Art Chowder January | February, Issue 19

Photo credit: Alicia Hauff (https://www.instagram.com/ahpconcerts/ T REGIONAL REPORT SPOKANE ARTS his brings diversity and inclusivity, which is so important for a music scene to be vibrant. While live music is the bed- rock of healthy music culture, the industry would not exist without recorded music. Spokane’s history with recorded music is less than inspiring at times. I know so many local bands who have come and gone without ever recording a single song. But things have started to change. More affordable and accessible studios like Lead Pencil Studios and Amplified Wax Studios are working hand-in-hand with local musi- cians to develop their sound and audience. As more artists move into the area from out of town, they bring a different value for the art of recording, which is rubbing off on locals. Obviously, none of these business aspects of the local music scene would exist with- out the musicians. As the local industry grows, the amount of musicians involved has swiftly followed. At The Bartlett alone in 2017 we booked over 100 different local acts. If all the currently active local artists were catalogued, I’d bet it would be more than double that number. Hip hop culture in Spokane has skyrocketed in the last few years led by artists like Jango and T.S The Solution, plus full bands following in the Flying Spiders’ footsteps, like Vernita Avenue and Kung Fu Vinyl. On any given weekend in town you can find a diverse mix of punk, rock, indie, hip hop, soul, jazz and more available to you at a super reasonable price. With the addition of Resurrection Records to Spokane’s existing list of record stores, we have more ways to purchase physical copies of new releases on vinyl and cas- sette than ever. Recorded music and live music have become a more symbiotic rela- tionship, spurring on musicians and engag- ing listeners. Music in Spokane is real, it has heart and the community is trying to make some- thing of itself. There are too many exciting things in the scene to summarize here, but most importantly: live music in Spokane is worth a look and a listen. Budget one night a month to see some live music and your life will be better for it. Mama doll at nyne Photo credit: Don & Julia Photography Photo credit: Brandon Vasquez January | February 2019 75

Art Chowder January | February, Issue 19 | Page 75