May 20, 2010
What Does Genius Sound Like?
The Stranger Genius Awards Recognize Music—at Last
AND THE NOMINEES ARE…? Seattle is overflowing with options.
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At last year's Stranger Genius Awards party, after the awards were presented for Visual Art, Theater, Film, Literature, and Organization, there was music. Bands performed shunted to one corner of the Moore Theatre's stage and DJs played in the basement bar, while the official Geniuses mingled, mostly in the lobby. These musical artists—acts like brainy indie-pop band Throw Me the Statue, goofy hiphop collagists Mash Hall, and young "chillwave" duo U.S.F., as well as DJ outfits Emerald City Soul Club and Trouble Dicso—weren't being honored, they were working; they were closer to the evening's caterers than the year's Geniuses. Like every other year, music was at the Genius Awards, but it was pushed to the periphery.
And so it's been with the awards themselves. Last year, Charles Mudede presented the Film Genius Award to Zia Mohajerjasbi (younger brother of Blue Scholars DJ/producer Sabzi), who was honored largely for his music videos. Mudede wrote in that week's issue: "More than anyone else, his images have captured the new energies of Seattle's emerging hiphop scene." Brendan Kiley presented the Organization Genius Award to the Pacific Northwest Ballet, praising the company for staging "a fierce 15-minute solo by Marco Goecke set to C.P.E. Bach and [punk rock band] the Cramps." Lindy West pointed out that Theater Geniuses the Cody Rivers Show took their name from "a satirical country-music character they used frequently in early performances."
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In years past, winners have included visual artist Wynne Greenwood of experimental video rock band Tracy + the Plastics, and theater-makers Implied Violence, whose work has frequently incorporated local musicians such as the Dead Science alongside recordings by the Wu-Tang Clan.
So where was the Music Genius?
It's been something we've debated at The Stranger for years. The main argument against having a Stranger Genius Award for Music has been that we already give enough attention to music. It's true that The Stranger devotes more space to music than to any other single arts section in the paper—we're as much a music paper as a gay paper or a Seattle paper.
And in years past, we've given back to the Seattle music scene via the now-defunct Big Shot competition, a battle of the bands driven by reader votes with prizes that included money, gear, recording time, and passage to SXSW. But Big Shot ended years ago and nothing has replaced it.
It's not like musicians don't need the money as much as other artists do. Anyone who thinks musicians are all swimming in piles of money, Uncle Scrooge–like, just isn't paying attention. The music industry is in shambles, its primary means of making money (selling physical recordings of musical performances) gutted by the advent of easy file-sharing technology. (Has visual art suffered so specific an economic meltdown? Has theater?) Even when the music business was at its most robust, not every musician was buying mansions. For every artist making money, many more struggle to make ends meet, and that's as true for musicians as for artists in any other field. The no-strings-attached $5,000 prize of a Genius Award could buy a band a van and enough gas to tour the United States.
So this year, we're thrilled to announce the first annual Stranger Genius Award for Music. That's got a nice ring to it, doesn't it? But what will genius sound like, exactly?
Well, what's most promising for the new category is just how much ground it could potentially cover. It could go to outré hiphop act Shabazz Palaces, for his expert and adventurous destabilizations of that genre's forms and norms. It could go to Throw Me the Statue songwriter Scott Reitherman, for his uncanny way around a wordy, brainy but utterly catchy pop tune. It could go to Decibel Festival founder Sean Horton, for his massively successful efforts to put Seattle on the international map not just as a rock town but as a hotbed of world-class electronic music. It could go to Jherek Bischoff, for his work with the Dead Science and other bands and for his more avant-garde compositional work. It could go to the Portable Shrines collective, for its work in facilitating an underground of new psychedelic happenings in Seattle's music scene. It could go to THEESatisfaction, for their Star Wars rebel (without a "pause") rap and R&B. It could go to Foscil and Truckasauras, for the linked crews' serious electro-acoustic jazz improvisations and their more popular and impish electronic party music. Or to countless others.
And we're open to suggestions. The first year of the Stranger Genius Awards, we invited the public to send us their ideas about who they thought deserved to be honored with the cash prize and the profile and the party. After all, there is no application process for the Genius Awards—the last thing we want artists to be doing is filling out paperwork—and we wanted to make sure there wasn't anyone we weren't thinking of. Sure enough, there was someone we weren't thinking of—Chris Jeffries, a theater artist and, of course, musician. Readers recommended him, and he totally deserved a Genius Award, so he won one.
