Bellingham's Music Magazine
Since 1998
Bellingham's Music Magazine
Since 1998
After 22 years of celebrating local music in print it’s time for What’s Up! Magazine to say goodbye. The magazine has had an incredible run and I’m so grateful for all the times and memories. Unfortunately, being a community paper, … Continue reading
After three years of waiting, Dryland have released their highly anticipated sophomore album – it’s the band’s first EP and follow up to their self-titled debut. Bellingham’s most ferocious metal band, has returned to the scene with ; an album … Continue reading
by James Bonaci We have all heard the horror stories of DIY tours. Gear has been stolen, band ending fights have ended, and oh god the car troubles. Sometimes it seems like it is just an inevitable rite of passage … Continue reading
by Logan Portteus San Diego-based rock and roll quartet Mrs. Henry is coming to Bellingham March 29 as part of their West Coast tour. The tour follows Mrs. Henry’s two recent live records, Live At The Casbah and their cover … Continue reading
by Chris Butcher Through the power of social media, Seattle musician Carl Christensen, also known as The Sobbing Rainbow, has composed an interactive musical project called “Keep the Change.” Christensen uses the “ask me a question” tool through his Instagram … Continue reading
Thankful, proud, and ready to take the last bow. After 10 years together, the band plays two final shows March 7. interview by Brent Cole photo by Jason Charme; Polecat at Meltdown All good things eventually come to an end and such … Continue reading
by Logan Portteus photo by Lasha Aten Photography DJ Anastasia Lotus, known by her stage name Lotus Drops, describes her DJ genre as “goddess womp” and dubstep. Goddess womp, she noted, incorporates primordial female vocals with dark, strange flavors. Having … Continue reading
by EMILY COULTER Alanna Royale makes beautiful, soulful music that urges you to dance, with deep lyrics and a rich voice full of emotion and power that can’t be ignored. She is the epitome of independence, strength and confidence. Her … Continue reading
by KEENAN KETZNER In the mild-mannered mood of the Pacific Northwest, it makes sense why so many bands from the area, in some way or another, embody the sense of bittersweet melancholia that is pervasive in both the scenery and … Continue reading
by Caitlin Cohen photo by Chris Butcher Bellingham’s Apology Wars make their own rules when it comes to their creative process—and also break them. A group of goofy and lighthearted guys who have fun while working together, they become one hell … Continue reading
ModSock ModSock is a unique and wonderful sock store in downtown Bellingham, WA with a huge selection of fun novelty socks available online, including their own brand ModSocks. Shop for cool designs like Bigfoot socks, sloth socks, dog and cat … Continue reading
Local notes on what’s happening with musicians, events and more. Have something to share? Send your info to editor@whatsup-magazine.com. Hey hi hi hey hi hello. How’s everyone doing? I’m well. It’s a beautiful day as I’m writing this and any … Continue reading
by Lexy Aydelotte C.W. Stoneking makes a stunning circus of genres. He mixes and matches rhythms and styles in a way that sounds classic. He stands on stage like the ringleader of a ghostly sound that you’ve never heard but … Continue reading
by Logan Portteus photo courtesy of Jorge Lausell In the early days of the Bellingham Circus Guild, Anneka Deacon had an idea for a Valentine’s Day event. This was an ambitious proposal to her colleagues as it was mid-January of … Continue reading
by Emily Coulter photo by Claire Ott There is something very special about sharing a stage with other people to make music. There is something spectacular when the stage holds 60 to 70 people and one conductor. And, when the … Continue reading
by Logan Portteus Over the course of a decade, Rachel Ries had made a name for herself through her music. Starting as a solo act with her 2005 debut album, For You Only, her music delved into topics of self … Continue reading
by Bella Cole-Preciado Danny Nogueiras is always dabbling in music one way or another. In the past he ran a record label in southern California, worked at and owned recording studios in the Bay Area, and played drums in party … Continue reading
by Brent Cole photo by Brad Johnson Sometimes you just never know where love will take you. For Rosalie Matsumoto and Zach Cook, love brought them together and led to the creation of Lonely Together, an electronic hip-hop music band … Continue reading
by Halee Hastad photo by Katie Hallaian There’s a hot new band in Bellingham whose members are anything but fresh to the scene. The Spine Readers consists of area musicians Sean Meyer (vocals, guitar), Aaron Cramer (drums, percussion), Chris Stainback … Continue reading
