on the support of people like you. I just wanted to take a moment to share a couple of these bands who've recently put together music videos to the music we created together. I hope…
Read | Posted by Joel Casey Jones | Jun 25th 2011, 12:10pm | Video, Seattle music, Unsigned

New Places and Numbers album out today!



Happy release day! A bunch of new albums came out today, including Vanna's And They Came Baring Bones and August Burns Red's Leveler, but Travels, the newest release from Places and Numbers, is the album I've been looking forward to the most. I just really like music that is different.

Bobby will be heading out on the road as Places and Numbers for the first two weeks on Warped Tour, with members of The Dangerous Summer as his backing band. Of course it is guaranteed to be a good time and you should make a point…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Jun 21st 2011, 11:50am | Seattle music, Music News, Equal Vision

Grieves and Budo on Monday at Neumos



Yes, I realize that the title of this blog rhymes (and is a tongue twister when read out loud), and yes I am also too stubborn and tired to change it to something more clever. 2AM don't care! Real bloggers don't sleep anyway.

Seattle's very own Grieves is releasing his first album on Rhymesayers Entertainment next Tuesday, June 21st before kicking off on a month of Warped Tour dates. Grieves and Budo are playing a show at Neumos on Monday, June 20th, and it's sure to kick all kinds of ass. You…

The Lonely Forest are taking the world by storm!



It's been a minute or two (or a few months) since our last update on Anarcortes natives The Lonely Forest, and for this I deeply apologize. I feel like I've been keeping a terrible secret from a significant other, so now you get the full confessional. I hope you are prepared for a blog full of musical awesomeness.

For those unfamiliar with TLF, they were recently among the first to be signed to Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie's Trans Records. Coincidentally, the band is currently finishing up a tour with DCFC…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jun 8th 2011, 8:07pm | Seattle music, Music News

Ladies and Gentlemen--TODAY IS THE DAY!



^^^ Read. Absorb. Attend.

To Paint the Sky had to drop due a member change fiasco, but Tacoma natives Where Sails Meet Rails are taking their place. Doors open at 7:30 tonight, and tickets are $10 at the door. Hit us up on Facebook if you want a discounted pre-sale ticket for $8!

This is the first show we have been the main promoters of since 2007. That's FOUR YEARS too long. Let's make this one for a books and show Seattle that we have a kickass local music scene! See you tonight.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jun 3rd 2011, 11:18am | Seattle happenings, Seattle music

SEACATS. CD release. Tomorrow? Yes. Free download now? Also yes.



That's right: There is a band called SEACATS tearing up the Washington music scene, and they are playing their album release show tomorrow night at the Vera Project. This band is living proof that an awesome band name goes a long way (hell, it makes me read your email), so PLEASE for the love of GOD stop giving your band stupid unpronounceable names. Never mind the fact that there are two acceptable ways to say "ambience"--the point is that these guys kick ass.

SEACATS have been generous enough to let us offer you a free download of…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | May 19th 2011, 8:52pm | Seattle happenings, Seattle music, Unsigned

Fira in the studio!



Last night I had the pleasure of joining Chris Bicknell and Kevin Hanaford, of the new band Fira, in the studio. Those names aren't at all foreign to Rain City Ambience. They recorded a new demo for the band within our time there and I can say with all certainty, there is change coming. I can't exactly pin point what, but it's been a long time since I've seen that much passion for music come out of individuals in the scene. The band is still very much in the beginning stages but I know it's going to blow…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | May 6th 2011, 11:24am | Seattle music, Photography, Unsigned

New music for your ears.



I have a strange obsession with any music that comes out of the Wild Orchid Children camp. I think their musicianship and the technical ability that those men possess is unmatched by 99% of musicians nowadays. They are some of the most talented musicians I've had the pleasure of seeing perform. They are forming a genre all their own with their various bands and it's exciting to watch them grow.

One band to come out of that group of guys is Ticktockman, featuring Ryan Van Wieringen and Andy Lum of Wild Orchid Children. You might…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | May 4th 2011, 10:38am | Seattle music, Video

Moneta's farewell show, and my thoughts



Moneta has broken up. For many individuals, including the band members, that is a statement difficult to swallow. Everyone has their own opinion on the band but that doesn't matter, because now after it's all been said and done, the truth is that they gave their fans what a ruthless society wouldn't: hope, and depending on who you talk to, worth as well. Throughout Moneta's time in the Seattle local scene, they had seemingly mastered the art of showing their fans through music and friendship that they matter and no matter what people said to them once they…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Apr 25th 2011, 7:30pm | Seattle music, Show coverage

RCA Exclusive: Man Without Wax B-Side



Ladies and gentlemen, in case you are currently unaware, Man Without Wax are one of the greatest local bands we have ever had the pleasure of working with. These dudes have been supporting our website from the beginning, and we have been fans ever since the Blane days. They are five of the nicest/most genuine people you will ever meet--and it was their idea to offer a free download to our readers (all three of you).

MWW played this track, entitled You, Me, & the Devil, at Moneta's farewell show last night (show review/photos coming soon),…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Apr 24th 2011, 6:30pm | Seattle music, Audio

It's finally here: Swaggeroni and Steez



Well, my friends, it's past midnight here on the wonderful west coast, which means it is officially April 20th. You know what that means? That's right: Our friends in The GNU Deal have finally dropped their EP, appropriately titled Swaggeroni and Steez.

Come on, what else would I be talking about?

