[Photo courtesy of Upstream Music Fest + Summit]
Upstream is upon us at last. In a somewhat disappointing festival season, Upstream offers a breath of fresh, crisp air. According to an article I read in The Stranger, somewhere around 70% of the bands are local, and they really got the best of the best, too. I tried looking through the Thursday lineup thinking, “I’ll pull, say, 5 artists I really liked enough to talk about,” but I ended up with 14… Upstream also promises to bring more of a SXSW vibe to the Seattle community, with a wide range of summit speakers during the day, each talking about how to thrive in Seattle’s growing music community. Take a peek at the packed schedule I drew up for myself below. Alas, many of the venues at Upstream are 21+, so I’ve highlighted the all-ages venues with stars (*).
Colorworks: Nordo’s Culinarium, 5:30 p.m.
A little collective out of Portland that makes sweet, sunny music. Their latest release, Daydreams, was an anthem of the summer. Check out their track, “Pears and Mangoes,” for a good time:
Lisa Prank: Weyerhaeuser Woodshed at Zocalo, 7:00 p.m.
The shiniest gem of the Seattle music scene! Lisa Prank brings happiness to any stage, even if she’s singing about breakups and missed feelings. I had the pleasure of seeing Lisa Prank open for Dude York at their record release show, and I’ve been a huge fan since.
Fauna Shade: House of Sparkling Ice at 109 Washington*, 7:15 p.m.
Fauna Shade is always great. In fact, they came in for an in-studio recently and blew us away. ‘Nuff said.
Boyfriends: The Piranha Show, 8:00 p.m.
April got to talk with Boyfriends earlier this fall! Check out what the band had to say about band creation, music, and bees.
Poliça: Fuel Sports Beer Garden, 8:30 p.m.
Poliça is one of my absolute favorite Minnesota artists. I saw this group for the first time at the inaugural Eaux Claires Music Festival. On her latest release, United Crushers, lead Channy Leaneagh utilizes synth-pop music to deliver poignant messages. Check out my interview with Leaneagh here.
Industrial Revelation: Court in the Square*, 8:00 p.m.
Industrial Revelation was my first of many concerts in Seattle. I was part of this huge group of freshmen in attendance, and none of us really knew each other. It was one of those classic awkward vibes. Alas, one person in our group was already hip to the Seattle scene and suggested we go to The Frye, where they would be hosting a free concert to celebrate the last day of their current exhibit at the time. I think it says something about Industrial Revelation that I’m still friends with many of the same people to this day, and we certainly still talk about how crucial that show was for our friendship (and our love of Seattle music).
Emma Lee Toyoda: Buttnick Building 1st Ave, 9:00 p.m.
Check out our “60 Second Hot Seat” with Emma Lee Toyoda!
Thunderpussy: Comedy Underground, 9:45 p.m.
This. Band. Is. Full. Of. Badass. Womxn. Watch the video below. Just watch it. Thunderussy radiates. And don’t get the impression for a second that Thunderpussy’s only skill is controlling the stage with their sexy prowess, as their music shines through their fast and slow songs alike.
Magic Sword: Fuel Sports Beer Garden, 10 p.m.
Magic Sword is kind of a DJ/instrumental fuse group, and although their music is not really my taste, if I’m going to be honest, I can guarantee their set will be a good time. A few of our reporters at KXSU are super excited about the set, and I thought I would throw them in, because honestly, who doesn’t love to dance?
Dude York: The Piranha Shop, 10:30 p.m.
Dude York. America’s band. In all honesty, Dude York may be my favorite local band, as they so effectively drop the Seattle freeze from their music and live sets, and make music that’s a good time, and with an added air of complexity and genuine lyricism.
Grieves: Galvanize Basement*, 11:15 p.m.
I can’t not support a Seattle-based artist signed to a Minneapolis label. I got the chance to see Grieves at the end of last summer in Minneapolis, and his set is sure to be a lit closing set for you underaged patrons.
Childbirth: Weyerhaeuser Woodshed at Zocalo, 11:30 p.m.
It’s impossible not to do a little self-deprecating while listening to Childbirth. From their all too relatable “Siri, Open Tinder” to their “Tech Bro” and “More Fertile Than You,” one can’t help but cringe at some shared feelings, but also thrive in the community that Childbirth creates. Some describe Childbirth as “feminist punk,” which is a good start, I’d say.
All of the stages at Upstream include: Court in the Square, Davidson Gallery Public Busking, Galvanize Basement, Smith Tower 18th Floor, Starbucks Stage at the Ninety, Buttnick Building First Ave, House of Sparkling Ice at Buttnick building Washington, KEXP Occidental Park Stage, The London Plane KEXP Live Broadcast, Good Arts Public Busking
JULIA OLSON | 20 and a Half | KXSU Head Reporter