For 17 years, MoPOP’s Sound Off! has highlighted the best up-and-coming musicians in the region. Our track record is excellent: This “battle of the bands,” which brings together the best under-21 artists in the area, has been a launching pad for groups such as The Lonely Forest, Naked Giants, and Manatee Commune.
The premise of Sound Off! is simple: Each Friday night in February, four competitors will gather for a concert at MoPop. One band will advance to the finals, which take place on Saturday, March 3. (As an added bonus, KEXP’s Audioasis will be broadcasting live from that main event!)
The 2018 event kicks off tonight, Friday, February 9th, with our first round of semi-finalists: Dreadlight, Jawzilla, Maiah Wynne, and Strawberry Mountain. Here’s some info on what to expect.
This Portland-based alternative rock duo has been called “pleasantly headbangable,” which is a rather apt description. Guitarists/songwriters Kandra and Toria, self-described best friends who first met in high school, have honed a grungy sound with bewitching harmonies, taut grooves, and raucous guitars. Like every great band, however, Dreadlight’s foundation is sturdy songwriting that works just as well acoustically.
After being suspended in third grade, Jahlil “Jawzilla” Kirby received an Ibanez guitar. Talk about silver linings: To this day, the producer/musician, who’s also a member of Seattle alternative hip-hop troupe MunkBizz, uses the instrument to write songs. Accordingly, his approach to hip-hop is fresh and eclectic, perhaps because he also cites Guns ‘n Roses, Flatbush Zombies, and the Temptations as influences.
“At the root of all my songs I try to write with intention,” multi-instrumentalist Maiah Wynne told MoPop a few weeks ago. “I just want to reach people and help people.” That’s evident in the hushed indie-pop crafted by the Gresham, Oregon-based songwriter. Not only does her music incorporate acoustic guitars, piano, and percussion, but it highlights Wynne’s voice — a dusky, delicate instrument brimming with emotion.
Carter Prince originally intended the Seattle-based quintet Strawberry Mountain to be a side project of his band Moon Human. However, this new group (which he founded with his sibling, piano teacher Mikey) quickly made a name for itself. It’s easy to see why: The prolific Strawberry Mountain Credit favors ferociously creative psych-rock spliced with frayed guitars, abstract samples, and riotous electronic work.
Tickets to tonight’s show are $14 for the general public, $10 for students with ID, $9 for MoPOP Members, and $5 for Teen Tix Members. (Online tickets available here.) Doors are at 7:00 PM with the show starting at 8:00 PM.
Throughout February, MoPop's annual under-21 competition Sound Off! brought together twelve of the region's most promising young artists. This Saturday, March 3, four finalists will battle it out at MoPop's Sky Church stage for a chance to be crowned the 2018 winner, and Audioasis on KEXP will be b…
The 2018 semi-finals conclude tonight, Friday, February 23rd, with our last round of competitors: Beyond the Woods, Claudine Magbag, EyezOthelo, and Misundvrstood. Here’s some info on what to expect.
The 2018 event continues tonight, Friday, February 16th, with our second round of semi-finalists: Micaiah Sawyer, NËSTRÄ, Sam Foster, and Step Dads. Here's some info on what to expect:
For 16 years, the Sound Off! competition has supported all ages music by giving a platform to young, local artists. All competitors are under 21, reside within the Pacific Northwest, and almost always give us a few show-stopping moments. We've seen Sound Off! kick off the careers of Northwest favor…
Check out some of the KEXP DJ’s favorite artists from the Pacific Northwest and around the world on-the-go. KEXP’s Music That Matters weekly podcast brings you an exclusive mix of new music from the world’s best independent artists.
Check out some of the KEXP DJ’s favorite artists from the Pacific Northwest and around the world on-the-go. KEXP’s Music That Matters weekly podcast brings you an exclusive mix of new music from the world’s best independent artists.