So now we put it to you: Who do Stranger readers think should be honored with the first Genius Award for Music? And more importantly, why? Music, as much or more than any other art form, incites incredibly passionate debate. It's personal. Everybody has an opinion, and everybody has a favorite musician or band they think deserves greater recognition or material success. We want to hear your arguments for who deserves this award and what makes their work great—make your case in the online comments for this story.
Seattle is overflowing with musical genius. The only hard part will be narrowing the nominees down. 
3
Karl Blau. 15 years of being the NW's prime architect of lo-fi dub-folk-electro-jazz-grunge, and still innovating. Post-genre before post-genre was cool. His adventurous influence is felt widely, yet he's doing his best work RIGHT NOW.
5
I nominate Steven Severin. This city's scene wouldn't be as awesome as it is without him. He gave breaks to many DJs and bands back in the day that have gone on to shape Seattle music scene from top to bottom.
6
The Whore Moans! They are fantastic. They bring together some heavy, soul shaking music, with some incredibly intelligent lyrics. One of the best live shows you can catch in this city.
7
I love Shabazz Palaces, but it seems silly to give $5,000 to a guy who has a Grammy already and rides in Jag.
Thee Satisfaction seems the most likely to warrant the award. They are fresh, fun and breaking down barriers and stereotypes. For my money, that's genius.
Thee Satisfaction seems the most likely to warrant the award. They are fresh, fun and breaking down barriers and stereotypes. For my money, that's genius.
8
Alan Bishop, from the sun city girls should be nominated way before Thee Satisfaction, his Subliminal Frequencies label is amazing
10
Jherek Bischoff...Hands Down. Just give it to him now. Everyone else is also well deserving-what a flattering round of picks!
11
@8 is unregistered and therefore hidden, so I'll reiterate. The Sublime Frequencies label is indeed an invaluable local treasure and should be on the list for sure.
I'm so glad there's finally going to be a Genius award for music! There are so many worthy contenders...
I'm so glad there's finally going to be a Genius award for music! There are so many worthy contenders...
12
I say Portable Shrines... damn near the only shows worth going to from start to finish and THE only shows that provide a full experience. p.s. imagine what they'd do with the money... Escalator Fest would be unbelievable... and that is something Seattle needs.
13
The Lights. They have been putting out dirty/sexy/innovative rock and roll for years, they respect each other and represent what a true musical collaborative should look like, and they continue to build a huge local fan base, even with no major label support. Tell me what other band has done that. They deserve some recognition.
15
Pearl Jam, just for the lyric, "when sumthin's cooold, I'm gonna put a little blanket on it". That's like the E=MC2 of music, and I bet Stone good get a pretty decent hair cut, or a new pair of shoes with $5k.
21
Lars Finberg should absolutely be represented in this. As one of the original members of the A-Frames, he then went on to create and front The Intelligence, but as the sole songwriter who also plays ALL of the instruments on the albums himself, he's recorded some of the most brilliant, infectious, catchy, weird and memorable punk/pop in this city over the course of the last 10 years. Also fronts best new band in Seattle, PUBERTY.
22
Well, since you brought it up . . . Jherek Bischoff. Not only has he been a member of such groups as The Dead Science and the Degenerate Art Ensemble, he has also produced, recorded and played with Xiu Xiu, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Carla Bozulich, Jason Webley and Paranthetical Girls. And now he is focusing on orchestral instrumental music with his most recent project featuring the likes of David Byrne and Caetano Veloso. A 30 piece orchestra performed his works at Town Hall last September and and a 20 piece group did the same at City Hall just a couple months ago. Definitely some serious geniusness!!
25
Agree with "thegumbos" above. We saw Jherek Bischoff perform recently and the beauty of his avant-garde orchestral music brought me to tears. He probably is a musical genius. If you haven't seen him yet....go.
26
I nominate Camille Bloom. . .She's incredible, her voice is pure, and she stands for so much. The whole package!
27
Are you kidding me? Jherek Bischoff is the musical mastermind behind some of the most innovative and creative music to emerge out of Seattle in the late 90s. Listeners have only to listen to his work with the Dips to understand this.
30
Holly Figueroa O'Reilly. She is back to writing and making music after a serious illness left her unable to sing or play at all for a year or so. Just give a listen to 2007's "Gifts & Burdens" to see why this is a very good thing indeed.
