forYoungModerns

FYM LIVE: SEATTLE CENTER WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS- THE MURAL AMPHITHEATRE

Each weekend throughout the entire month of August Seattle Center has been hosting a series of free events at The Mural Amphitheatre featuring: quality local and regional music (co-sponsored by KEXP), and after sunset movie showings.


Last night FYM had the pleasure of seeing smooth to the groove Seattle soul rollers- Pickwick perform. Pretty tremendous stuff, it was a set filled with booming kinetic energy and boogie-down swagger.


Pickwick had it together live last night with a easy to appreciate sonic clamor- we will definitely put them on our must see list for Bumbershoot 2011 (playing Saturday September 3rd). For more tunes visit Pickwick’s bandcamp page HERE.


It’s unbelievable that a band with such an incredible sound has yet to be singed to a record label.. maybe they are holding out for the highest bidder… Regardless we can’t wait to see them again!



Apparently hip-indie music does exist in Seattle. Up next- Ravenna Woods wowed us with their unique brand of upbeat roots-fused yearning.


Their foot stompin’ vibe shimmers with dynamic duel percussive elements, passionate soaring vocals, and rabid guitar playing prowess.


Catch Ravenna Woods live at  The Rendez-vous this Monday at 8 PM. Click HERE for more information.


(Click on all wide format photos for greater detail) Our apologies for missing the first and final bands of last nights lineup, click each artists name to learn more about their music (Drew Grow & the Pastors’ Wives, Shane Tutmarc) Thanks again to Seattle Center and KEXP for bringing the Queen Anne community together outdoors -highlighting another round of formidable local music talents. Cheers, FYM.

BONUS PHOTOS: PICKWICK

FYM PREVIEW: BUMBERSHOOT 2011- MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL, SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA

The Emerald City’s tour de force- music and arts festival, Bumbershoot, happens this labor day weekend (September 3rd, 4th, 5th 2011) located in the friendly confines of Seattle Center. This massive 74-acre entertainment hub, reaches it’s full potential with Bumbershoot around this time every year. The festival means a lot to us (FYM HQ is located in Queen Anne) and Bumbershoot was our first taste of the city when FYM moved to Seattle.



Bumbershoot 2011 boasts an impressive three-day lineup of sonic talent (local, regional, national, and international). Check a new band we are diggin’ out of Seattle, Pickwick- below:



DAY ONE : Highlights include FYM’s second chance to see rhythm and blues/soul legend Mavis Staples and her peerless vocal prowess. We are stoked to check out 90’s Seattle rock icons Presidents of the United States of America for the first time. Personal favorites like Pickwick, STRFKR, Little Dragon and Craft Spells will also be on our day one must see list. Comedian Doug Benson will also be hosting his formidable podcast called Doug Loves Movies at Bumbershoot this year- expect great conversation with an entertaining group of pros.



DAY TWO: Word on the streets is Macklemore is currently gearing up for an epic performance at Bumbershoot this year -via a series of practice sessions at The Crocodile in Belltown. We’ve heard Macklemore is pulling out all the stops with a live band and dancing companions. FYM is also looking forward to seeing The Kills for the first time, and expects another inspiring performance from Broken Social Scene. Our Legend to see of day two is of course Leon Russell, and we are crossing our fingers- one of our all-time favorite contemporary graphic designers (who also makes great music) Scott Hansen of TYCHO will have time to meet with us.



DAY THREE: Hopefully rapper Big Boi will actually perform at a festival we attend this summer (as he refused to go on at Outside Lands in SF a few weeks ago- due to DJ technical difficulties). Hall & Oates -80’s camp makes our Legends to see list of day three. Other highlights include DFA records YACHT, local blues outfit My Goodness, and comedian Amy Schumer (video above).



For a comprehensive list of this years Bumbershoot entertainment visit the official site HERE. Click each performers name above to learn more about their craft. We are happy to hear the Key Arena will be hosting the main stage acts this year as opposed to the old memorial stadium of the past. FYM will be celebrating Seattle Center’s finest event of the year all this week -check back for more of our must see list performing this weekend.



Editors Note: Public transit, walking, bicycling, and monorailing are your best options when commuting to Bumbershoot. The Monorail will be running extended festival operating hours from 9 AM to 11:30 PM Saturday – Monday. Cheers FYM.