Eric Graham and Ashton Hemmons of the Gnu Deal are generous enough to offer their album download via a "pay what you want" system--which means... well, you know what it means: Give them all your money! If you listen to track numero dos…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Apr 20th 2011, 12:26am | Seattle music, Music News

Photo post: Wild Orchid Children at El Corazon



Wild Orchid Children and Orbs ended their tour in Seattle last weekend and I thought their show would be a fantastic way to round out my weekend of shows before spring quarter began. I didn't see very much of the first two bands, but Orbs is fantastic. I don't have photographs of them though.

I think Kirk Huffman has unparalleled talent. Everything that man touches turns to gold, and what makes him so incredibly gifted isn't just his sheer talent as a musician but the musicians he works with: amazing percussionists, and not to mention Thomas Hunter who…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Apr 2nd 2011, 3:46pm | Seattle music, Photography, Equal Vision

Photo blog: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Blueprint, Grynch, and Xperience @ Showbox at the Market



On March 5th, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis played their last of three sold-out shows at the Showbox. I said it that night, and I'll say it again: Despite the fact that I rolled solo to a hip hop show on a Saturday night, by the end of the concert--even as a photographer--I felt like I was in a completely different world. The last time the "show high" effect rubbed off on me while I was working was, uh, never--mostly because usually when I go to shows I zone out, take pictures, and leave. Every single artist…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Mar 15th 2011, 10:16am | Photography, Seattle music, Unsigned

More new Gatsbys American Dream. My life is now complete.




Untitled



So what if I have a take-home final due tomorrow and I haven't bothered to look at it in hours? This is the newsworthiest (that's actually a word) tidbit that will happen all week, and you cannot miss out on the fantastery (that's not actually a word) that is new Gatsby's American Dream. My final can wait.

Gatsby have released two new songs in the past two weeks--the most recent one being Untitled, which AbsolutePunk.net posted earlier today. Listen to the song above or check out…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Mar 14th 2011, 10:17pm | Seattle music, Audio, Equal Vision

Think Hexxus is dead? THINK AGAIN.



It's been a while since we have heard anything from our friends in the Hexxus camp, but never fear! The band has actually spent the past month slaving away at tracking a new 15-song record for your beautiful ears to absorb. They're completely producing, mixing, and mastering the album themselves, and rest assured we will be the first ones to tell you the official release date of this destined-to-be-glorious album.

Hexxus has experienced a couple of members changes since the original record--Chris Curry is out and Justin Lambert (Wish I Was A Prodigy) is in--but we have…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Feb 18th 2011, 4:17pm | Seattle music, Music News, Unsigned

Calling all humans! Help put Go Periscope on the cover of Rolling Stone.


Photo by Jade Ehlers


Local electro-pop duo Go Periscope are doing big things! They recently released a new track, entitled Boys Like, Girls Like, on their Facebook page, and I must say--this is guilty pleasure music at its finest. Download their remix albums for free on BandCamp.

Now for the big news: Jimmy Fallon announced on his show tonight that Go Periscope are among 16 bands in the running to be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. To help GP advance to the next rounds, all you have to…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Feb 15th 2011, 12:49am | Seattle music, Music News, Unsigned

The original Amber Pacific is back

So it has recently come to my attention that local Seattle natives, Amber Pacific, have brought back the infamous Matt Young.


Amber Pacific back in 2006. (and yes, that's me too. don't laugh!)

In a post on Absolute Punk, it was announced that the band will be doing acoustic shows at local colleges. They have parted ways with Jesse Cottam, the singer who took Matt's place when he left in 2008. There is no mention of whether or not Davy Rispoli will be remaining with the band or not. We can only hope that this…
Read | Posted by Christianna Sterling | Feb 12th 2011, 8:29pm | Seattle happenings, Seattle music, Victory

WOLVES and To the Wind at KTUB--January 29th, 2011



Not only did KTUB and I rekindle a lost love on Saturday evening, but I also experienced my first ever hardcore show--AND I managed to survive without breaking my camera or getting punched in the eye by flailing hardcore-dancing arms. The last time I went to KTUB was before From Aphony broke up about a million years ago, so the event was quite the nostalgic sensory experience.

I was only at the show long enough to take photos of To the Wind and WOLVES, so I apologize to the other bands that played that night (all 80…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Feb 2nd 2011, 11:41am | Show coverage, Seattle music

Moneta decide to call it quits


Moneta at Warped Tour 2010

Moneta, who are probably best known for their cover of 1000 Miles, announced on Facebook last night that they are breaking up. Reasons for the split have not yet been stated, but the the band will be missed regardless.

Details of an "epic final show" will come soon--and we'll let you know as soon as we find out.

For nostalgic value, check out some of our old posts on Moneta:
My photos from Warped Tour 2010.
Katie's review of the Villains release show.
My blog…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Feb 2nd 2011, 11:04am | Music News, Seattle music, Unsigned

Catch The Volcano Diary this Thursday night at Neumo's!



Local electro-acoustic group The Volcano Diary are [finally] playing their [rescheduled from November] CD release at 10pm this Thursday, February 3rd, at Neumo's. The self-titled CD was produced by Steve Fisk (Nirvana, The Posies, Low) and will be available for purchase at the show!

Easy Street is drawing winners for tickets at some point today. If you enter now you still might be able to win!

Listen to The Volcano Diary on Myspace.