32
The Spits. (Done, like that. "Competition" over. End of Story)
Apologies to all this Jeremy Bischoff or whatever, but the Dead Science is one of the worst bands I've ever heard. Like fingernails on a chalkboard. And I'm sorry to say, BUT THAT GUY SUCKS.
The Spits.
Apologies to all this Jeremy Bischoff or whatever, but the Dead Science is one of the worst bands I've ever heard. Like fingernails on a chalkboard. And I'm sorry to say, BUT THAT GUY SUCKS.
The Spits.
33
There are lots of people mentioned here that deserve to be Geuniuses, but here's another suggestion: Paul Rucker.
34
Didn't Eric Blood produce at least two of those bands? Shabazz Palaces and TheeSatisfaction? His debut solo album is pretty amazing and doesn't sound like anything from Seattle.
35
I will throw in the name Alex Guy. She's played viola/violin with loads of different people (Jherek, Jason Webley, Laura Viers, and on and on) and her newest record just came out on Eleven Records a couple months back.
I'd like to see the grant go to someone who is doing a lot, but isn't necessarily a top-tier name that everyone instantly recognizes (Shabazz Palaces, Jherek Bischoff, etc). That way someone who otherwise wouldn't could come to the attention of many folks.
I'd like to see the grant go to someone who is doing a lot, but isn't necessarily a top-tier name that everyone instantly recognizes (Shabazz Palaces, Jherek Bischoff, etc). That way someone who otherwise wouldn't could come to the attention of many folks.
37
Jared Mills, from ManPlus and Noddy. Duh.
He writes amazing music that is poppy and dancy and fun, with some of the saddest lyrics ever. While most artists that I have met with the ability to be very prolific tend to be lacking in the quality, that has never been the case for Jared.
He is a total music genius, and the ManPlus are awesome fucking possum.
He writes amazing music that is poppy and dancy and fun, with some of the saddest lyrics ever. While most artists that I have met with the ability to be very prolific tend to be lacking in the quality, that has never been the case for Jared.
He is a total music genius, and the ManPlus are awesome fucking possum.
40
John Roderick - reclusiveness, poor hygiene, public snarkiness and not releasing anything for years are all classic genius moves
43
I nominate John Ramberg of The Tripwires. He's the full trifecta of rock-n-roll genius: guitarist,singer and songwriter extraordinaire. A true Seattle musical genius with more than 20 years cranking it out in the local music scene. He brought his Cheap Trick influenced guitar prowess to Gary Heffern's Cunninghams when he was still in high school and Motley Crüe gloves. Formed his own band Stumpy Joe with his pals Mark, Christian and Scott, they put out an album on Poplama that showed us he could write some damn fine rock songs (check out "Proverbial Straw" a Dylan-does-garage-rock-classic). After those boys broke up came 10 years of The Model Rockets with Grant, Boyd, Graham, Scott and Mike. They put out 4 albums of pure pop-rock genius during their career (check out "Ditched at the Grand Illusion", "Talk of the Cul de Sac", "Rusty Roller-coaster" and the mini-rock-opera "Pilot County Suite", these guys traveled to Spain a few times to extremely enthusiastic crowds that put us Seattlite shoe-gazers to shame. They also once played a note-for-note impromptu Beatles cover set at the EMP Sky Church for a VIP audience that I know for a fact they couldn't of had much time to practice for, if a set of covers could be called genius, that night applied. After a stint with Neko Case during the "Virginian" record and tour, he formed The Tripwires, with Mark Pickerel and the Sangster brothers. So far they've come up with two albums of Nick Lowe / Equals style Pub Rock, a must for any fans of tight songwriting and danceable pop songs, see them live now. When John's not playing with The Tripwires he might be on stage with the Minus 5 taking it up a notch with a high energy covers like "Betty Lou" when Scott McCaughey needs a break. Not to be limited to music, Mr. Ramberg is an excellent visual artist and graphic designer, with a masters hand in the look of the record covers his bands have needed over the years. I've met a few musical geniuses, Mr. McCaughey, Kurt Bloch, Mark Hoyt, Jeff Taylor, Eric Richards, The Purdins to name a few, and yes, as his brother I may be biased, but John Ramberg is my pick for The Strangers music genius award.
More...
44
@37
I totally concur with the Man Plus and Noddy suggestion! The guy has written hundreds of songs since I first saw him play at the Beacon Hill Pub and just tosses out these nuggets of gold. I haven't played a show with him in years, but he continues to pump out the catchiest stuff you've ever heard. I was always in awe of how easy it is for him. He is the best songwriter, a nice, funny guy and a genius for sure.