FYM ON THE LIST: BUMBERSHOOT 2011, DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTS -SEATTLE CENTER U.S.A.

Over the weekend, forYoungModerns went on a three day journey of sonic discovery at Bumbershoot 2011. The following is a DAY ONE highlight reel of the artists FYM feels went above and beyond -delivering standout performances we are still thinking about today… Click on the highlighted band names below to be directed to each artists website. For even more Bumbershoot Photos by FYM, check out our Facebook gallery HERE. (Editors Note: click the horizontal bonus photos at the end of the article to expand for greater detail) Cheers, FYM.


(Pictured Above: Thomas Gray) Seattle Hip Hop -CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE blazed through an impressive set of John Hughes era pop-culture party anthems Saturday afternoon.


(Pictured Above: Pearl Dragon) We’ve seen these guys before, and CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE continue to be a dominant force live -it’s high-energy hip hop with an indie edge, it’s streets is watching paired with 80’s throwback culture, it’s staying real and still having fun.. all backed by DJ Gajamagic’s (Mark from the Blood Brothers) unique sonic vision. CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE have a limited edition (green vinyl ) 7” split with Portland crew Starfucker, out now on Polyvinyl Records -click HERE to learn more about the release.


(Pictured Above: Chris Ballew) Even if they haven’t put out an album since 2008, The Presidents of the United States of America proved they still have a tremendous draw in their hometown -filling Key Arena with devoted fans in the early afternoon of day one.


Saturday FYM bypassed a massive line of people trying to get into the at capacity Level 3 Stage located inside the EMP (thank you press credentials). So what was all this hub-bub about? Pickwick -Seattle Soul, anchored by lead singer (Pictured Above) Galen Disston’s INSANELY GOOD voice. (more about them on in our Day Two Post).



To get a vibe of just how Pickwick gets their point across, check out the video above -forYoungModerns recorded live (very good audio) at the Experience Music Project.


Hip aggressive indie rock duo from Kingston, Ontario -PS I Love You was AMAZING to stumble upon this weekend on the Fountain Lawn Stage at Bumbershoot. Paul Saulnier (pictured above) is a great lead vocalist can seriously shred on guitar.


FYM had a brief encounter with lead singer Joshua Hodges of Portland’s neon dripping electro crew Starfucker a few weeks earlier -back stage at Girl Talk during San Francisco’s Outside Lands Festival (he kindly gave us his meal ticket for the remainder of the night). Although we missed them in SF, we finally got the chance to see these guys play at Bumbershoot. What can FYM say… Starfucker you reign supreme live! 



Watch/Listen to Starfucker’s cover of Cyndi Lauper’s classic cut- Girls Just Want To Have Fun, followed by a guest appearance from Pearl Dragon of CHAMPAGNE CHAMPAGNE .



Chicago Gospel/Rythmn & Blues Legend Miss Mavis Staples was by far our favorite performance of day one at Bumbershoot. There are certain people you come across in life that just radiate joy and love when you are in their proximity -Mavis Staples is one of them.



With over 60 years in the business Mavis still can sing her heart out. The showstopper jam of the night was hearing her sing You Are Not Alone the title track off her 2011 Grammy Award-Winning album -produced by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. It was an emotional spirit-lifting performance we shall soon not forget.

FYM ON THE LIST: BUMBERSHOOT DAY TWO

Last Sunday -forYoungModerns had the pleasure of enjoying a solid mix of live music at Bumbershoot 2011. Below we have documented our favorite performances of the day! For more information on each artist, simply click on the appropriate links below. Cheers, FYM.


For FYM, The Jim Jones Revue owned Sunday afternoon with their rapid-fire rock around the clock, loose n’ rippin’ sonic thunder. The English powerhouse won us over with their nostalgic rambling -heavy on the keys, classic sound.


The Jim Jones Revue encompass the finest aspects of the early days of rock n’ roll -fast, passionate, bumbling vibes with a rebel without a cause mentality. They currently are touring North America through mid-September -before heading to France for a leg of shows in October (ultimately ending in London). Check them out in the States while you can, for tunes and more band information click HERE.


