Bellingham's Music Magazine
Since 1998
Bellingham's Music Magazine
Since 1998
In the distant lands of Oklahoma there lives a man who is keeping dreams alive. He works hard to connect with audiences all around the country by strumming his guitar and singing into a microphone. Like so many other musicians … Continue reading
Kimya Dawson’s music has been repeatedly described as “anti-folk,” which is a genre that uses folk music as an avenue for less serious subject-matter. But when Dawson opts to write about hanging out with her friends, her love of giants, … Continue reading
Pretty Little Feet, an acoustic duo comprised of guitarist Matt Novak and fiddler Allegra Ziffle, play traditional period music – old-time sounds from a different era. Veterans of the music scene, the band were the perfect fit to create the … Continue reading
Black Elk combine punk stylings that are accented by elements of metal – meaning their music is incredibly powerful. After their formation in 2004, Black Elk became a driving force in the heavy rock scene of the Pacific Northwest, eventually … Continue reading
by Andrew Nickerson The Slacks, Bellingham’s garage-punk blues duo in the form of Leather Pants on drums/vocals and Andru Creature on guitar/vocals, bring us a taste of bratty showmanship, myth, with a splash of histrionics. Their catchphrase “We’re the Slacks … Continue reading
Many current independent artists who attempt to combine nature with technology come across less like Edison-based artist Jessica Lynn Bonin and more like Portlandia’s “Put A Bird On It” skit. In order to retain her artistic ability, Bonin has started … Continue reading
by Sarah Luna Between 1911 and 1913, Whatcom County was home to the first ultra marathon – the Mount Baker Marathon. Originating at sea level, the marathon ended up on the icy summit of Mount Baker. Contestants had the option … Continue reading
by Patrick Wakefield You feel it when you’re all alone. In a big empty house. That slight tickle at your nape. A tiny prickle, lifting your hairs on end. A small electric current, it runs up your spine to your … Continue reading
Even after three years of writing for What’s Up Magazine, I still develop a pit in my stomach each time I hurl another batch of interview questions to a group of musically gifted strangers. My goal, as always, is to … Continue reading
by Zach Zinn David W. plays guitar and Ego Sensation on bass. photo BY CHRIS CARLONE White Hills aren’t the kind of band that are going to let you relax for long. This is pure interstellar travelling music. Like a … Continue reading
by Adam Bates If The Ames were a candy bar, they would dip themselves in Cup O’ Noodles. This ragtime-folk three piece may be a bit unusual, but they flawlessly blend existing elements of American roots, bluegrass and more to … Continue reading
Finally, we get some new music from So Adult, though far too little in this reviewers estimation. The two songs, their half of a split 7″ with Deep Pockets features one original, Stay Up, and a cover of Superchunk’s From … Continue reading
Saturday, April 7 marked one of the most beautiful line-ups all spring. Jinx Art Space and WhAAM used their magical combined powers to present Oberhofer, Pond, and Learning Team for the delectable price of $5. Let us thoroughly analyze this … Continue reading
by Patrick Wakefield Performing April 21 at the Wild Buffalo House of Music was the dynamic and complimentary trio of Bellingham’s own techno-trance king IG88, Nashville’s electro-pop duo Cherub, and the nationally exploding hip-hop queen-to-be K.Flay. With the doors opening … Continue reading
by Lance Belka Since its opening a little over a year ago, The Shakedown has given the local music scene a kick in the butt, not only by providing a stage for local bands but also by bringing a number … Continue reading
Wander into the Redlight for the intriguingly named New Monkey Knife Fight Improvisatory Struggle. Gathered into the corner are Lyman Lipke on bass, Josh Cook on tenor sax, Blake Angelos on piano and Julian McDonough on drums. Julian thanks the … Continue reading
Seattle’s House of Tarab lines the small stage at the Blue Horse filling the room with evocative Arabic music. There is a full house. The music continues to build as Delilah, the first dancer, begins with a beautiful traditional style, … Continue reading
Story by Gary Washington A little country, with a dash of blues and splash of folk rock music, Californian band Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers have been gaining quite a following these days. Nicki released her first album, Toby’s Song, … Continue reading
Comprised of Jesse Denison and James Melloh, Sunshine has a cool spacey sound locked down. What they don’t have, however, is a strong presence and that is essential to their success. A facebook following of 50 people with a few … Continue reading
Sugar Sugar Sugar’s self-titled cassette exudes badass. While it may be difficult for some to acquire the tapes (and the album is available for purchase on their bandcamp), I highly recommend it. Formed in Bellingham in 2007, they consistently churn … Continue reading
When I set out the review Eagle Teeth’s debut EP, Spicy Beef, I already had bit of a grumpy attitude. “Pfft! Eagle Teeth! What kind of a name is that? Grumble grumble. This is probably yet another whiny rock band … Continue reading
Welp, not sure what I can say about Dog Shredder that hasn’t already been said in their Pitchfork review or their stories in Performer Magazine, the Seattle Weekly and Sound on the Sound. They all said what I would say … Continue reading
Night, the Different Painting, disc one of Jonah Michea Judy’s double disc musical venture features, at it’s core, raspy vocals with melodramatic guitar. Each song feels heavy – there is angst and despair constantly churning from the carefully plucked guitar … Continue reading
Jonathan Sampson has been behind a handful of diversely engaging recordings. Under the pseudonym, jdsampson, his dense collection of instrumentals are not only complex but they’re textured in a way that allows each instrument to be heard separately. This may … Continue reading
“I was basically buying myself a job, said Cabin Tavern owner John Wirts, recalling when he bought the bar about 20 years ago. Wirts, who previously worked at Boeing but left in order to take on something different, said he … Continue reading
Before Craig Jewell became a part-owner of the Wild Buffalo, the bar was primarily a blues venue and had been struggling. “It just got to the point where he [owner John Goodman] needed to sell it,” Jewell said. “When we … Continue reading
If you know Scot Casey, you already know he is one of the more creative and kind people you’ll ever meet. When he’s not making fantastic concoctions at The Black Drop, he’s playing music at the Honeymoon, creating art or … Continue reading
by Aaron Kayse Cafe Rumba, a new Peruvian-style deli, or Sangucheria, brings authentic flavors of Peru to our city by way of affordable sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and Peruvian drinks. As our group entered the caf , located on 1140 … Continue reading