Following the Spokane 3 verdict, which saw anti-ICE protestors convicted of federal conspiracy, the city's hardcore music scene turned out to Crucial Times Fest. Organized by 221 Press, the event brought together bands from as far away as California, and helped raise over $2,000 for Spokane-based groups providing aid for immigrants and refugees. 221 Press
Between raw, unflinching waves of fierce, tightly-wound sound, you'll hear It's A Setup's Hayes Noble deliver impassioned speeches that feel more urgent than ever. He dedicates a song to Luigi Mangione, while addressing "Big Pharma," insurance companies, and capitalism as forces of oppression and greed.
We've seen Noble perform
Tucked away in rural Benton City, Washington, you'll find Flying Z farm. It's the passion project of Bill Zipperer, who tells us it was his lifelong dream to create a music venue and support up-and-coming bands. Bill funds, manages, and upgrades the venue on his own dime, with support from the community – and it&
"You guys radiate a lot of joy and happiness and positivity," Zam notes as we interview Yakima-based Pannonica. Norah (15), Rhythm (14), and Savanna (14) aren't just bandmates, they're best friends. "We all have sleepovers. We had a sleepover last night," Rhythm tells us. They try not to let their youth
Spokane-based Jumbotron brings a unique assortment of custom-packaged toys and eye-catching black-and-white, high contrast stickers to their merch table at Flying Z in Benton City. It's their first time performing at this venue, and our first time interviewing them. In our brief conversation, we learned about the history of the band, the unique
The members of A Quiet Life are scattered throughout Flying Z, and we're only able to wrangle 3 out of 5 for an interview. That's pretty typical of the scene's tight-knit, social nature, where people turn out to socialize and vibe with their friends while enjoying some good music. "I enjoy seeing
Spokane Falls Community College student Hayes Noble shares his legal first and last name with his family music project. It's not the only artistic pursuit going on in the Noble family. "My dad runs 2-2-1 Press, and my mom does all of the art," he tell us, referring to his parents' music collective.
"There are almost no radio stations in the United States that have DJs that are sitting in the booth in the town that they're broadcasting in." Patrick Chizeck, cofounder of The Hideout, wants to change local radio. "They will tell you that they're local, but they're not. They're lying.