I totally concur with the Man Plus and Noddy suggestion! The guy has written hundreds of songs since I first saw him play at the Beacon Hill Pub and just tosses out these nuggets of gold. I haven't played a show with him in years, but he continues to pump out the catchiest stuff you've ever heard. I was always in awe of how easy it is for him. He is the best songwriter, a nice, funny guy and a genius for sure.
45
As a once skeptical, now avid supporter of the Decibel Festival I can attest to Sean's remarkable drive as director and genius as a curator, DJ and composer. Though it's still a fairly underground phenomenon in the NW, Decibel has quietly become one of the most respected music festivals and production companies in the world. I know this because friends and acquaintances of mine from all over the world travel to Seattle every September to experience Decibel. The fact that they continue to expand the audience and international talent every year, as a grass roots organization with little funding, is pretty astounding. Based on their preliminary line up, I would venture to say that the 2010 festival will be Horton's most praised edition to date.
46
C'mon, never mind the oh-so-temporary pop phenoms, what about:
Keyboardist, composer and teacher/mentor Wayne Horvitz -- king of the downtown NYC jazz scene before he moved here and has continued his great experimental and collaborative genius projects...!
Keyboardist, composer and teacher/mentor Wayne Horvitz -- king of the downtown NYC jazz scene before he moved here and has continued his great experimental and collaborative genius projects...!
47
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
Sublime Frequencies.
48
I agree on that John Ramberg idea...the man is such a gem, such a Seattle treasure of pure pop genius. Year after year he just keeps coming back with more great songs, great bands, and fantastic energy. That being said, you could say that about all of the Tripwires!! The Sangster Brothers are their own institution...as is Mark Pickerel.
Side tangent - there should be a separate category just to honor Mark Pickerel's hair.
Side tangent - there should be a separate category just to honor Mark Pickerel's hair.
49
Gotta jump on the Sublime Frequencies bandwagon. Super cool, deserving of money, medals, a trophy, etc.
50
Hollow Earth Radio - For Magma Fest, for being great people, for supporting a wide ranging bunch of music and musicians, for being persistent and regularly full of humor and zest for life.
Or Bill Horist. I don't need to elaborate on how much prestige and general musical goodwill Bill spreads around. He is also a deserving musician. He tours endlessly, releases new music constantly and really ought to be a role model for anyone trying to their own (solo) thing.
Or Bill Horist. I don't need to elaborate on how much prestige and general musical goodwill Bill spreads around. He is also a deserving musician. He tours endlessly, releases new music constantly and really ought to be a role model for anyone trying to their own (solo) thing.
51
Gotta jump on the Sublime Frequencies bandwagon. Super cool, deserving of money, medals, a trophy, etc.
53
Evan Flory-Barnes and Sublime Frequencies are both great suggestions. I also want to add Specs One to the list, who is long overdue for some serious recognition.
58
please don't give it to anyone that's already on a solid label, or is already getting tons of props and hype. basically don't give it to anyone simply on the merit of the music they make. give it to an organization or person that's doing great things for the music community, but is otherwise struggling financially.
59
I'll throw my vote for Sean Horton OR Randy Jones of Orac Records. That guy is doing some next-level shit with music technology that should make you cream your pants.
63
I nominate this crazy motha luvin band called Malicious Discharge.
myspace.com/maliciousdischarge,
if only because when i saw them, they played the Star Trek Next Generation theme and the Battle Toads theme from Battle Maniacs. And theres already enough hip, indie, hopscotching, gibbard glory around this town already.
myspace.com/maliciousdischarge,
if only because when i saw them, they played the Star Trek Next Generation theme and the Battle Toads theme from Battle Maniacs. And theres already enough hip, indie, hopscotching, gibbard glory around this town already.
64
daniel g harmann (and the trouble starts) for sure. he's underrated & has been doing it better than most for years.
65
Man oh man, there are so many great options in this city; I do not envy whoever has to come up with this decision.
To clarify @35's comment, Alex Guy's project is called Led to Sea and it is, indeed, incredible and gorgeous stuff.
To clarify @35's comment, Alex Guy's project is called Led to Sea and it is, indeed, incredible and gorgeous stuff.
