With summer right around the corner, festival hype is definitely in full swing. When Seattle festivals come to mind, we usually think of Bumbershoot, Capitol Hill Block Party, or even the new addition of Upstream. However, underneath the publicity of these festivals is a true hidden gem: BIG BLDG BASH. BIG BLDG BASH isn’t your traditional, elaborate festival experience. In true DIY fashion, the magic happens humbly tucked away underneath where 99 meets the West Seattle Bridge in a big, green warehouse. Although it may sound odd, this creates a unique experience you can’t find anywhere else. Run by DIY record label BIG BLDG RCRDS and sponsored by KEXP, BIG BLDG BASH will feature five stages this year, showcasing over 40 artists. Most artists are from the greater Washington area and share their own sense of strong DIY ethic. With so many artists playing, I decided to pick out a few to highlight as must-see sets. There is so much talent on this list that I could write pages, but I’ll try to make it quick.
- Naomi Punk: This Olympia-based band arguably epitomizes the sound of modern Northwest grunge-rock in the best way possible. The band brings a lighter, lo-fi sound to grunge roots, carrying on what Northwest rock established with some ambient style. They sometimes sound awkward or segmented in an immersive way, and they definitely leave you feeling chilled out.
- Guayaba: Guayaba is a greatly loved Seattle rap queen of mine, and I don’t doubt that she is going to continue to gain success. I’ve been lucky enough to see her many times, and every time she brings unmatched energy, passion, power, and tones of vulnerability to one performance. Her empowering nature and music stands as an inspiration to queer and POC communities.
- DoNormaal: Equally a Seattle rap queen of mine, DoNormaal’s effortless talent is clear and recognizable. Her eerie, dreamy musical style is somehow still able to resonate with comfort and ease. She is known in the Seattle music scene as a standout and her last full-length, Jump or Die, was described as “sonically and lyrically distinctive” by Seattle Weekly.
- Raven Matthews: Raven Matthews is a co-founder of the 69/50 artist collective with artists like DoNormaal and Guayaba. His emotionally jarring music reminds the listener we all are broken in ways, and tackles issues of mental health and drug abuse. His latest full length Disco Christ is notable for its huge variety in style, and although it took me awhile to warm up to for its unique sound, I’ve grown to really love it.
- So Pitted: So Pitted is also a well-known name around Seattle, and they’re hard to miss for their rule-breaking attitude and quirkiness. The band has mastered a cool, dark tone to grungy noise rock, and their sound encompasses their massive energy.
These are just a few of the many talented artists that will be warehouse rockin’ this Saturday. This festival is also completely non-profit, and all proceeds will go to The White Helmets, an organization that provides relief to areas of Syria and Turkey.
BIG BLDG BASH will be going on from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at 3600 E. Marginal Way S. on June 3, 2017. The event is all ages. Tickets are $30 in advance and available here. At the door, tickets will be $40.
JULIA SCHWAB | covfefe | KXSU Music Reporte