The Denver Colorado husband and wife duo -Tennis (Fat Possum Records) shimmered live on day two of Bumbershoot 2011. It’s (butterfly’s in your  stomach) -meet me after school music -crowned by Alaina Moore’s (pictured above) soft and stunning vocals. Learn more about their music HERE.


Pickwick has definitely turned into our FYM Band of Summer 2011. We first discovered these champions of Seattle Soul in August -at the KEXP/Seattle Center Free Concerts at The Mural Series. Ever since then we cannot stop listening it their stylized vision of sharp indie rhythm and blues.


FYM had the pleasure of attending two of Pickwick’s performances over Bumbershoot weekend. The very intimate KEXP Lounge show was particularly exciting. The band went above and beyond that session, showcasing just how good they are -while streaming live. Frontman Galen Disston (pictured above) owns a commanding voice that booms with passion -saturated with natural talent. Listen to their warm n’ fuzzy -I got soul, but I’m not a soldier indie pop below:




Jessica Lea Mayfield (pictured above) was also a notable mention for day two standout performances at Bumbershoot. The Kent Ohio singer/songwriter chopped us down to size -with her dark, roots driven dream pop. It’s sad beautiful music, perfect for the closing credits of any HBO series, or rainy fall afternoons in Seattle. For more info about Mayfield click HERE.


FYM’s favorite performance of the day was most definitely seeing piano legend Leon Russell (who rolled up next to The Mural Amphitheatre at Seattle Center in a black Escalade). The man has worked with everyone (Dylan, The Stones, Harrison, Willie, Sinatra, Clapton, Cocker…) and released an incredible record (The Union) last year with Sir Elton John.


Leon Russell live is a peerless, true piano man (a real deal music icon), backed by an excellent group of musicians -who let loose Sunday night with tremendous heart-pumping renditions of classic rock n’ roll + rhythm and blues (Great Balls of Fire and Jumpin’ Jack Flash left us floored).


Toro Y Moi closed our day two at Bumbershoot -the South Carolina chillwave guru hammered out a smooth set of jams perfect for nighttiming under the stars. Listen to Toro Y Moi HERE. Want more Bumbershoot bands? Head over to FYM’s facebook page HERE for more photos and live video of Bumbershoot 2011. (Editors Note: Click to expand the photos below for greater detail)

Bumbershoot Day Two Bonus Photos:

FYM PREVIEW: PICKWICK • LIVE AT THE NEPTUNE THEATRE • 12.08.2011 • SEATTLE WA

It’s a forYoungModerns must see concert event! Pickwick takeover the newly renovated (999 person capacity) Neptune Theatre- Thursday December 8th, 2011- It’s an extremely impressive accomplishment coming from a band who rocked their way up to buzzworthy prominence in the Seattle music scene this year. And with good reason, Pickwick’s sound is instantly welcoming, blending warm stylized sonic visions- sharp and soulful, with commanding vocals booming with passion.

FYM had the pleasure of seeing Pickwick live three times this Summer- Once (as pictured above) live at The Mural Amphitheatre, and twice during Bumbershoot 2011. With each performance FYM continually fell in love with the bands overwhelming musicianship and frontman Galen Disston’s stunning vocal power. View Pickwick’s KEXP recorded performance of Window Sill live from the Mural show below:



#BONUS It’s not everyday a band like this plays down the block from FYM HQ- Discover what all the buzz is about for FREE December 6th, 2011 as Pickwick will deliver a live in-store performance at Easy Street Records in Queen Anne (7PM). For more info, photos, videos, and tunes visit the band’s Facebook page HERE. Cheers, FYM.

FYM PREVIEW: PICKWICK • LIVE AT THE NEPTUNE THEATRE • 12.08.2011 • SEATTLE WA

It’s a forYoungModerns must see concert event! Pickwick takeover the newly renovated (999 person capacity) Neptune Theatre- Thursday December 8th, 2011- It’s an extremely impressive accomplishment coming from a band who rocked their way up to buzzworthy prominence in the Seattle music scene this year. And with good reason, Pickwick’s sound is instantly welcoming, blending warm stylized sonic visions- sharp and soulful, with commanding vocals booming with passion.