JC will be interviewing Alicia on Thursday, so if you have any questions you must have answered, leave them in…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Feb 1st 2011, 2:47pm | Seattle music, Seattle happenings

Catch the What Matters Most CD release party TONIGHT at Studio Seven



Bellevue natives What Matters Most have been supporting RCA since we first started back in 2005, so hyping the release of their new EP, The Emergent Property, is the least we can do.

What Matters Most, Heir to the Throne, To the Wind, and Data Junkies are playing tonight at Studio Seven. The show starts at 8 and the cost is $8. Really, can you think of a better way to spend your Saturday night? Because I sure can't.

Listen to four (of six) songs off The Emergent Property on Myspace.

For…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jan 22nd 2011, 3:40pm | Seattle music, Seattle happenings, Unsigned

Top Ten lists from around the town: Musician style

This year we decided to do things a little differently; instead of just posting staff top ten lists, we wanted to hear from local artists as well. This may or may not have been partially an excuse to stall posting my favorites of the year, but you didn't hear that from me.

All lists are albums unless mentioned otherwise.

Man Without Wax wins the participation award this year, as all five members of the band sent us their top picks.

Spencer Mertel:
1. Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown
2. Foxy Shazam - Foxy Shazam
3. Neon…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Dec 31st 2010, 3:36pm | Lists, Seattle music

Lions and tigers and reunion shows, oh my!



According to Vendetta Red's newly-created Facebook page, they will be playing a reunion show sometime in 2011.

I hope the band isn't trying to keep this under wraps, because the El Corazon website already lists the show for March 5th with Sirens Sister.

March 2011 is going to kick ass. Now, how can we convince Acceptance to jump on the reunion show bandwagon? Hmm..
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Dec 30th 2010, 9:35am | Seattle music, Seattle happenings

Prepare yourselves...

Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Dec 29th 2010, 1:58pm | Seattle music, Seattle happenings

Be one of the first to see Me Vs. Myself's new video!



Local-but-soon-to-be-LA-bound-band Me Vs. Myself are done with their music video for Carefully, and they want you to be one of the first people to see it! All you have to do is email the band at MeVsMyselfMusicVideo@gmail.com, and shortly after you will receive a link for your private viewing.

The video was shot a couple of months ago in New York by our friend Ryan Kam, who also directed MVM's video for Promising (as well as a ton of others--treat yourself to his Vimeo page).

Check out MVM's Facebook event for…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Dec 25th 2010, 10:53pm | Video, Seattle music, Unsigned

The Lonely Forest announce new album



Anacortes-natives The Lonely Forest will release their rebut LP Arrows on March 22nd via Trans Records.

From this morning's press release:

Trans Records is the new label headed by Chris Walla, guitarist and producer for Grammy-nominated rock band Death Cab for Cutie, who found The Lonely Forest’s music so compelling he made the band his label’s very first signing. Walla produced and engineered Arrows at Sound City studio in Los Angeles, Tiny Telephone in San Francisco and his own, Portland-based studio, Alberta Court. He also mixed three tracks—“Be Everything,” “Turn Off This Song And Go…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Dec 10th 2010, 4:28pm | Seattle music, Music News

UPDATE: The Volcano Diary show tonight canceled.



Tonight's show at Neumo's has been canceled and is currently being rescheduled. We'll keep you posted! In the meantime, somebody should help me build an igloo.

Local electro-acoustic act The Volcano Diary is playing their album release show tonight at Neumo's. Their set starts at 9:00, so be sure to get there on time.

Other acts include Carrie Akre, Curtains For You, and Another Perfect Crime. Doors open at 8PM, the cost is $8, and you have to be be 21 to get in!

Listen to The Volcano Diary on Myspace, and check out their…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Nov 22nd 2010, 10:58am | Seattle music, Seattle happenings

Vices. Metal. YES.



Vices, comprised of Jacob Sacquitne (The Sky Electric, From Aphony) and Brendan Wilson, are launching their website and releasing two demos tomorrow, and I don't mean to be cliche... but these songs are going to melt your face off.

Listen to a teaser clip of one of their demos here!

Keep your eyes peeled on the Vices Myspace over the next couple of days for more information.

And you guys said we don't post heavy music anymore. To that I say: BOOYAH.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Nov 20th 2010, 6:20pm | Seattle music, Audio, Unsigned

They've got plans, wicked plans...



Hi guys, Katie here! I had the opportunity to chat with Bobby Darling from Gatsbys American Dream tonight via phone call. I'm in the middle of transcribing my very lengthy interview with him but I wanted to share a little bit from the interview with you. Prepare yourself...

RCA: You guys had said that you’re testing the waters. Is that still the case or is this a full fledged reunion?
Bobby: Well, there is tons of conjecture about that. We get so many phone calls and text messages about tour and stuff, ‘what’s up, you guys are…
Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Oct 18th 2010, 11:18pm | Seattle music

I sense a reunion show in the near future...



Okay everyone, try not to freak out like I have been doing for the past five minutes when I actually stopped sneezing and read Acceptance's latest Tweet, but it's TOTALLY UNDERSTANDABLE IF YOU DO. EEE!

Posted around 8PM PST tonight (Sunday):

So, an update for y'all: I briefly chatted with jay and said he wants to talk about a show in December with @gatsbysamerican in seattle. I'm definitely gonna point him in the direction of all the incredible amount of support you cats have been showing. Again, still no promises aside from me keeping to my
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Oct 17th 2010, 8:48pm | Music News, Seattle music

Enter the Minus the Bear R-R-REMIX contest



Want to win some free stuff? (Really, if you say "no" to this question then you are a liar.) Minus the Bear and Dangerbird Records have teamed up to host a remix contest for My Time. You have until October 31st to remix the song and upload it to SoundCloud.