66
OK, what the hell, just to make your job harder, here are some nominations off the top of my head:
Corespondents
Diminished Men
Mike Dumovich
Brad Dunn
Heatwarmer
Bill Horist
Eyvind Kang
Thousands
Wesafari
Corespondents
Diminished Men
Mike Dumovich
Brad Dunn
Heatwarmer
Bill Horist
Eyvind Kang
Thousands
Wesafari
69
SEAN HORTON! Nobody in this town in the last 8 years has done more, sweated more, put up more of his personal finances and sacrificed more than he has to put this town not just on the map, but at the forefront of electronic music. He is the most passionate and devoted person I have ever met. It would be unjust and an insult to give this award to anyone else.
71
For sure Sublime Frequencies. No other label has challenged and changed the preceptions of how international music has an affect on the modern music scene. Alan Bishop and Hisham Mayet deserve a goddam nobel music prize much less a stranger genius award.
72
People arguing against giving the award to a signed/"known" band... Didn't Sherman Alexie win a Genius some time ago? (And in any event, it's The Stranger, so let's check our expectations a moment anyway.)
In any event, it's clear that the recipients will be either:
a.) Shabazz Places
b.) Natalie Portman's Shaved Head
c.) Tacocat or
d.) Mad Rad.
In any event, it's clear that the recipients will be either:
a.) Shabazz Places
b.) Natalie Portman's Shaved Head
c.) Tacocat or
d.) Mad Rad.
74
You're all just slightly missing the mark...
The FIRST Stranger Music Genius award goes to...
Posthumously: Howard Bulson.
If you don't know, better ask somebody.
The FIRST Stranger Music Genius award goes to...
Posthumously: Howard Bulson.
If you don't know, better ask somebody.
79
Two words: Sean Decibel. Decibel is a colossal festival which demostrates astounding talent from Sean. Go DECIBEL!!!
82
Without question, Sean Horton. Not only is he responsible for what could be the most internationally recognized and respected festival in the NW, he keeps Seattle's EDM community interesting by producing solid events month after month. Decibel is much more than just a festival.
83
Many musical geniuses out there but I doubt anyone has had as much of an influence and magic touch on this area of the world's music scene as much a KARL BLAU has. He has worked with so many different people in Seattle, affecting the way they will approach music forever. Mind blowing by himself, incredible as a producer, this kind of recognition for KARL BLAU is long overdue.
86
fuck, dude. that's so fucking difficult!!
Karl Blau, Shabazz Palaces, AND Jherek Bischoff. Because Seattle has too many musical geniusus. I wish I were picking female or trans-identified folks, but Laura Veirs ran away :(
Karl Blau, Shabazz Palaces, AND Jherek Bischoff. Because Seattle has too many musical geniusus. I wish I were picking female or trans-identified folks, but Laura Veirs ran away :(
87
Jherek Bischoff, without a doubt! He is an incredible musician, songwriter, recording engineer, producer - not to mention he can play any instrument he picks up! He's truly gifted and definitely a musical genius, with or without the official title.
88
Erik Blood. Producer, singer, songwriter, poet, one-man choir, master of spare dialogue and shifting points of view, traverser of genres, player of many instruments, considerer of God, love, promiscuity, disease, obsessions, betrayals. LISTEN the The Way We Live -- this guy's debut album. It's a flat-out masterpiece that will only grow in importance with time. (Plus, I swear I see a little white-robed Jesus figure waving to me from the window on the album's cover. Oh -- and is that a little blood I see splashed on Jesus' robe? How sweet!)
89
Everyone who's been nominated is really great, but what Sean Horton does for the electronic music scene, both for Seattle and for the entire genre, is really something else. The way he gives back to the community is absolutely spectacular.
DECIBEL FESTIVAL a la SEAN HORTON pretty please.
DECIBEL FESTIVAL a la SEAN HORTON pretty please.
90
Everyone who's been nominated is really great, but what Sean Horton does for the electronic music scene, both for Seattle and for the entire genre, is really something else. The way he gives back to the community is absolutely spectacular.
DECIBEL FESTIVAL a la SEAN HORTON pretty please.
DECIBEL FESTIVAL a la SEAN HORTON pretty please.
91
Decibel Festival. What Sean Horton has done for the electronic music scene in Seattle for the last seven years stands as an inspiration to anyone involved in the scene regardless of genre.
92
Everyone who's been nominated is really great, but what Sean Horton does for the electronic music scene, both for Seattle and for the entire genre, is really something else. The way he gives back to the community is absolutely spectacular.
DECIBEL FESTIVAL a la SEAN HORTON pretty please.