FYM had the pleasure of seeing Pickwick live three times this Summer- Once (as pictured above) live at The Mural Amphitheatre, and twice during Bumbershoot 2011. With each performance FYM continually fell in love with the bands overwhelming musicianship and frontman Galen Disston’s stunning vocal power. View Pickwick’s KEXP recorded performance of Window Sill live from the Mural show below:



#BONUS It’s not everyday a band like this plays down the block from FYM HQ- Discover what all the buzz is about for FREE December 6th, 2011 as Pickwick will deliver a live in-store performance at Easy Street Records in Queen Anne (7PM). For more info, photos, videos, and tunes visit the band’s Facebook page HERE. Cheers, FYM.

FYM REWIND: SOUND ON THE SOUND • DOE BAY SESSIONS • 12.11.11 • COLUMBIA CITY THEATER

Sunday December 11th, 2011 -SoundOnTheSound.com is hosting their 2012 fundraiser at the Columbia City Theater. The Seattle based music blog offers something very special- Producing vibrant high-quality video recordings of incredible musicians performing in intimate spaces (comparable to a site like YoursTru.ly in San Francisco).



Every year during the Doe Bay Music Festival up on Orcas Island, Sound on the Sound brings their cameras along to record a series of acoustic performances on the gorgeous grounds of Doe Bay. Above we feature one of our favorite sessions from this series with (band of the moment) Pickwick playing two songs “Staged Names” and “Hacienda Motel”.



A site producing such tremendous sonic cinema truly deserves a grand place (Columbia City Theater) to showcase all of their hard work. Above Seattle Hip-Hop notables Champagne Champagne perform “Tropical Trina” and “Hollywood Shampoo”. So stop down this Sunday to catch some of Sound on the Sound’s favorite picks, along with new sessions viewed on the big screen. Plus, a few Doe Bay Session alumnus will be performing short sets to celebrate the event and to raise money to help film 2012’s projects. For more info visit their site HERE. Cheers, FYM.

FYM REWIND: SOUND ON THE SOUND • DOE BAY SESSIONS • 12.11.11 • COLUMBIA CITY THEATER

Sunday December 11th, 2011 -SoundOnTheSound.com is hosting their 2012 fundraiser at the Columbia City Theater. The Seattle based music blog offers something very special- Producing vibrant high-quality video recordings of incredible musicians performing in intimate spaces (comparable to a site like YoursTru.ly in San Francisco).



Every year during the Doe Bay Music Festival up on Orcas Island, Sound on the Sound brings their cameras along to record a series of acoustic performances on the gorgeous grounds of Doe Bay. Above we feature one of our favorite sessions from this series with (band of the moment) Pickwick playing two songs “Staged Names” and “Hacienda Motel”.



A site producing such tremendous sonic cinema truly deserves a grand place (Columbia City Theater) to showcase all of their hard work. Above Seattle Hip-Hop notables Champagne Champagne perform “Tropical Trina” and “Hollywood Shampoo”. So stop down this Sunday to catch some of Sound on the Sound’s favorite picks, along with new sessions viewed on the big screen. Plus, a few Doe Bay Session alumnus will be performing short sets to celebrate the event and to raise money to help film 2012’s projects. For more info visit their site HERE. Cheers, FYM.

FYM ON THE LIST: PICKWICK • CAMPFIRE OK • JESSICA DOBSON • NEPTUNE THEATER 12.08.11

Last week FYM had the pleasure of witnessing two very special live performances from possibly Seattle’s most buzzed about music offering of 2011 [Pickwick]. *click on horizontal photos below to expand for detail.


The first show (pictured above) was at Easy Street Records in Queen Anne on Tuesday. -Where Pickwick delivered a tremendous lengthy FREE set in front of a bustling all ages crowd. It was a night to celebrate, as their upcoming show later in the week at the Neptune Theater (Capacity: 999), was SOLD OUT. The band stayed after their performance at Easy Street for a meet and greet with fans, signing records and taking photos.


Two days later on Thursday December 8th, 2011 we found ourselves at the SOLD OUT Pickwick l Jessica Dobson l Campfire OK concert, live at the Neptune Theater. Seattle singer/songwriter veteran, Jessica Dobson (known for her role as the new touring guitarist in the Shins, and her previous work playing with Beck) started off the evening rippin’ through a collection of emotionally charged pop tunes.