One grand prize winner will receive:
* 1 year SoundCloud premium "Solo" account
* Ableton Live 8 software
* JBL On Stage Micro portable music dock for iPod
* AKG K-309 Stereo earbud headphones
* Minus the Bear OMNI CD
* Minus the Bear OMNI…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Oct 12th 2010, 2:30pm | Seattle music, Contests, Dangerbird

Nostalgia album of the century: Acceptance - Phantoms



Acceptance is one of those bands that had no choice but to quit while they were ahead. There is really no possible way for a band to put out an album this terrific and then expect to outdo themselves on the next go-around.

Want a piece of 2005 in your life now? Well you are in luck, because you can download Phantoms right here, right meow. Enjoy!
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Oct 10th 2010, 10:39pm | Seattle music, Audio

Gatsby's American Dream are BACK TOGETHER!








That's right Seattleites--Gatsby's American Dream are back in action, and they're ready to de-shit-ify the music scene (they said it, not me).

Through the creation of a Twitter account and a couple of TwitPics (shown above), Gatsby's wants to let everyone know that they are BACK. WOOHOO!

Wanna tweet about the reunion? Use the hashtag #gatsbysisback to let everyone know just how excited you are!

I am expecting great things to start happening right about... now.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Oct 5th 2010, 10:17pm | Music News, Seattle music

Just a little preview...



There are few things I love more than hip hop from the Northwest, and The GNU Deal are no exception. I had the privilege of hanging out with Ashton and Eric a few weeks ago to take promos, and our adventure around Seattle ranged from the University District to the ever-classy White Center. We told dirty jokes, ate pho, and took about 300 awesomely ridiculous photos. This is the only one I can release for now, but I will definitely be posting the rest after their next album drops.

Check out The GNU Deal on
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Sep 28th 2010, 11:41pm | Seattle music, Photography

Return to Wonderland


Screen cap is taken from Sigismund S. Pikul's video of "Theater"


The Seattle music scene has become an unrecognizable force over the last several years. Where emphasis used to be on original and creative music, is now is on haircuts and neon colored skinny jeans. In what once was a community of bands and fans [turned friends], now remains a game of who can be trendier, allowing for the quality of music to be placed on the back burner. Avid concert attenders have longed for a return to a scene where music is the priority but…

Read | Posted by Katie Adams | Sep 14th 2010, 12:14pm | Show coverage, Seattle music, Fueled By Ramen

Ry Cuming and Justin Nozuka at Chop Suey on Monday!



I realize that we are a predominately rock/pop/alternative (how's that for a Myspace genre?) music website, but sometimes you just have to switch it up a bit. Australian pro-surfer and bona fide "heart throb" (not my words, I swear) Ry Cuming and New York native Justin Nozuka will be playing a show at Chop Suey on Monday night. Doors open at 7, and it'll cost you $19 to get in.

Brianna will be interviewing Nozuka at the Portland show on Sunday, so feel free to leave any questions you might have in the comments!
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Sep 10th 2010, 12:41pm | Seattle music

Blue Scholars + the XX = Lumiere



It's been a while since I've posted any hip-hop on the site--and to be honest, that's a damn shame. I remember listening to the Blue Scholars back in high school when I was just figuring out the difference between rap and hip-hop (to those I may have offended with that sentence, I apologize), and they opened up a whole new world of amazing music to my ears and mind. Fast forward five years and here we are; Blue Scholars have released five additional albums and do not look to be stopping anytime soon.

Sabzi posted a
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Sep 7th 2010, 3:12pm | Seattle music, Audio

Get your This Providence Nostalgic Pack before it's too late!



Seattle-based This Providence have been signed to Fueled by Ramen since 2006, so I guess now is the perfect time to release a Nostalgic Pack of a few pieces of timeless merchandise. In the pack you will find one hoodie (American Apparel shown above, ooh), a tote bag, and your choice of one of the three CDs that the band has released while on FBR. The pack is $45, and the offer expires on August 18th at 10:00AM.

Marketing in the music industry has gotten very creative over these past couple of years. It's pretty sad that…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Aug 10th 2010, 4:46pm | Clothing Companies, Seattle music

Enter the new Hey Marseilles fan photo contest!



Our friends in Hey Marseilles are hosting a new contest, and the rules are simple... as long as you live on the east coast. Two lucky winners will receive autographed CDs, vinyl, tote bags, stickers, t-shirts and more! All you have to do is:

1. Take photos at any of the upcoming Hey Marseilles shows listed below
2. Upload those photos to Flickr page linked via the Hey Marseilles website and tag with: "hey, marseilles, super, contest"
3. Done

Hey Marseilles East Coast Tour Dates:
August 1st - New York, NY @ The Rockwood Music…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jul 27th 2010, 12:26am | Seattle music, Contests

Better Late Than Never

wow...
I haven't posted anything in awhile [sorry Kelly!!], and I totally apologize.

I have a TON of photos for your enjoyment. I have been going to shows and not editing/posting my photos. SORRY!! Don't hate, I promise I'll get better!

But anyways, there's a bunch of them up now on my flickr ranging from...

Emery...


to Friday Night Boys and Cute Is What We Aim For...


to the always strong Classic Crime.


Seriously, Seattle has some of the best venues and local bands ever.
So we know that Amber…
Read | Posted by Christianna Sterling | Jul 5th 2010, 7:48pm | Photography, Seattle music

He is We tonight at El Corazon!

