Today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast continues the focus on music and the future of Seattle. You will hear from Hollis Wong Wear, a Grammy-nominated artist who shares what Seattle can learn from her recent move to Los Angeles. She’s co-written songs that have been heard by millions of people around the world. In today’s interview, she also speaks more broadly to the power of music to influence the future of our city.

You will also hear from Chris Early, founding member of Band of Horses who played bass on their debut studio album. The album’s debut single The Funeral was named one of the top 100 songs of its decade by Pitchfork media. Early shares what he hopes Seattle will do to ensure future musicians can thrive in the city.

The episode gives insight into what residents can ask for in order to carry forward Seattle’s rich musical legacy.

The episode also previews the song “Cuz I Wanna” by Hollis’s The Flavr Blue.

Today’s episode focuses on the future of the places where musicians and music lovers come together: Seattle’s famed music venues. There is a venue that has come up time and time again in this podcast: Neumos. You’ll hear from Neumos co-owner Steven Severin. He shares what makes the venue so successful and what challenges the future holds for the Seattle music scene.

You’ll also hear from David Meinert, who has had an illustrious career in Seattle’s music scene owning clubs, organizing music events and whose Onto Entertainment manages the platinum selling band The Lumineers. He describes what he sees as an important missing piece in Seattle’s music scene.

The episode gives insight into what we can expect for the future of Seattle’s music venues. The episode also gives perspective on the political clout the music community carries as our city is in the midst of a transformation.

“Music is incredibly powerful.” Accomplished songwriter Levi Ware is one of several Seattle musicians hoping to harness that power to build a better future for the community. He and his wife Stephanie founded the Melodic Caring Project to bring love and encouragement to hospitalized children through music.

What is happening in Seattle that is cultivating arts-based non-profits such as the Melodic Caring Project? Today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast examines how Seattle’s community of artists, innovators, and social enterprises are intersecting to shape lives in the community. The episode also features Curtis Romjue who founded First Aid Arts after finding success with JUBILEE, a non-profit rock band. First Aid Arts helps trauma survivors recover through arts-based care.

The episode gives further perspective on Seattle’s music scene while sharing inspiring stories of how Seattle musicians channeled their talents to improve the lives of those around them.

Believe it or not, there are musicians among the staggering number of people moving to Seattle during the boom time. Though last week’s episode profiled some of the musicians lost in the boom, there are people around the country eager to take their place within the community. This episode gives insight from three singer-songwriters who were drawn by Seattle’s legendary music scene in hopes of advancing their careers.

You will hear from Tekla Waterfield. She moved to Seattle in 2010 and is soon launching her second album, which is produced by noted Seattle guitarist Jeff Fielder. She describes what drew her to the city and how she has found a way to make a living as a full-time musician.

You will also hear from Dustin Vance, who recently moved here from a small town in Indiana and whose band Fond Farewell has an upcoming gig at the High Dive on May 16th. He describes the emotions of starting anew in Seattle and attempting to integrate into the music scene.

You will also hear from Jeremiah Mothersell, who was drawn by both Seattle’s music scene and it’s tech scene. He gives insight into the options that are available to newcomers to this thriving economy.

The episode gives further perspective on the health of the Seattle music scene through the experiences of those drawn to be a part of it.

Voices appearing in Season 4 of Seattle Growth Podcast:

Episode 1

Jason Finn, drummer for Presidents of the United States of America

Pete Nordstrom, co-president of Nordstrom

Daryl Ducharme, host of Seattle After Party

Episode 2

Marco Collins, Seattle radio personality

Ben London, singer-songwriter and former executive at the Grammys.

Episode 3

Janie Hendrix, CEO of Experience Hendrix

DeVon Manier, Sportin’ Life Music Group

Episode 4

Dave B, recording artist

Draze, recording artist

Episode 5

Austin Santiago, BuildStrong Music Group and Do206

Lydia Ramsey, singer-songwriter and talent buyer at the Triple Door

Celene Ramadan, Prom Queen

Episode 6

Matt Bishop, Hey Marseilles

Naomi Wachira, afro-folk singer-songwriter

Kate Voss, Seattle Weekly’s jazz act of 2017

Jason Goessl, Sundae + Mr. Goessl

Episode 7

Tekla Waterfield, singer-songwriter

Dustin Vance, singer-songwriter

Jeremiah Craig, singer-songwriter & marketing manager

Coming in Episode 8:

David Armstrong, Executive Producer and Artistic Director of 5th Ave Theatre

Porscha Shaw, actress

Andre Brown, actor

Coming in Episode 9:

Stephanie and Levi Ware, Melodic Caring Project

Curtis Romjue, First Aid Arts

Still to come in this season:

David Meinert, Onto Entertainment

Brent Stiefel, Votiv

Hollis, singer-songwriter, producer, artist, activist

Steven Severin, Neumos