With 2016’s Capitol Hill Block Party less than one week away, we’re here to gush about some of the artists who we are seriously stoked to seeing! From big names to local favorites, this year’s fest will feature a flurry of talent that covers a range of genres. Here are some of the few who we can’t wait to see:
NAO
Fierce, vocal, and beat-driven NAO will be gracing the CHBP stage for the first time. Hailing from London, NAO has been making a mix of soul, electronic, and R&B music since 2014. I’m super stoked to see her, as her song, “Inhale Exhale” has been one of my go-to’s since the beginning of this year. NAO was the writer and featured singer in Disclosure’s song, “Superego.” In addition, she has received acclaim, with her first EP, So Good, getting a solid spot at #4 on the iTunes electronic charts and her song, “So Good” being featured on BBC Radio 1’s national playlist. If you like the electronic sounds of artists like Gallant and Mura Masa, you’ll definitely dig on NAO’s music. Her rhythmic, velvety voice put together with an undercurrent of strong beats will put you the perfect summer daze that you’ve been waiting for.
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She will be releasing her first full-length album, For All We Know, on July 29, and from what I can tell about her previous releases, this album will be one you won’t want to miss. Catch her at the main stage on Sunday, July 24 at 2:15 PM.
Recommended Songs: “Inhale Exhale” and “Bad Blood”
APRIL JINGCO | KXSU Digital Music Director
SASSYBLACK
Locally-based singer, songwriter, and producer SassyBlack will be one of the performers at the Vera Stage at this year’s Capitol Hill Block Party. The soulful breakout vocalist has been making bigger and larger waves with each passing career venture, including her recent debut television appearance on HBO’s original series VINYL, which is produced by Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger. Her distinct sound is an incredibly cool blend of classic jazz and modern soul, and her recent release, No More Weak Dates, will surely bring a very unique and innovative sound to Block Party. Be sure to check out her set on Sunday, July 24 at 5pm on the Vera Stage. She’s sure to blow you away with her full and edgy vocals.
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Recommended songs include “No More Weak Dates,” “Talking Shit? Okay,” and “Secret Dreams of a Baller,” all from her newest release, No More Weak Dates.
CRAIG JAFFE | Blog Editor
THE DIP
The Dip is a seven-piece soul ensemble from our very own Seattle, Washington. This is your modern-day jazz ensemble with an alternative twist. Together, they beautifully fuse soul, funk, pop, and rhythm and blues into an electrifying set of danceable, groove-able tunes. The Dip features the polished vocals of Tom Eddy (vocals and guitar) and the funky rhythms of Jarred Katz (drums) Mark Hunter (bass guitar), Jacob Lundgren (guitar), Brennan Carter (trumpet), Levi Gillis (tenor saxophone), and Evan Smith (baritone saxophone).
Notably, this ensemble is a collaboration between two distinguished Seattle bands: Beat Connection and The Honeynut Horns. Their newly-released EP, Won’t Be Coming Back, is the perfect album for a sunny Seattle day. I would highly recommend listening to the entire EP from beginning to end (it somehow sounds like it was supposed to be played one after the other). Don’t miss their incredible set on Friday at 4 PM on the main stage. You’ll want to be up on your feet for this one.
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Recommended Songs: “Working Man” and “B.T.”
APRIL JINGCO | KXSU Digital Media Director
COLORWORKS
Sip on that ice cold lemonade and soak up the rays as Colorworks’ Dreams of Mangoes becomes the new soundtrack to your summer in the city. This soothing Seattle quartet features the delightful songwriting of Bret Dylan (vocals/guitar) and Nick Myette (vocals/bass), rounded out with a full sound provided by Andrew Ginn (drums) and David Easton (guitar/keyboard). With their dreamy harmonies and sun-shining ‘60s powerpop vibes, Colorworks is bringing the sounds of the British Invasion to the Pacific Northwest.
The boys kicked off the season of sun playing this year’s Taco Truck Challenge, hosted by 107.7 THE END, alongside Naked Giants and New Beat Fund. They also had the pleasure of playing the third annual BIG BLDG BASH, as a part of an incredible bill, including other local names such as Great Grandpa, Deer Park, The City Hall, and Charms (just to name a few). Most recently, Colorworks celebrated their new four-song EP, Dreams of Mangoes, released on June 22 at Barboza, with Silver Torches and dreamcatcher.
With songs reminiscent to the soundscapes of The Byrds, the driving riffs of The Kinks, and the sweet, sweet notes of The Zombies, they are every band I’ve grown up listening to, merged together into one. Colorworks is everything from a bike ride in Queen Anne to a picnic in Gasworks Park. They are a blast from the past, and a band to definitely keep your eyes out for in the future.
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Check out songs “Daydreams” and “Pears and Mangoes,” the first two tracks from their newly released EP. Catch them at the Barboza Stage at 4:45pm on Sunday, July 24th, makin’ that crowd feel some sort of day-dreamy way.
PRISCILLA GAMIT | KXSU General Manager
PALE NOISE
Retro is the most appropriate word to describe this Tacoma-based four-piece rock band, Pale Noise. The group is led by a talented singer-songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, Spencer Kelly. After spending an extensive amount of time writing and brainstorming, the band eventually delivered the final product of their hard work at the beginning of 2016. Their first and refined full-length album, Some Crude Grace, was released by Swoon Records, and it brings their audience back to the golden age of 1970s Glam Rock. It’s full of T-Rex and David Bowie-ish guitar textures, and Beatles and Kinks-style Pop, along with some modern synth atmospheres reminiscent of euphonious jingle-Pop ingredients. Be sure to catch them on Friday, July 22 at 4:00pm at Barboza Stage.
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Recommend song: “Everyday Ordinary Lazarus”
MELVIN YUEN | Business Director
NAIL POLISH
Local no-wave/punk/grunge rock collective Nail Polish is playing at this year’s Capitol Hill Block Party on Friday, July 22 at 7 PM on the Neumos Stage. Take it from someone who would kill to be there – this three-piece band and their short, harsh songs, with enough pent-up energy and frustration to both excite and exhaust listeners, needs to be on your schedule. A local staple, Nail Polish can be seen playing around Seattle’s many DIY venues. Nail Polish is one of the greatest standout local acts in my eyes; they’re a band I always make a point to see whenever their name is on a bill.
The group’s newest release, Abrupt, features short and “stabby” songs, most under two minutes each, with an impressive amount of dark and loud energy. “Chophouse Row,” my favorite song from the album, features a sludgy bass line paired with a quick and frustrated tempo, as well as some top-notch commentary on gentrification around the infamous Chophouse Row.
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“And I move into your neighborhood, because I always take what’s mine.”
“Chophouse Row” nicely sums up what many Capitol Hill residents feel, and pairs it with some loud music to rally around. Other recommendations from Abrupt include “Business Casual” and “The Commuter.” Please see Nail Polish at Capitol Hill Block Party; it’ll be a great way to get out some of those Friday night frustrations.
JULIA OLSON | Head Reporter
Capitol Hill Block Party will take place from Friday July 22 to Sunday July 24. Our staff member, Melvin, also did a preview of this festival, which you can find here! We’ll also be covering this upcoming weekend’s festivities so be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter to keep up-to-date on everything CHBP.