DECIBEL FESTIVAL a la SEAN HORTON pretty please.
93
Sean Horton should be recognized for his dedication, passion, and drive to put Seattle on the world map for electronica!
98
Fuck yeah Jared from ManPlus! He helped my old band write some songs for our album and he works magic effortlessly. Underrated genius. Shockingly talented songwriter with a great sense of humor and amazing voice.
100
I believe that Sadistik fit the criteria. Check out his video for "Searching for Some Beautiful" to see Seattle's best hidden gem of the music scene.
102
For music:
Paul Rucker, cellist
Chris DeLaurenti, composer
Randy Hansen, insane Hendrix tribute artist
Richard Peterson, savant
For scene support:
Don Yates, Music Director of KEXP/KCMU
Doug Haire, Sonarchy Radio
Sean Horton, Decibel Director
Jonna McCurry, security at the Showbox
Paul Rucker, cellist
Chris DeLaurenti, composer
Randy Hansen, insane Hendrix tribute artist
Richard Peterson, savant
For scene support:
Don Yates, Music Director of KEXP/KCMU
Doug Haire, Sonarchy Radio
Sean Horton, Decibel Director
Jonna McCurry, security at the Showbox
104
Sublime Frequencies! We're lucky to have them, AND Hollow Earth Radio is a positive force in the music scene (playing underrepresented local sounds) and is making the expensive but important move to a public space this August (they could sure us the money).
105
portable shrines for bringing together the psych/noise/experimental music scene and curating some of the best, creative shows in town. Plus, the damn visuals they create for all the bands are insane!
106
BEN VERELLEN is my suggestion. He is a member of the innovative rock band HELMS ALEE and the founder of VERELLEN AMPLIFIERS (a locally owned & operated custom amp shop). Through his music & his small business, he continues to push the Seattle music scene into new territory. He has done more than enough to deserve consideration.
109
No votes for Blake Lewis? It's your boy, Seattle!
But seriously, Sean Horton has given this city a world-recognized music festival almost single-handed (almost! I see you dB crew members / volunteers). He transcends the "I like that one song I heard that one time on KEXP" value of many of the other mentioned nominees.
But seriously, Sean Horton has given this city a world-recognized music festival almost single-handed (almost! I see you dB crew members / volunteers). He transcends the "I like that one song I heard that one time on KEXP" value of many of the other mentioned nominees.
110
# 22 gave the facts on Bischoff, now it;s time to speak from the heart! I was lucky enough to be present for both his town hall and city hall performances and they were nothing short of spectacular, genius and necessary. This is someone who has pushed not only the scope of music that people listen to, he has done so by pushing himself in territory I never would have expected with the inception of the Dead Science. Come on! That town hall performance for his B-day was the most important musical event I have ever experienced, based upon not only the sheer beauty and balls of it, but also because I felt like I was in the presence of a fucking Genius.
p.s Can someone please throw Grandy the Statue already? Geez.
p.s Can someone please throw Grandy the Statue already? Geez.
112
This award should go to someone that isn't just a band or solo artist regardless of how good they are. It should go to someone that changed the music scene through either influence or organizing. On that note, Sean Horton should get it. I worked with Sean closely during DB's inception. He's relentless, he has a vision, and he created something very real out of thin air. Plus, he needs the money to keep his creation going because as big as DB is now, it's still a labor of love.
113
@106 i second Ben Verellen. knows how to make a mean riff, and knows how to build the gear to play it.
114
JAMIE HELLGATE - a true Renaissance woman of music. Currently on the drums in the innovative rock outfit Eighteen Individual Eyes. Guitarist/vocalist and driving force behind the (sadly) defunct H is for Hellgate. She's the founder of local label Scissor City Sound, which has released albums by the aforementioned bands. To top it off, she designed and built her own music studio. Genius!
115
I strongly second ERIK BLOOD. He's all over the best of the music scene including his own works, productions, and sexy dancey moves on stage!
117
Sean Horton for sure. He's spent well over a decade promoting events in the Northwest with a passion for putting Seattle on the map of the electronic music community. Getting a nod from the NYT recently, citing Seattle as a prime location for electronic music tourism was another great feat.
121
David Bazan. Arguably the finest lyricist in Seattle. His new album, "Curse Your Branches" is deep, even if it's personal.