Bobby Long, He Is We, shyforshy, Lakeview Drive, Dylan Jakobsen, and Blake Cowan are playing at El Corazon tonight, and you best be going! Our lovely Portland correspondent, Brianna, will be there (hopefully taking photos), so if you see her make sure you say hi!

See the flyer after the jump!

He is We on Myspace
Shyforshy on Myspace
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jul 3rd 2010, 10:51am | Seattle music

Kick off your summer with an AWESOME show for an AWESOME-R cause!



I just received an email from the lovely people at Club Impact (though the sender did not identify his or herself o.O), but they are holding an acoustic benefit show and barbecue at the Destiny Worldwide office in Kirkland on June 4th. That's this Friday!

From Impact:

"You may or may not know that we lost our funding last year and therefore we lost our old venue in Tacoma, WA. It was a major bummer to everyone, but we are looking at new potential spaces and gearing up to get Club Impact back on track and continue our…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | May 30th 2010, 12:00am | Seattle music, Seattle happenings, Destiny Worldwide

Moneta, Shyforshy, Sunderlyn, and West on 18 at GRCC on April 16th!



On April 16th, Green River Community College will be hosting an all-ages show in their Lindbloom Student Center. Moneta, Shyforshy, Sunderlyn, and West on 18 will be playing the event. Doors open at 6:30, and the show is only FIVE DOLLARS!! How's that for a recession show? If you find yourself down in the southend on the 16th, you better stop in for this magical event.

Ahh.. Shows at Green River Community College... Really brings me back to the KGRG Summer Riot-- when Boys Dont Bleed were still a band. MAN, that makes me feel old.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Apr 8th 2010, 9:06pm | Seattle music, Seattle happenings, Unsigned

Moneta updates!



Moneta have posted a new song on their Myspace page, and I have to say that I actually like the direction these guys are going in. It's great to watch local bands stick it out through the hard times and evolve into something awesome, even if I wasn't the biggest fan of the music in the first place. At this point Moneta just MAY have won me over (okay, they definitely have).

Plus, their album artwork is amazing:



Don't forget, Moneta's CD release show for Villains is on March 27th…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Mar 15th 2010, 10:59am | Seattle music, Music News, Unsigned

The pre-order is here!



It's been awhile since I have seen a band/label get so involved with promoting an album over two months before its scheduled release, but in this case I'm definitely not complaining.

You can now pre-order Minus the Bear's OMNI on Amazon. You can also play an OMNI-themed game of Simon Says (AKA Omni Says) on the Minus the Bear website, and let me tell you: It's addicting.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Mar 6th 2010, 11:39am | Seattle music, Music News, Dangerbird

As promised, Minus the Bear's upcoming album information PLUS a bonus rant about.. American Eagle?



Minus the Bear's album, titled OMNI, will be released on May 4th by Dangerbird Records (information about the signing can be found here). The record was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, My Morning Jacket), and the band will embark on a 6-week tour on April 21st. Dates have not yet been announced.

In other Minus the Bear news, their song Broken China, will be on an American Eagle/Filter Magazine compilation album that will raise money to help support Haitian earthquake victims. You can buy this album now through March 19th (while…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Feb 22nd 2010, 4:34pm | Seattle music, Rants & Raves, Dangerbird

Minus the Bear have signed to Dangerbird Records



Minus the Bear, AKA my favorite band in the entire universe, just signed a contract with a new label (farewell, Suicide Squeeze), and will be releasing their upcoming album with Dangerbird Records (Silversun Pickups, The Dears). Read the label's press blog post below.

More details about Minus the Bear's new album to come on Monday.

For now, listen to Into the Mirror, and bask in the glory that is MTB.

We are proud to announce the signing of Seattle-based rockers Minus the Bear to our burgeoning roster. Dangerbird will release the band’s fourth LP this spring.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Feb 18th 2010, 1:25pm | Seattle music, Music News, Dangerbird

More Me VS. Myself!

Hey dudersons, our budz in Me Vs. Myself have a show coming up at Neumo's with Daphne Loves Derby.

This is going to be a verrrryyy fun and important show, and it would be awesome if everyone would come out to this one.

The show is on February 21st and tickets are $10. If you're interested, email me at jessie[at]raincityambience.com and you can come buy a ticket from me.

If you haven't been out to a show in a while, or are just completely over the music scene here, you should definitely go to this show. I…
Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Feb 10th 2010, 5:30pm | Seattle music

ME VS. MYSELF

After months of anticipation, our friends in Me Vs. Myself are streaming their complete EP Seasons on their Myspace page, check it out here! They've also gone live with a new Myspace layout courtesy of yours truly. Check out what people are saying on Absolute Punk!

And most importantly, today is also the release of their music video for Promising directed by our favorite Ryan Kam. Click on the image below to watch the video on Ryan's vimeo page, or go to the bands Myspace to watch it on their page.

Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Feb 1st 2010, 2:55pm | Seattle music, Audio, Unsigned

THIS FRIDAY: Healing For Haiti



This flyer is kind of huge and overbearing, but I would say that the cause is worth the space.

Definitely check out Carly Henley, a friend of ours who is playing at 8:30, and our new friends in Corner State, who are playing at 10:20.

The minimum donation for the show is only $5, and ALL proceeds go towards humanitarian efforts in Haiti. The event is being held at the Columbia City Center in Seattle.

