Everyone knows Seattle as the birthplace of the glorious style of grunge. The grunge style that once held the throne in Seattle has been replaced with the rise of indie rock. The bands that once took Seattle by storm include Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Jimi Hendrix. Though their music will always represent some of the best music to ever come out of this area, there are definitely many new artists that join their ranks by having brilliant lyrics, mesmerizing melodies, and finding new sounds to make themselves stand out in such a prominent place in music history. I have compiled my top 10 bands from the last decade that truly represent Seattle and can be held close to the hearts of those who live here.
1. Noah Gundersen.
Noah Gundersen creates gorgeously crafted music with deep, expressive lyrics that reflect his real emotions and experiences throughout his life. He is classified as an indie folk singer-songwriter and also plays guitar and piano. Noah was born in Olympia, Washington, so his songs truly embody life in Western Washington. He has written songs in local places like Bellingham and Seattle. His first album was released in 2008, titled "Brand New World," followed by his self-produced 2014 album, "Ledges," leading up to his most recent release of "Carry the Ghost" in 2015. His songs have been featured on TV shows such as “Sons of Anarchy” and “The Vampire Diaries.” My favorite songs include “Halo (Disappear/Reappear),” “Jealous Love,” “Ledges,” “Isaiah,” and “Poor Man’s Son.”
2. Mary Lambert.
Everyone knows Mary Lambert as the girl who sings in Macklemore’s “Same Love,” but she is so, so much more. This singer-songwriter, who also does spoken word in some of her songs, is a strong advocate for LGBTQ rights. Growing up in the same school district as i DID, I feel a sense of pride with how widespread her music has become because of her deep lyrics that are so unique and important. Her song, in two parts, called “Body Love,” is a spoken word piece that talks about self-love, overcoming self-harm, and women reclaiming their bodies despite the violence, hatred, or suffering they have faced. It is one of the most inspiring songs due to her comforting voice telling you that even with scars, you are worth it, and no matter who has tried to claim your body as theirs, it is yours and it can be healed. Some of her most popular songs include “She Keeps Me Warm,” “Body Love Part 1 & 2,” “When You Sleep,” and “Secrets.”
3. The Lonely Forest.
This band from Anacortes, Washington, consists of four men, including lead singer, John Van Deusen. With four albums and two EPs, the indie rock band created interestingly crafted melodies paired with Van Deusen’s intoxicating voice with the most interesting tone and vibrato. Their first albums, released in 2006, were definitely more experimental and very piano-driven. In 2009 with "We Sing the Body Electric!," they went in more of a pop/indie rock route with catchier songs about self-discovery, finding purpose, and dealing with pain or heartache. They called it quits in 2014, a devastating event, though the individual members of the band still find ways to make music. Their best songs are hands down “Coyote,” “Woe Is Me…I Am Ruined,” “Turn Off This Song and Go Outside,” “I Don’t Want To Live There,” and “[I Am] The Love Addict.”
4. Kris Orlowski.
This five-man band is led by lead vocalist Kris Orlowski. He is a singer-songwriter that makes timeless music that has typically soft melodies, but the lyrics are deep and complex, which make well-rounded songs that are catchy and just make you feel good. Covering topics from loss, finding meaning, love, and creating connections between all individuals. My favorite songs are “Believer,” “Way You Are,” “Carry Your Weight,” “All My People,” and “Carolina.”
5. Death Cab for Cutie.
Coming from Bellingham, Wash., way back in 1997, Ben Gibbard, lead vocalist, turned his solo act into a full band that has contributed innovation by finding new ways of using instrumentation and having an easily recognizable sound. Bouncing between the lines of indie pop and rock, Death Cab for Cutie has such a strong sound, and Gibbard’s soothing vocals really solidify them in the music community since they own their sound by having one that nobody else has. This band holds the ultimate Western Washington University pride since they formed at the school itself, with most of their early songs being recorded right on Ellis Street in Bellingham. Having a band come so close to home makes their songs relatable and just feel special since they reflect the lives they lived when they were students at WWU, just like us. My favorite songs of theirs include “I Will Follow You Into The Dark,” “I Was A Kaleidoscope” “Someday You Will Be Loved” and “Black Sun.”
