I'm super excited. Warren Peace was last Thursday and it's always a whole lot of fun to see the talent we have here at Whitworth. As I'm sure anybody who knows me will testify, I love music, and it's especially enjoyable to hear what my friends and peers have come up with. In fact, Whitworth has quite a lively music scene - one that's well worth looking into.
My favorite thing about Whitworth's musical scene is its variety. There's a little something for everybody. In fact, there is too much to talk about, and I don't even know of all the student musicians. I can say with certainty, though, that artists around campus tend to work in the more acoustic, folky or pop arenas. This provides a nice alternative to the predominantly hardcore Spokane music scene.
The only current Whitworth student signed to a record label (as far as I know) is junior Sara Holman. She's already a fairly accomplished songwriter with her music centered around her confident, classically-trained piano playing. It's poppy, but the classical influences are evident, and her jazzy vocals mixed with just the right amount of whimsy make for an intriguing listening experience. The music is also made very well - her songs are built like brick houses.
In sort of the same vein is senior Chelsea Dasso, balladeer(ette?) extraordinaire. She has a crisp, emotive voice and unwinds very heartfelt stories in her straightforward, honest lyrics. Most of her stuff is fairly slow and melancholy, not quite as eclectic as Holman, but certainly enjoyable. She recorded an EP a little over a month ago.
One band that I've only heard once, but which seems to have been making some noise (no pun intended) in Spokane's music scene is Stockholm. Their synth and piano-based pop-rock is upbeat and fun, almost danceable at times. Occasionally it reminds me of The Lonely Forest, one of the Seattle-area bands that comes to Whitworth about once a year.
For those who want something a little more noisy and upbeat, there's the Senses Fail-meets-A Day To Remember pop-metal of Take the Sky. I haven't seen these guys yet, but I've heard they put on a good show. They already have several songs recorded, and they seem to be pretty talented and good at what they do.
Another band that has recently recorded an EP is Terrible Buttons. They play a neat mixture of folk and rock with lengthy compositions, lots of instruments, and some terrific male-female vocal harmonies. With six or more people on stage at any given performance, their concerts are both rich-sounding and visually engaging.
Artists such as these have helped to continue Whitworth's musical tradition, joining the likes of such artists as Dane Ueland, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, and Kaylee Cole, among others. Music is often an under-appreciated part of Whitworth culture, but it's really cool how people keep getting together, forming bands and performing for their friends. Of course, I haven't even mentioned the artists in the music department here, such as those in choirs, ensembles and symphonies - all of which are worth checking out as well. There are other bands as well, and it would be really cool if more of them could get enough support to record their pieces and share their art with those in and around Whitworth.
Music is a wonderful way to bring people together; I don't think anyone will argue that it's a universal language, giving very different people a common arena in which to bond. I'm going to make cheesy use of a big Whitworth buzzword and say that community really can be strengthened through the university's music scene. Therefore, I think that it is worthwhile for students to invest in Whitworth music, support their companions and maybe even make some new friends along the way.
Contact Andrew Gjefle at andrew.gjefle@whitworthian.com.
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