Here's the full lineup:

8:30-9:00 Carly Henley
9:10-9:35 Zach Trandum
9:45-10:10 Jennifer Newberry
10:20-10:45 Corner State (Myspace.com/CornerState)…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jan 27th 2010, 12:38pm | Causes / non-profits, Seattle music

This is THE show.



The Ghost Inside and For The Fallen Dreams? This sounds like Christmas morning to me. Kelly, you want to come with me and take pictures?
Read | Posted by Garrett Miller | Jan 25th 2010, 12:05pm | Seattle music, Show coverage

Concerts for a cause: Take Action Tour 2010

As a teenager, my two favorite times of the year were around Warped Tour and Take Action, because I knew that with those tours came kickass compilation albums at a low, low price of $6. Every year. These albums never let me down, and I would always end up finding a band to support that I had never given a chance before. To be quite honest, not much has changed between then and now-- I still get stoked for Warped Tour, and Take Action still does a great job of raising money for those in need. I mean seriously, how…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jan 21st 2010, 7:23pm | Causes / non-profits, Seattle music

The countdown begins: 7 DAYS

Are you ready for the Hexxus CD release show? We definitely are!

Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jan 16th 2010, 10:46am | Seattle music, Unsigned

Man Without Wax news



Our pals in Man Without Wax have posted a new demo on their Myspace page. The song is titled I Don't Care, and is accompanied by two other demos. They can all be heard on Myspace.

And just because we LOVE end-of-the-year-oh-when-will-they-ever-end lists so much, here is Man Without Wax's lists of 2009!:

From absolutepunk.net...

Spencer Mertel - vocals and keys
Top Albums of 2009
1. Paramore - Brand New Eyes
2. Muse - The Resistance
3. Dethklok - Dethalbum II
4. Flight Of The Conchords - I Told You I Was
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jan 7th 2010, 1:13am | Seattle music, Audio

Lots of New Heights news!

Seattle natives New Heights have had a lot on their plate lately, and right now they are having a Christmas sale at their Big Cartel merch shop.



Order their recent EP, Starting Again, at their online merch store. The album is $7 alone, but you can purchase a CD package of both Starting Again and their older EP, Worlds, for $10. There is also a CD/t-shirt package for $20. So many options!

New Heights' next show is on February 5th at the Ethnic Cultural Theatre on the University of Washington Seattle…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Dec 5th 2009, 8:45pm | Seattle music, Unsigned

New This Providence video for Keeping On Without You out now!

I posted about this on our Facebook fan page (become a fan if you haven't already!), but I thought it needed a little more local coverage.



This Providence have just released a video for their song Keeping On Without You, which can be seen on PureVolume. The video is great, so be sure to check it out.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Dec 1st 2009, 4:54pm | Seattle music, Video, Fueled By Ramen

New He is We video

Northwest natives He is We have posted a live acoustic video of their song Happily Ever After on their PureVolume page.

Click the photo below to watch.

Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Nov 3rd 2009, 11:11pm | Seattle music, Video, Unsigned

Gear-Head 1

The first in a series of three blogs, here's an in depth look at my entire setup.

I literally spent hours and hours in high school studying articles like this, and dreaming up the rig I would want to have if I could travel the country playing music. Here was the drill: The only supplies needed for this fantastical game are a Musicians Friend magazine, a calculator, and a steno pad. Simply list the gear you want and add up the prices; back in the hay day it was something like a Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier, a Les Paul Custom…
Read | Posted by Jake Van Paepeghem | Oct 25th 2009, 5:56pm | Audio, Seattle music, Fueled By Ramen

Ummm, another Man Down Medic blog.

It's so worth a second blog. This song is damn amazing. I can't handle how great Man Down Medic is!!!!

GAHHH. This isn't even long enough to be a blog but whatever dude, whatever.
Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Oct 12th 2009, 10:15pm | Seattle music

New Man Down Medic! (Exclamation point to the 100th power)



Apparently Facebook is the new place for bands to hang out, because Man Down Medic has posted a new song on their profile. The track is titled Not Enough Trouble, and the music player is on the lower left-hand side of the page.

I don't know what makes this song so great; maybe it's the fact that before Sam showed it to me he was talking about how he had no drama to write about. Then he wrote a song about his lack of inspiration. And it's awesome.

Just listen.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Oct 12th 2009, 12:02am | Seattle music, Unsigned

Vision & Valor part ways with Tony D'Angelo

From their Myspace:

"Vision and valor parts ways with Tony
After much thought and deliberation, Corey, Aaron and Ryan have decided that they can no longer continue down a musical path with Tony D'Angelo. The reasons for this are many, however we are not here to slander or defame anyone. Simply put, we have always prided ourselves on being friendly, respectful, honest, ethical, and men of a strong, sound moral code. Thus we can no longer affiliate ourselves with someone who does not share these traits.

Please allow us this opportunity to say what an absolute joy it…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Oct 10th 2009, 1:19pm | Seattle music, Unsigned

Danny the Champion of the World!

I love these guys.

Director Ryan Kam just finished and posted their new video for "Run" on his Vimeo page.

You can check the video out here!
Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Sep 28th 2009, 4:50pm | Video, Seattle music

Me VS. Myself video shoot!

I'd have to say my weekend was definitely eventful.


Ryan Kam shot a music video for Me VS. Myself and it's going to be SICK.


I filmed some behind the scenes stuff with his iPhone so I'll be posting that within the week.