6. Head and the Heart.
Since 2009, this indie folk band made up of Josiah Johnson, Jonathan Russell, and Charity Rose Thielen has been putting out gorgeous music that can be identified by their flawless harmonies. The band has been signed by Warner Bros. Records after forming in a Ballard pub. Before coming to college, I lived right next to Ballard and with each of these artists that come from nearby, I feel a sense of familiarity and deeper connection to the lyrics since these people have lived life right alongside me in the places I’m from. Their music has been featured in TV shows such as “How I Met Your Mother” and “New Girl.” Their most popular songs include “All We Ever Knew,” “Lost In My Mind,” “Down in the Valley,” and my personal favorite, “Rivers and Roads.”
7. Pickwick.
Pickwick is a band that fits into many genres such as indie rock, R&B, and garage rock after once starting out as a folk group. The first song I ever heard by them was “Well, Well,” and I was awestruck by their interesting sound. The true rock sound of the instruments and the raspy, soulful voice of Galen Disston create such an amazing combination that definitely raises your standards when it comes to the music you listen to. Some of their most loved songs include “Lady Luck,” “The Round,” “Halls of Columbia,” and “Hacienda Motel.”
8. Band of Horses.
This Seattle band, which is now based in South Carolina, formed in 2004, led up by Ben Bridwell. "Everything All the Time" was their first full album and was released in 2005. Band of Horses has a very complex member history, Bridwell staying throughout the band’s entire history, but with every other vocalist or instrumentalist coming in and out of the group. As of now, the band has five members and they are still putting out music, with their fifth and latest album, "Why Are You OK" having just been released in July. By far, their biggest hit is “The Funeral,” but other great songs include “Is There A Ghost,” “No One’s Gonna Love You,” and “Dull Times/The Moon.”
9. A Fine Frenzy.
This one-woman show is headed by Alison Loren Sudol, a singer-songwriter and pianist who creates mellow American alternative music. Growing up in a very creative household, Sudol was inspired by jazz artists such as Ella Fitzgerald. She named her band after "A Midsummer Night's Dream" due to her love of Shakespeare, as well as a wide range of classic literature. Her first gig was opening for The Stooges, and her popularity really took off with the release of her first album in 2007, "One Cell in the Sea," containing the haunting hit, “Almost Lover.” Other songs of hers include “Near To You,” “Now Is The Start,” and the beautiful and heartbreaking “Ashes and Wine.” Lately, music has taken a backseat since she has been cast in J.K. Rowling’s "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" as Queenie, as well as being the goodwill ambassador for the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
10. Fleet Foxes.
Following the pattern of indie rock in this list, Fleet Foxes is a Seattle-born band who really started their journey in 2007 with the creation of their first album. The members of the band grew up in the suburbs in Seattle, being inspired by Bob Dylan, which is shown in their style of lyrics. Their fame started on the almighty Myspace, where their songs had millions of plays in just two months. They created their second album with their own money in a rented house near Seattle, showing their dedication to making their music. There have been two waves of members to the band with Robin Pecknold, Skyler Skjelset, and Casey Wescott sticking with the group through every year of its existence. They have hypnotizing harmonies that really make their music rich and soothing to listen to. As of recent years, they have been on hiatus due to members of the band going to get a college degree. Their top songs include “White Winter Hymnal,” “Mykonos,” “Blue Ridge Mountains,” “Ragged Wood,” and “Sun It Rises."
Looking at these bands, it is obvious to see that the music scene in Seattle is alive and well. Thoughtful lyrics and innovative ways of playing instruments really make Seattle artists who they are, despite the general decline in these departments across other music genres. So, though the rest of the world may think we burned out once Nirvana's grunge reign had fallen, these amazing, self-built bands show the genuine passion for music and the immense amount of talent that Seattle still has to offer. Indie rock is the new grunge, and it is here to stay.
