Credit

Every so often, I’ll write for show reviews or album reviews for Seattle arts and music based magazine Redefine. It always takes me forever to write a review because I feel like I don’t use enough detailing words that would better enhance articles like these. I’m so used to the blogging style that it’s good in a sense that I am free to write whatever I want without second guessing it, but bad because I’ve started writing my college essays in this tone as well. I could easily post my rough draft review on BirthDIY fest, but I’d rather write on my own.

Last Friday, I attended the annual BirthDIY fest at The Vera Project in Seattle which featured Next Door Neighbors, Kids and Animals, Feral Children, Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground, and BOAT. Each band was local and each band had their own unique sound, like always. Next Door Neighbors were kind of like a Tegan and Sara + Lights type thing. Kids and Animals were a young band, probably still in high school, that sounded like The Honorary Title. These kids love to scream and scream with passion not hardcore at all. Feral Children decided to set up their stage with three drum sets. Have never seen that one before. At one point, the lead singer who also drummed turned to drummer number two and mouthed, “I’m going to throw up!” And I got so freaked out that I decided to leave my position on the floor to move back to my seat because if he had jumped off that stage to get sick, I would have been right in his way. No one wants to get thrown up on…just saying. These guys sounded like Holy Fuck with vocals. Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground will always be dear and near to my heart. I danced, I sang, I clapped. It was probably the highlight of my week. BOAT is also great! My old co-worker is in that band and they are just super quirky. If you  get a chance to listen to these bands, you should. It’s easy to go on Myspace ya know?

More importantly, I want to talk about the message behind BirthDIY Fest. DIY is short for do it yourself, and doing it yourself without the help of professionals. The music business is a tough business to get into. For years, I have watched my favorite bands attempt and attempt. Very few make it. Many will disband or take constant breaks throughout their time. The Seattle music scene is one of the best things this city has to offer because it is ours. It is what we are known for and it’s up to us to keep it alive. Support your local music. One of my goals for this next year is to do just that. I want to bring the local music back into our community and I don’t want to force this music on you, but give you the option. I guess my theme for this entire year is to step outside of your comfort zone a little bit. Do something that you wouldn’t normally do. And of course, do it yourself, do it on your own, and you will be that much better off I promise.