Here are a couple of photos taken by Ciera Walters from the shoot:



Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Sep 21st 2009, 11:28pm | Seattle music, Video

Bizzy Beez

I must apologize for my lack of exciting blogging. Rather, for my lack of blogging in general. I've been working, helping with the editing of my video, creating a new Myspace layout for Me Vs. Myself, and trying to make time for my recently purchased guitar. (If you go back a few blog posts you can see my broken guitar and the sadness in my words for it's demise. So welcoming the arrival of this new love is a big deal!)

Any who... Nothing new in the land o' Jastinky. School starts in a week. Holy shit I just…
Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Sep 15th 2009, 10:58pm | Seattle music, Personal

BUMBERSHOOT GOERS-- WE NEED YOU!

Day one was (apparently) a huge success. As usual, I have to work, so Bumbershoot will not be seeing me this year.

Check out the schedule online here, and feel free to submit any pictures or stories from Bumbershoot 2009! If we get enough submissions I will make a compilation of everything and post it on the site for everyone to read.

Send everything to kelly@raincityambience.com. I hope to hear from a lot of you!! And credit will be given where credit is due.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Sep 5th 2009, 11:46pm | Seattle happenings, Seattle music

Jessie's "BAND O' DA DAY"

My favorite band of the day is: Danny the Champion Of The World.

With crazy Converge-esque guitar riffs and a hint of Mewithoutyou on the vocals (listen to God Oh God), this four piece is bound to turn heads. They have a video coming soon, it will be posted here on RCA when the time comes.

Go listen to them and show some love!
Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Sep 2nd 2009, 11:40pm | Seattle music

On The Last Day

It has yet to be officially stated, but our (remaining) boys in On The Last Day have called it quits for the band as a whole. As you may or may not know, Carson Allen started a side project not too long ago, Me Vs. Myself. This new band is no longer a side project but a full time gig. Carson decided to leave OTLD and purse Me Vs. Myself.

However, that is not the end of the Johnson brothers musical careers. Justin (guitar) and Aaron (bass) have posted a blog on the OTLD Myspace in search…
Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Sep 2nd 2009, 6:21pm | Seattle music

Rest In Peace

We have a tragedy in our hands: The death of my trusty guitar. We've been in an on and off relationship for almost 2 years. Not that long, but not that short either. It was my longest relationship... (Haha...)



The story is simply that I treated it badly this last week. It's been tossed around during my video shoot (literally, in the air and down to the ground.) And today the lack of any tuning ability left in it aggravated me to the point of needing to throw it up in the air in my garage, allowing it…
Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Aug 28th 2009, 10:41pm | Personal, Seattle music

Cavalier's "Honeybees" Up Now!

Ryan Kam directed a video for "Honeybees" -- a Cavalier hit -- not too long ago. It's sick. Ryan is the man, and this song is so catchy. Click below to watch it.

Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Aug 24th 2009, 3:56pm | Seattle music, Video

A general update and some Man Without Wax news

First off, I added a bunch of shows to our calendar that you should go and stare at. I know I am missing some good shows, so if you think something should be posted just leave a comment and we will add it.

Our friends in Man Without Wax have posted two new demo songs on their Myspace page. MWW are taking the summer off from tour to start demoing for their next record, and have posted a blog on their Myspace as well (which I can't link to at the moment for undisclosed reasons). Ch-ch-ch-check it…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Aug 20th 2009, 12:35am | Site news, Seattle music

I am a free woman

Finally done with summer quarter. Even though school hasn't really been holding me back on updating RCA or going to shows, think of how it's going to be now!

Last night, a friend of mine from Demon Hunter was in town to play a show for their mini-tour titled "Huntour." I've never seen the band live and rarely have listened to their music, but my mind was blown away last night and I've yet to find it. Seriously, if DH is ever in your city and you have the chance to go see them, I highly recommended it. The…
Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Aug 13th 2009, 9:12pm | Personal, Seattle music

White walls = original

I took promos of Cavalier the other day. My computer crapped out midway through editing.
Mind you, I don't take band promos. They needed somebody to snap pictures on short notice.



Click for large version.

Most of them are from this park in Auburn, but it got dark and we needed some indoors ones. We got into the hospital their lead singer Stephen works at. We knew that taking pictures in hospitals is illegal, and I hope no government officials are reading this. But whatever. I don't like the coloring in this, but…
Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Aug 11th 2009, 12:50am | Photography, Seattle music

The Sky Electric and Hexxus - August 5th @ El Corazon

Like I said before, we are going to start covering more shows, and apparently Hexxus are our guinea pigs. Oink oink! Or maybe it's squee squee? BREEEEE.

Anywho, the show was awesome. It was the Sky Electric's first time playing in Seattle, and they killed it. Not to mention my favorite photo from the night was of their frontman, Cory. ;D Check the full blog and you can see for yourself.

We'll start the coverage off with a photo of Jessie, pointing. Oooh...


And the line..


Just a little…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Aug 10th 2009, 12:28am | Seattle music, Show coverage, Unsigned

Go get "tatted" son!

The ever so popular Seattle Tattoo Expo is this weekend. August 7-9th at the Seattle Center. I've never been but I'd imagine it to be fun. Who doesn't want to go get tattooed by some of the best artists in the country?

Who wants to get matching tattoos? Omgz. Or how about RCA tattoos. Let's all go get RCA tattoos!