122
Reptet! This often over-looked "jazz" band has practically invented a new, as yet un-named genre...fun, accessible, avant-garde jazz. They consist of bass, drums and horns and their horn players play everything from tuba to flute. Their primary composer Samantha Boshnack is brilliant and has been lauded by such folks as Steven Bernstein of the Sex Mob and Wayne Horvitz of Zony Mash. They've been touring almost non-stop for the last four years and they do it on their own with no label support or distribution. Plus their costumes are outlandishly stylish.
www.sonicbids.com/reptet
www.sonicbids.com/reptet
123
i second the nomination for Amy Denio -- she exudes genius. she can pick up any instrument and produce brilliance and beauty. it's an honor to be in a band with her.
124
Please consider giving this genius award to someone who contributes to seattle music as both an artist with a voice in a band that is AWESOME, and a music venue owner who cultivates local talent on every level.
i nominate Andrew Nunez owner of the SeaMonster lounge
Here's why... The true musical life blood of a city is the place where the musicians go after their paying gig to hang out with other musicians and really let loose. Last week SoulLive played Neumo's on wednesday, but monday night Alan Evans was throwin down drums for an open mic jam session at SeaMonster. Tuesday night Skerik (Les Claypool, Garage a Trois) sat in with Mctuff Trio, and Thursday night John Wicks(Cee Lo Green, B.o.B., Bruno) played a show at the Triple Door main stage with Syncopated Taint Septet & Charlie Hunter(who's also sat in on jams at the seaMOnster), then he rushed over to seaMonster to what else... sit in and jam. Oh yeah, there's never a cover charge at the seaMOnster and bands still get paid more fairly than any other place in town. When asked what is your favorite spot in seattle during his American Idol run, Blake Lewis said " the SeaMOnster lounge" where he honed his skills playing open mic. Sea Monster is that place and if you ask any of these musicians why they will tell you it's because of Andrew. do you know how hard it is to open a bar/restaurant/music venue by yourself and keep it open for 7 years, especially in seattle? No microsoft money, no college degree, just fucking SOUL! and by the way, Andrew's voice is AMAZING, and his band HAIKU-CHI rocks. He has been performing at the SeaMonster since it opened, anything from killing Prince covers to laying down live funk on many instruments, to hosting open mic, and SHANGHAI PEARLS burlesque show. the band HAIKU-CHI plays to crowds of 350 people on average with no help from THE STRANGER, THE WEEKLY, or KEXP. Their 2nd cd is set to be released JUNE 5 at the TRACTOR TAVERN and they deserve attention as much as any SHABAZZ, ESPRESSO, SATISFACTION, RAD, or insert stranger staff favorite band/dj. if you do any digging on this subject you will only find more reasons to honor this deserving genius who would use the money to keep the seaMONSTER going another couple months at least
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i nominate Andrew Nunez owner of the SeaMonster lounge
Here's why... The true musical life blood of a city is the place where the musicians go after their paying gig to hang out with other musicians and really let loose. Last week SoulLive played Neumo's on wednesday, but monday night Alan Evans was throwin down drums for an open mic jam session at SeaMonster. Tuesday night Skerik (Les Claypool, Garage a Trois) sat in with Mctuff Trio, and Thursday night John Wicks(Cee Lo Green, B.o.B., Bruno) played a show at the Triple Door main stage with Syncopated Taint Septet & Charlie Hunter(who's also sat in on jams at the seaMOnster), then he rushed over to seaMonster to what else... sit in and jam. Oh yeah, there's never a cover charge at the seaMOnster and bands still get paid more fairly than any other place in town. When asked what is your favorite spot in seattle during his American Idol run, Blake Lewis said " the SeaMOnster lounge" where he honed his skills playing open mic. Sea Monster is that place and if you ask any of these musicians why they will tell you it's because of Andrew. do you know how hard it is to open a bar/restaurant/music venue by yourself and keep it open for 7 years, especially in seattle? No microsoft money, no college degree, just fucking SOUL! and by the way, Andrew's voice is AMAZING, and his band HAIKU-CHI rocks. He has been performing at the SeaMonster since it opened, anything from killing Prince covers to laying down live funk on many instruments, to hosting open mic, and SHANGHAI PEARLS burlesque show. the band HAIKU-CHI plays to crowds of 350 people on average with no help from THE STRANGER, THE WEEKLY, or KEXP. Their 2nd cd is set to be released JUNE 5 at the TRACTOR TAVERN and they deserve attention as much as any SHABAZZ, ESPRESSO, SATISFACTION, RAD, or insert stranger staff favorite band/dj. if you do any digging on this subject you will only find more reasons to honor this deserving genius who would use the money to keep the seaMONSTER going another couple months at least
125
Wayne Horovitz and the Seamonster scene are the most legit contenders. These guys are survivors and will be around for a while. Most everyone else mentioned will be in the "Where are they now?" category in a year or two. That's just reality.
