Seattle is full of music history. Packed with history from tons of genres (grunge, jazz, classic rock), there are tons of cool spots to explore. As well as a brooding modern indie scene, there’s something for everyone.
Over the Summer, I went to both of the Pearl Jam Home Shows in Seattle, and made a schedule of music-related things to do while in the city. Here’s my schedule of must-see/do things for all things music in Seattle:
Easy Street Records
Easily one of my favourite places I’ve ever been. Within a vintage brick laid corner store that could easily be mistaken for any American convenience store, a wonder of records, CD’s and good food exists. Inside the hidden oasis awaits a classic American diner to the right of the store, interactive listening booths and two floors of vinyl, CD’s and memorobillia. With everything from Hippocampus to Soundgarden to Mac Miller, there’s an equally epic selection from each genre for music fanatics with varying tastes. On top of good food and a killer music selection, Easy Street has murals on the outside of the store, commemorating Mother Love Bone, a staple to the early grunge scene in Seattle, painted by Pearl Jam’s bassist Jeff Ament. There’s also a mural for the Seattle rock supergroup Mad Season.
Experience Music Project at MOPOP
MOPOP has several cool exhibits, however I found my favourites to be the Jimi Hendrix exhibit, Nirvana exhibit and the Experience Music Project. With several of Hendrix’s personal guitars, show outfits, Woodstock gear, pedals, recording equipment and travel gear (including his passport), the 60’s and 70’s are captured in this exhibit. In the Experience Music Project, sound booths with all varieties of instruments sit awaiting to be played. With beginner tutorials, this exhibit is perfect for those wanting to try out a new instrument. I tried out one of the recording studios at the EMP, where you record a song in 15 minutes and download it digitally. The Nirvana exhibit was really well done, featuring guitars smashed by the one and only Kurt Cobain, the casting call poster for the Teenage Spirit music video and much more.
The Crocodile
The Crocodile is a solid choice for anyone looking for a relaxed night of music in a cool environment with a retro vibe. Over the Summer, I went to an Indie show at the venue, and it proved to be a memorable experience; from the Croc’s legendary pizza to the history surrounding the venue. Having hosted so many notable artists since 1991 including Alice in Chains, Alabama Shakes, Macklemore, Pearl Jam, Mudhoney, Tad, Beastie Boys and Nirvana, you can pretty much sense the noise just by walking into the venue. Labeled as one of the “Best clubs in America” by Rolling Stone magazine, it's worth the visit. Take a walk past the posters on the side of the brick building beneath its iconic neon lights. I spotted posters for local acts along with Channon and the Clams and Blind Melon. However if you’re seeing a weekend show, buy tickets ahead of time as there’s often a lineup going around the block to get in.
The Showbox
Of course there is more to Seattle than grunge, which can be witnessed at The Showbox, another must-see music venue in Seattle. 2014 marked the 75th anniversary of the venue, from the Jazz Age to the Grunge Era to the current indie and hip hop Seattle exports, The Showbox has seen it all. The historic ballroom has hosted everyone from Duke Ellington to The Ramones to Prince and Kanye West. The iconic marquee outside the venue also serves as a cool photo opt!
Pike Place Market
This is a classic stop for anyone visiting Seattle. Not much is needed to be said about Pike Place, but never mind the fish throwing and keep an eye out for Holy Cow Records, a vinyl store with a pretty cool view of the ocean. And on a Summer day, make sure to check out the buskers.
Images:
O'Brien, Patrick, Museum of Pop Culture at Seattle Centre
Kelly O, The Crocodile Cafe
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