Experience
Online Exhibits
You may be familiar with Seattle’s iconic grunge music scene pioneered by local bands such as Malfunkshun and March of Crimes. You may not know that many other accomplished bands have emerged from the island. Diverse in style, they all shared an intrepid DIY approach.
The Story
Concerts
Bands play in private homes, on porches, and in garages and barns.
Bands
Although the punk subgenres — hardcore, horror, straightedge— feature prominently, the scene was influenced by a wide range of musical styles. Many musicians have formal musical training; others are self-taught, learning whatever instrument is needed to round out a band.
DIY
Bainbridge Island teens compose and produce their own music, book and manage concerts and design band graphics.
Community
The musicians and fans promote a close community, welcoming and supporting teens who do not identify with or who feel marginalized from mainstream Bainbridge Island culture.
The independent teen music scene is not monolithic; it’s eclectic and ever-changing. Bands form and evolve with different players and many teens align with multiple projects. Some bands embrace a punk sound and ethos. Others lean towards glam rock or metal. Influenced by new wave, folk, electro, reggae, punk and classic rock, each band synthesizes its own sound.
Hear to Jonathan Evison, March of Crimes, explain what makes the Bainbridge Island teen music scene unique.
Was the scene accepting of queer musicians? Alexandra Crockett, Misery Chick, reflects on this topic.
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