Word Around the Sound is… we’re going to be sippin’ on REPOSADO all summer long with the release of their album Tequila Funk.
I have seen the REPOSADO ensemble (which can range anywhere from 6-15 members) perform many times. Once you catch a few notes, you can’t help but groove. In fact, their music is so intoxicating that during their album release party on June 21, two guys heard the sounds of REPOSADO flowing down from the Mountaineering Club rooftop and decided to head up and drink it all in.
So, What Makes the Tequila Funk?
Led by Jean-Paul Builes on vocals, this ensemble is a collective of international talents that can, at any point, include folks like Raoul Hardin on drums, Robert Jellinek on tenor saxophone, D-Train on Bass, Jimmy James on guitar, Brittany Allyson on vocals, and so many more interchangeable artists. REPOSADO is more than just a band, it truly is a community for artists. Each individual brings their own flavor to the table, and they all meld together throughout the album effortlessly.
REPOSADO’s blend of Latin, Afro funk and soul entrances the listener from start to finish. Between their high energy, infectious rhythms and their ultra catchy and empowering lyrics, this ensemble knows how to party. They know how to get the crowd to not only be engaged, but actively involved with their set as well.
Plenty of albums from this year will get sealed away to live on as an encapsulation of this specific moment in sound. However, Tequila Funk will always be on the menu because REPOSADO truly made a timeless album that has infinite playability.
Currently you can only stream a few of their songs on their Bandcamp, Spotify or Soundcloud. The full album, I’m assuming, will eventually drop on the internet for the rest of the world. For now, though, if you’re in the Seattle area, follow REPOSADO to find out when they’re performing next and join them in person for an unforgettable experience. You may even get the chance to purchase the limited-edition Tequila Funk LP which will only be available for purchase in person.
Listen to REPOSADO on Bandcamp
Prometheus Brown Taglagas EP
Prometheus Brown, a.k.a. Geo, the OG emcee from the iconic duo Blue Scholars, essentially ushered in a whole new era of hip-hop in Seattle by chronicling his life around the Sound. The Town that he once knew and loved is long gone, but now he’s here writing the sequel through his rhymes like those on the Taglagas EP.
The way he continues to pave the streets of the city with the words he says is something that can’t be taught. The geography, the community, culture and climate have all soaked into his lyrics and allow Prometheus Brown to paint a picture of the Northwest lifestyle, as well as the struggle, in an incredibly pleasing way.
He’ll be celebrating the release of the Taglagas EP with a sold-out show at the Clock-Out Lounge on Friday, June 30.
Travis Thompson Wolves & White T’s with Jake One
Over the years, Travis Thompson has steadily matured and refined his rhymes, signed to a label, left said label, and held it down for the home team the entire time. Now, his latest release is like a super charged Northwest offering with an entire album collaboration with none other than Seattle’s own super-producer, Jake One.
You can still hear that firmly imprinted “Travis Thompson sound” but Wolves & White T’s is without a doubt his most polished album to date. Yet his lyrics are some of the grittiest, hardest hitting bars that Trav has ever spit, on top of some of the wittiest wordplay I’ve heard from him.
In his latest music video for the track “What If?”, Trav and featured artist Erick the Architect take the comedic approach and recreate scenes from the iconic stoner film, Pineapple Express.
Karma Rivera “Sirens”
There’s absolutely no question now whether I’m paying attention to Karma Rivera or not. She released another single just a few weeks after her last and it’s definitely caught my ears. Her newest song, “Sirens,” takes us on a trip from the States to the islands. With a heavy dancehall influence, she gives us a groovy track to wine to all summer long.
Jang the Goon “WHaT’s THe MuV”
Jang the Goon is back asking, “WHaT’s THe Muv?” His usually rowdy, high-energy vibe is still very much so present in this track, but in a more subdued way than normal. I can hear his growth as an artist in this track; his delivery on this song gives a strong impact without having to be overtly in-your-face aggressive with it.
dsrt flwr – “thank u” and “of growth”
I’m such a fan of dsrt flwr. Her voice is incomparable, and her body is full of light and love that she shares with the world wherever she goes. She has recently dropped two new singles, “thank u,” and “of growth.”
The first of the two recent releases, “thank u,” which originally dropped on Bandcamp in February, is an ethereal homage to the humble art of giving thanks. Her voice floats across the soundscape in a visceral unloading of emotions through sound. On the flip side, “of growth” sounds as if you just wound up a music box; dsrt flwr delivers a revolving poem detailing the struggle of growing as a person and moving through or past relationships where the other person thinks of and sees you only as a previous version of yourself.
Songwriting Masterclass with Parisalexa
Having worked her way into studios writing for some of the biggest names in music, Parisalexa is full of knowledge, tips, and tricks on how to navigate the world of songwriting. Join Parisalexa this summer for a six-week-long masterclass about the art and process of writing a song from conception to production to distribution. Learn how to write a song from start to finish, how to sell it, and how to navigate the industry like a pro.
The first class kicks off on Saturday July 1st. Tickets are available for each individual class, or you can purchase the full six-week bundle to get the most out of this incredible opportunity.
Mediums Collective Summer Cruise Runway Show
Luxury streetwear label, Mediums Collective is presenting their summer 2023 collection with a runway show on the water. The fashion show will set sail on the Trek Ferry on Saturday, July 15th with special musical guest Gifted Gab. There will also be food and drinks, as well as sunset views of the city. Cop the VIP tickets and you can join the Collective for an after-party bus experience.
Fremont Fridays
Your Friday night summertime destination is back! Join Marshall Law Band, Mediums Collective, and 100s of incredible, rotating lineups of artists and vendors for Fremont Fridays at LTD Bar & Grill every week. The best part is it’s completely FREE!
This is an event for the community, organized by the community as a way to bring people together and celebrate the thriving art scene and small businesses who make Seattle the amazing place that it is. So many insanely talented artists and bands will be performing this year including: Cytrus, King Youngblood, Chris King & the Gutterballs, Charlie Cash, Wasabi Samba, Lovely Colours, Webb Wavvy, Yonny, Swiggle Mandela, Freudian Slurp, Crissy P and many more.
Scope Screenings
Last year, Lexscope started up a monthly film festival that showcased the PNW region’s many talented artists. From music videos to short films all the way down to quick commercials, Scope Screenings provided a much-needed platform for independent filmmakers. After a successful first year, Lex is back with another season of Scope Screenings.
The next event is a joint production between Scope Screenings and filmmaker Jon Salmon. Join them for two nights next month on Thursday, July 13, and Friday, July 14, for the “Don’t Make It Weird” showcase. You can purchase single-night tickets, including general admission or VIP, or go all out and get the VIP bundle which gets you access to both nights. No matter what tickets you purchase, all attendees will be able to attend the after party at a currently undisclosed secret location.