Local notes on what’s happening with musicians, events and more. Have something to share? Send your info to editor@whatsup-magazine.com. Well hello there everyone, I hope you all had a good holiday. We’re in a new decade, so let’s rock … Continue reading
by REMLEY ROE Before it was Dragon River the proprietors attempted an American Cafe in the same location called City Grill. It offered a little bit of anything and always delivered a decent, if not mix-and- matched, meal. When they … Continue reading
by Nate Arthur This last November we, Bird and Shooter, went on our first tour. Much like most band’s on their first tour we set out having high hopes and were met with a humble dose of reality. Initially there … Continue reading
interview by Brent Cole photos by David Johnson In its fifth year, the Bellingham Folk Festival continues to develop into a mainstay for the acoustic community in Bellingham. Coming up the weekend of Jan. 24-26, the event features workshops, dancing, concerts … Continue reading
by Halee Hastad photo by Anbjørg Myhra Bergwitz Scandinavia shares a deep history with dance and music reaching back to strong links with medieval sagas and folklore. These links have developed and evolved through the centuries to a modern-day liveliness and … Continue reading
by Logan Portteus photo by Tommy Calderon Starting as a three-piece pop punk band in 2011, the members of No Guts have seen Bellingham change with the decade. In their 2019 record, 4033, they reflect on how they, too, have … Continue reading
by Bella Cole-Preciado Since 2017, Kickin Names have brought roots-based folk punk to the Sedro-Woolley and Bellingham area. Both natives to Sedro-Woolley, Chris Fish and Alton Fabie practically grew up in each other’s yard. Yet, they didn’t start performing under … Continue reading
photo by Christopher RobinsonWhen you think of all time best gospel groups, the Blind Boys of Alabama and The Staple Singers come to mind. Washington DC’s Sweet Honey in the Rock also tops this list, having shared their gospel and world … Continue reading
Exhumed, Judiciary, Necrot, Gatekeeper The Shakedown • Nov. 27 Exhumed performed their unique brand of highspeed, gore death metal to a sold out crowd at The Shakedown in November. The Northwest late fall gloom rained over an unusually long line … Continue reading
by Halee Hastad After two decades of being together as a band, DeVotchKa is still having fun making music and connecting with fans. “I think we are still in the mentality of putting one foot in front of the other … Continue reading
by Brent Cole photo by Devin Speak Seattle’s X Suns (10 Suns) play punishing instrumental space rock – mixing metal, post rock, space rock and everything in between, creating a sonic hybrid that has been amazing music fans for over … Continue reading
by Caitlin Cohen photo by Casey Sowers Christian Johnston, also known as Ceilla, is on a new path with his work. The electronic music producer crafted a fresh EP titled Halcyon that is full of melodic, ambient synths blended with … Continue reading
by Chris Butcher In 2016, guitarist Nathan Roe and bassist Johnny Rowley met at a party through a mutual friend. It was at that party when they got into a deep conversation about their musical desires and decided to form … Continue reading
by Remley Roe photo courtesy of Mi Rancho Meat Market Facebook page Take yourself on a journey down Northwest Avenue and when you’ve come across Yeagers, turn and enter the taco plaza. There are three (technically four if you count the … Continue reading
Dude York, Lipstitch, Beautiful Freaks Nov. 16 • The Shakedown Seattle sweethearts, Dude York, played a spectacular set at the Shakedown alongside local pop-punk bands LipStitch and Beautiful Freaks. Beautiful Freaks opened the show with a few of their fan … Continue reading
Local notes on what’s happening with musicians, events and more. Have something to share? Send your info to editor@whatsup-magazine.com. Happy holidays my friends. How’s everyone doing? I hope all is well. It’s been a hell of a month on this … Continue reading
Interview by Brent Cole Photo by Michael Lessner Every music fan has their favorite – the one artist whose music touches their soul a certain way. For me, that’s guitarist Ethan Miller. From his time in Comets on Fire to … Continue reading
by EMILY COULTER Technology has, no doubt, played a huge role in the lives of independent artists everywhere. We’re currently in an era of music that allows more and more artists to put their music out into the world for … Continue reading
by Brent Cole For Ciara Sana Clark, art is a passion and a source for good in the world. Born and primarily raised in Guam before moving to the states at the age of 13, Ciara’s work features bold and … Continue reading
by Caitlin Cohen Tommy Cappel doesn’t just produce music. The drummer of Beats Antique and electronic beat maker eats, drinks, breathes, and lives music. This passion began early in his life. Growing up with music teachers for parents and having … Continue reading