After simply stunning the crowd with her outstanding voice and guitar work, accompanied only by her captivating presence -Dobson was joined on stage by a solid backing band of friends, ultimately dominating her opening slot on keys, setting high standards for the rest of FYM’s night.




Campfire OK took stage next on an evening stacked-full of gifted Northwest sonic pageantry. Out of the gate frontman Mychal Goodweather wowed us with whirling brand of intimate pop drama.


Vocal comparisons to Death Cab’s Ben Gibbard are obvious, but Goodweather’s powerful voice and thoughtful lyrics were enhanced by his harmonious female counterpart, Melodie Knight. Campfire OK’s eclectic spirit was an undeniable engaging slice of glamorous pop Americana.


The grand finale of the night hit when Pickwick took stage. This was our 5th time seeing the band in 2011, with each performance continuing to be better than the next. Pickwick is one of those bands saturated in boundless talent, with lead singer Galen Disston’s natural vocal presence continuing to command the hearts of devoted Pickwick fans.


This sold out concert, featuring local Seattle favorites at the Neptune, was a triumphant closer to a huge year for Pickwick. During their set Disston shared with the audience that the band was traveling the very next day down to Oregon with some exciting plans in store. This December Pickwick will record their first full-length album with brilliant producer and Shin’s touring bandmate, Richard Swift.


It was an electrifying night, showcasing just how good the Seattle music scene has it. Seeing Pickwick perform amazing new tunes along with their warm n’ fuzzy indie-soul classics -solidified what a bright future this band has in 2012. Cheers, FYM.

FYM SHORTLIST: TOP 5 ARTISTS & ALBUMS • 2011

FYM HQ: Art Director J Thomas Codling picks his favorite releases of 2011. The following list represents the bands and tunes that inspired his afternoons, haunted his nights, and relentlessly rocked FYM’s Seattle HQ speakers throughout the year. Click each artists highlighted name for more information on their music. And be sure to check back soon for more picks and perspectives from our L.A. and S.F. Crews. Cheers, FYM


1. Birdcloud: Birdcloud Raw, witty, balanced and beautiful. Nashville’s Birdcloud is everything country music should be in 2011. Their self-titled release features instant classic’s like Warshin My Big Ol Pussy, Bandit, and Do What I Want To (as seen below).



Makenzie Green and Jasmin Kaset’s harmonious vocal connection will dominate your heart throughout this filthy 7-track barn burner. Their bold lyrics will undoubtedly offend those that need to be offended, while others (like us) find their frank honest take on the world to be well-crafted, punk as fuck, countrified brilliance.


2. Pickwick: Myths Pickwick took us by storm this year with their vibrant soulful sound. Myths may only be six songs, but start to finish -there isn’t another collection of tunes we repeatedly listened to more of in 2011. With an instantly likeable vocal presence and sharp indie-soul charisma, frontman Galen Disston commands your attention as Pickwick’s tight rhythm section makes your jaw drop to the floor.



3. Dawes: Nothing is Wrong 2011 also brought the triumphant sophomore release from Dawes, Nothing is Wrong comes doused full of sonic nostalgia featuring: prolific lyrical insight into the human-condition. This stunning album is a collection of 11 wise beyond their years West Coast narratives, focused in the art of embracing thoughtful melody. Listen to Coming Back to a Man below:




4. Dude York: Gangs of Dude York The first of three releases this year, recorded between the months of February-March 2011, Gangs of Dude York, is a formidable rock offering from a brand new Seattle band destined for big things. The album is an interesting mix of garage rock fury, dashed with vibrant vocals, engaging lyrics, harvesting an instantly appealing first release. What’s really astounding about Dude York- is they’ve seemingly mastered from the get-go, uncanny musical wisdom balanced by an unforgiving vinatge arsenal of influences.



5. Das Dhoom: Poetry of Dhoom These Seattle world music mind-benders released a mindful, at times cinematic, adventure into the classic sound of India perfectly balanced with expansive bliss-filled digital landscapes. It’s a 10-track journey into the mind of James Whetzel, who aside from being a classically trained sarod player, is also quite the music producer as heard in this fantastic new album.