Or not. But anyway, tattoo expo, this weekend, fun stuff. If you've been thinking about going to get a tattoo, this is your chance. There's going to be a ton of bands playing, so that alone is worth checking out.
Read | Posted by Jasenka Gracic | Aug 5th 2009, 2:33pm | Seattle happenings, Seattle music

Hexxus coverage from Friday night

Hopefully we will be able to do this with more shows, because I had a lot of fun on Friday night and want to start covering concerts on a regular basis. It'll be like those cheesy nightclub pictures you always see on peoples' Myspace/Facebook pages, but they will be awesome because the music doesn't suck and everyone is cool. I didn't exactly have the gall to go up and ask people if I could take their photos for the site, but maybe I will figure out a way to avoid looking like a creepster in the future.

Also, I took…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jul 27th 2009, 12:02am | Seattle music, Unsigned

New Hunters songs on Myspace now

My dear friend, sleep fiend, and RCA enthusiast/contributor Jessie Gracic is quite the musician (if you were previously unaware), and now she has some badass recordings that are up on her Myspace page.

There are five songs on the Hunters EP, which will be on iTunes within the next couple of weeks. Jessie has posted three of the tracks on her Myspace. It was all supposed to be released on August 1st, but I think she got too excited and posted them today instead.

Listen, listen, listen. She's also posted a blog with song…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jul 25th 2009, 10:40am | Seattle music, Unsigned

Hexxus show this Friday!

I haven't been to a show in a while, so this should be fun. We will be taking photos and interviewing the band, so if you have any questions be sure to leave them in the comments.

Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jul 22nd 2009, 10:48pm | Seattle music, Unsigned

The Sky Electric is now complete.

Metal fans listen up! The Sky Electric is a brand new band out of Seattle, but it is comprised of many familiar faces. Previous members of From Aphony, Dance, and Ameretta have gotten together and are prepared to melt faces.

With the recent addition of vocalist, Cory, TSE are complete, and have posted a brand new song on their Myspace page for your listening pleasure. An EP is also in the works, but a release date is not yet clear.

The Sky Electric will be playing their first show at El Corazon on August 5th.
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jun 26th 2009, 1:44pm | Seattle music, Audio, Unsigned

Hooray for The Scene Aesthetic!

Long-time Seattle favorites, The Scene Aesthetic, are back in action with the release of their new EP, A Type & A Shadow, coming up on July 14th. The Destiny Worldwide duo have posted a new song, Come What May, on their Myspace page, along with a brand new layout to match the album art. Spiffy.

Pre-order the new album on SmartPunk today! There's even an autographed CD/DVD/t-shirt bundle that you can snag for 20 bones.

Also, remember that Destiny Worldwide are still looking for interns...
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jun 19th 2009, 11:48am | Seattle music, Destiny Worldwide

Rain City Rendezvous

After driving about 13 straight hours from Modesto CA, TP is back home!
I haven't played a "home show" yet with the guys, so this should be cool. Seattle is like my second home. I've seen many shows at the (in)famous El Corazon, and am pretty stoked to finally play it!
This "Let's Make A Mess" tour has been amazing so far- great crowds with a lot of enthusiasm. It makes even mediocre nights of playing feel like a great show. So thanks to anyone who has come out so far, and I hope you Seatteleans can come this fine…
Read | Posted by Jake Van Paepeghem | Jun 16th 2009, 11:10am | Seattle music, Fueled By Ramen

Hello RCA!

I've spent the last few days trying to figure out what I could say in my first blog since Kelly asked me to be involved with this project.

Verdict: I've got nothing.

But if Rain City Ambience is anything like all the college papers I wrote, then I can just BS my way to an A- or so. (In high school my English teacher called it "fluffing it up". I call it honest writing)

But the real reason for all of this is not to lecture you about how to go about your dissertations (if you have any. And if…
Read | Posted by Jake Van Paepeghem | May 29th 2009, 11:17am | Personal, Seattle music, Fueled By Ramen

Anticipation is a...

I have been wanting to write about this since the second I got back from listening to the new Man Down Medic tracks yesterday afternoon, but I haven't been able to come up with the right words to describe how incredible everything is sounding so far. I guess 'incredible' would be a good word, but maybe I'm a little biased.

In case you don't know, Man Down Medic is a Seattle band made up of three siblings- Sam, Jacob, and Larissa- along with a keyboardist named Phillip and a drummer named Harrison. I booked their first show at KTUB almost…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | May 21st 2009, 10:30pm | Seattle music, Unsigned

Destiny Worldwide Looking for Interns.

Destiny Worldwide is an independent record label and management company based in Seattle, WA. The company was formed in 2006 around their first album release, “Building Homes From What We’ve Known” by The Scene Aesthetic. Metcalf produced and engineered the record in the company’s recording studio, Destiny Studios, and has since produced material from many other bands. His recent projects include albums and songs by Daphne Loves Derby, Danger Radio, A Change of Pace, Anarbor, Artist Vs Poet, The Real You, Moneta, Shyforshy, and many more.

Job Description: Monroe, WA based indie record label Destiny Worldwide is looking for interns…
Read | Posted by Keith Jones | May 19th 2009, 11:05pm | Audio, Seattle music

Cavalier promos today

Jessie and I will be going out and taking promotional photographs (that sounds so official!) of Cavalier today, so keep an eye out for those!

Actually, it sounds like Jessie is going to be calling the shots on this one, but maybe I will take pictures of buildings or squirrels or something while she is doing her thing. All I know is that I have not gotten the chance to officially break in my new camera, and this sounds like a perfect opportunity.

On that note, if you need promos then shoot me an email... I need to…
Read | Posted by Kelly Mason | Jan 23rd 2009, 12:54pm | Photography, Seattle music, Unsigned