126
so many great and deserving people... emery carl! karl blau! john ramberg! bill frisell! paul rucker! david terry! astronautalis! amy denio! hollow earth! james bertram! shenandoah davis! i think an alan bishop stamp is long overdue, too.
127
Now that Chris DeLaurenti is (alas!) no longer a Stranger writer, he's a contender (or should be), and dammit, I'm nominating him.
129
Rishloo!
They work too damn hard not to deserve this. And their fans love them too damn much. And, unlike most other artists, it's shown that they truly love their fans as well.
www.myspace.com/rishloo
www.facebook.com/rishloo
They work too damn hard not to deserve this. And their fans love them too damn much. And, unlike most other artists, it's shown that they truly love their fans as well.
www.myspace.com/rishloo
www.facebook.com/rishloo
131
I hope the Stranger does this right and gives it to an organization that needs the cash like Hollow Earth Radio.
Choosing an individual artist or band seems like the wrong way to go.
Choosing an individual artist or band seems like the wrong way to go.
132
@131 As someone who runs a cash-strapped arts organization, I actually sorta disagree. Since the NEA stopped doing artist fellowships, and few arts philanthropists are interested in funding what could broadly be termed "pop music" (despite the weirdness of most the people mentioned here), there's just so few opportunities for working musicians/composers to find support outside of the failed free market. We gotta start taking musicians' needs more seriously, and make it a part of our philanthropic culture to fund them.
HER is awesome, of course and absolutely worthy of support.
HER is awesome, of course and absolutely worthy of support.
133
Someone recommended me, and while I appreciate the recommendation, I would have to go with Jherek Bischoff as well. What he has done in the Seattle music community can't be overstated.
134
Ben Verellen!!! Creator and owner of local business Verellen Amplifiers, he puts his heart and soul into making custom tube amplifiers for the world to enjoy. Through his business and band Helms Alee, he contributes so much to the Seattle music scene. This guy works hard and deserves every bit of success that comes his way.
135
Ben Verellen/Mike Erdman of Verellen Amplifiers i'm sure meet the criteria of music genius! not many artists have the education and craftsmnaship to create amazing music through exceptionally well crafted hand made tube amplifiers and effects. Verellen Amps is a shining example of using genius to create music. Zing!
137
BEN VERELLEN! Not only what the others mentioned about him... but he's also one of the nicest people you could ever meet.
138
Ben Verellen of Verellen amplifiers! If you haven't seen or heard one of his well constructed and amazing sounding amps then you haven't been paying attention.
139
Ben Verellen, owner of Verellen Amplifiers. He is an amazing musician, engineer, and entrepreneur. Also, an incredibly genuine and dedicated guy who will continue to work hard and contribute to music as his passion knows no end.
140
i remember john ramberg having to wait in the alley behind the central to do the shows there with me, and having to present the owner of the central letters from his mother allowing him to play there...this and the fact he has continued to do music...and that i am just so fucking proud of him and his work...sends my (very biased)vote from finland...love and miss all you seattle folks... gary heffern
141
there is one guy that connects Shabazz Palaces, Erik Blood, Ali Marcus, Darrius Willrich , The Turn-ons, Norey, Menghis Khan (Jazz award), Kathy Hettle Blues... small list of a much longer list that all have worked with Bubba Jones.
142
Go Periscope!
These guys are an unsigned electronica band, much in the vein of Owl City. Finally starting to pick up steam thanks to C89.5 and The End. I know they've been on MTV as well. They should be considered.
These guys are an unsigned electronica band, much in the vein of Owl City. Finally starting to pick up steam thanks to C89.5 and The End. I know they've been on MTV as well. They should be considered.
143
music award hmmmm....more like music award'S
1.organization-Hollow Earth Radio
2. venue-the Josephine
3. musician- Paul Rucker
*All three of these have shaped and influenced how this city defines and redefines itself artistically. They all have started from the bottom up.
1.organization-Hollow Earth Radio
2. venue-the Josephine
3. musician- Paul Rucker
*All three of these have shaped and influenced how this city defines and redefines itself artistically. They all have started from the bottom up.
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