Word Around the Sound is… The Emerald City Gala is back! On Saturday, December 23, the Gala will take over the Crocodile for a night full of music and fundraising in style.
Year after year, an incredible group of folks from around the Sound get together with the purpose of giving back. This year, the Emerald City Gala is collecting food and clothing to benefit Seattle Cozy Connections and help unhoused folks around the Sound. Presented by the Marshall Law Band, and supported by Mediums Collective, The Ghetto Food Network, The Run-Off, The Peace Bus– among many others, this is truly a community-led event.
Donations that are needed include: backpacks, hoodies, coats, gloves, new socks, suitcases, beanies, sleeping bags, and hygiene packs. All items donated will be distributed by Cozy Connections Monday, December 25, directly to the people in need from 10am to 1pm at Occidental Square.
On top of the fundraiser, the Emerald City Gala is a way to showcase the artists within our community with two stages absolutely stacked with talent. Headliners include Marshall Law Band, TeZaTalks, and the Knowmads with support from artists like IamChamel, Jimmy James, Kenshi Killzzz, Kevy, Taane Jr, and more! The mainstage will be a combination of many genres, meanwhile, the Madame Lou’s stage will have a hip-hop and DJ-centric lineup curated by The Run-Off.
This is a dress to impress event with a red-carpet experience curated by luxury streetwear designers, Mediums Collective. If you splurge for the VIP package, you get entry to the artist mixer, VIP bar, food, and even a VIP party bus. Giveaways and prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed (solo and duo), Best Performances, Party Starter, and more. So, get your fits, your tix, and your donations together for the party of the year.
Saturday, December 23: The Emerald City Gala will take over the Crocodile compound with two stages featuring a variety of genres, artists, and bands from around the Sound. The red carpet rolls out at 6pm for those 21 and over, with music beginning at 7pm. Tickets in advance are $25 for general admission and $60 for the early bird VIP package. At the door, expect to pay $30 for general admission and $100 for VIP.
The Unusuals “Pressure”
We are so unbelievably close to the release of The Unusuals debut album as a duo. The project is set to release on Friday, December 22, but in the meantime, we get one more single to tease our palettes. Their latest track, “Pressure” got the video treatment with a phenomenal cinematic vignette directed by Tim Carpenter. The action-packed short film packs just as hard of a hit as the track itself does, leaving me absolutely thrilled to get their full-length album before the year ends.
Oblé Reed “PUSHEM. FREESTYLE”
Constantly pushing the envelope, Oblé Reed is back with another single that gives us yet another layer to his artistry. The high energy, “PUSHEM. FREESTYLE” takes a deep dive into the motivational mindset, setting the tone for personal growth. It’s evident with this release that Oblé has been training and preparing himself to ride this wave of momentum and build upon it in the next year.
Khris P New Flame
What’s a fireman without a New Flame? Khris P answers this in his latest project. As if the Louvre was on fire, Khris P’s latest album blends sweet soulful, almost angelic at times, undertones in the instrumentals with chunky bass lines and hollow drums that mimic that kind of juxtaposition between the beautifully iconic paintings with the modernity of the world-renowned pyramid that stands in the courtyard. The sample-infused beats harken to the history of the genre, while Khris P’s fresh approach to his delivery showcases how the art fits into today’s era of music.
Kat Stokes Light Rider (Vol. 1) EP
I’ve had quite a few folks tell me I should check out what Kat Stokes is doing, and I’m glad they did. She has an effervescent light that shines on anybody in her vicinity which comes through in her music. From what I’ve gathered, it seems as though she’s been through quite a lot in her life already, however the love never ceases to flow as she leans into her faith to help guide her and her artistry. As of late, Kat has released the Light Rider (Vol. 1) EP to celebrate her birthday. The poetic storyteller gave us a more bar-centric flow on “Face Value” and the “Gracia Freestyle” with the more melodic R&B side to her voice coming out on “By My Side,” and the soulful “Love Interludr.”
Pher “Tomorrow is Too Late”
A while ago, I was scrolling through Instagram when a video from a series called “Soul Sessions” came up on my feed that featured one of my favorite guitarists from around the Sound, Taylor Lorence, playing alongside Pher, an incredible singer who took my breath away. Originally from Oakland, Pher already has water flowing through his veins which makes it easy to be inspired by the Puget Sound region. In his latest single, “Tomorrow is Too Late,” his vocals sway across the instrumental like waves lightly lapping against the shore, smoothing out your emotions like the sand that the water meets.
Topp “Do It Again” Music Video
In August, Topp released his project Life’s Crazy, which itself has been going crazy. Now, we get a point-of-view style music video that showcases what his life has been like lately. Featuring cameos from friends, family, and his artistic community, the snapshot of his life dabbles back and forth between reality and fantasy as he slips in and out of a psychedelic experience.
Campana “ON SITE” featuring Alex Wiley
Campana is rounding out a triple play with his latest single “ON SITE” featuring Alex Wiley. This adds to both “WOODZ” and “ROPE,” making for a stellar way to wrap up the 2023 year. “I treat the beat just like a shrink // I’m so transparent with my feelings, ain’t need no therapy // I think it’s time to feed my people, bet I got the recipe.” Take a deep dive into this therapeutic track from Campana with production by the one and only, Noah Coinflip.
