Stromae, from Brussels, Belgium, played Showbox SoDo in early April. The man known as Stromae is actually Paul Van Haver, a singer-songwriter and rapper who writes his lyrics in French. He also has two albums out, and his own fashion line called Mosaert. The duo, Freedom Fry, made of the French Marie Seyrat and Detroit, Michigan’s Bruce Driscoll, opened.
All photos by Alex Crick:
Stromae
Freedom Fry
The final competition of EMP’s Sound Off! awarded the first place spot to One Above Below None, a hip hop trio from Renton, Washington. Congratulations, OABN! Don’t feel bad though for the second place winners, Naked Giants, they grabbed a slot on this year’s Timber! Music Festival Lineup. As always, well done to everybody who competed.
All photos by Simon Krane:
1st Place: OABN
2nd Place: Naked Giants
3rd Place: Emma Lee Toyoda
4th Place: Bleachbear
OABN
Naked Giants
Emma Lee Toyoda
Bleachbear
Artist: The Vaccines
Song: “20/20”
Why you want to watch: There’s some weird stuff going on with a fellow and eyes; and it’s the Vaccines, sounding great and looking dishy in white.
Details: Always a favorite of mine, the Vaccines have a hot new album, English Graffiti, and return to Seattle on August 8th for a date with their fans at Neumos.
The Vaccines
The energetic pop/rock singer-songwriter Alex Winston played at Showbox at the Market last week, the first night of a five week-long tour with Neon Trees. Classically trained as an opera singer — and a self-taught guitarist, songwriter, and pianist — Winston’s vocals were clear and catchy as she bounded across the stage during her 40-minute set. Watch for her sophomore album, Careless, this fall. Coincidently, we both grew up in the Detroit suburbs – 10 miles and 30+ years apart.
Alex Winston
The third semifinals for this year’s EMP Sound Off! brought winner Emma Lee Toyoda just one step closer to winning the entire competition. One Above Below None, Mystery Machines and Righteous Minds made it through as well to the finals. By the way, Mystery Machines have a song called “Vlad Putin,” who has apparently moved into music muse. Okay! Well done, everyone.
All photos by Simon Krane:
Emma Lee Toyoda
Mystery Machines
One Above Below None
Righteous Minds