This year, I had the privilege of being asked to take pictures for Respect My Region at Capitol Hill Block Party 2023. As the lead singer for the band Terra Nobody, I was beyond stoked to have the opportunity to experience CHBP for the first time ever in such a unique way. Photography is one of my few passions that exists outside of making music, so in a way the festival to me felt like a complete celebration of those two things mashed up into one awesome weekend.
Goth Babe on the Main Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2023 | Photo by Terra Nobody
The weather gods truly smiled down on Seattle for this event. I have to admit, I had high expectations when walking through the main entrance. Before today, I had only gotten second-hand CHBP experiences through my phone screen, and I was always super bummed out because it looked like everyone who went was having the time of their lives.
But not this year folks… oh, no. This year, I was finally able to cast my FOMO aside and fully embrace the spirit of festival season.
As I walked through the main entrance of CHBP23, the first thing that hit me was booming bass coming from the Vera Stage. Right away the music was in full swing, and the sound waves floated through the air like a glimmering mirage. This was the summer moment that music loving Seattleites, me included, had been dreaming about during the cold, dark winter months.
The crowd in front of the Main Stage at CHBP on Friday, July 21, 2023. | Photo by Terra Nobody
Where to even begin? With 8 stages and over 100 artists jam-packed into just three days, I knew that there was going to be a lot of walking if I was going to get the most out of the festival. Good thing I wore my tennis shoes! Hey, I LOVE fashion. So, you better believe I came fitted with the drip… from head to ankles. What can I say? Sometimes, comfort comes first. Speaking of fashion, I could not keep myself from gasping and complimenting every other person that walked by me. People really showed up and showed out with their looks and that was one of the coolest parts about the festival for me.
Two groups of festivalgoers at Capitol Hill Block Party 2023 | Photos by Terra Nobody
Along with the official CHBP beer garden, there were tons of food carts, vendors and local businesses open in and around the festival (some even giving out free stuff!). Water was also free and available pretty much everywhere. I really liked being able to have so many food and drink options available at all times. Price ranges definitely varied, but I let myself splurge a little on a legendary chicken sandwich from Bok a Bok. Y’all… I have zero regrets.
I also HAD to stop by the Instax booth next to the food carts and take some cute polaroids. When in Rome, right?
Okay, now let’s jump into the meat and potatoes… the music of course!
Favorite Acts
N3ptune + Rusty Steve
This was one act I specifically made sure not to miss. After seeing N3ptune and Rusty Steve perform at Treefort Fest earlier on in the year, I was stoked to catch them again. High energy, incredible vocals, rap, dance, choreography, face-melting guitar, and a killer light show? It was almost too much to handle y’all. When TeZATalks came out to perform “Black Horse” I think that the entire audience died and came back to life. I have no doubt that these two are going to be packing out stadiums someday and I feel lucky to have seen them twice already so close up.
N3ptune on the Neumos Stage for the 25th Anniversary of Capitol Hill Block Party | Photo by Terra Nobody
MUNA
I had never heard of MUNA before CHBP, but one of my festival friends was raving about them, so I made the last-minute decision to check them out. I’m so glad I did! I had no idea what to expect as I settled into my main stage sweet spot along the fence. People were packed in pretty tight well before the set even started, so I had a feeling that we were all in for an amazing experience. When the MUNA logo finally appeared on the main screen, the crowd roared with excitement.
The intro alone captivated me instantly. Honestly, this was one of the tightest sets I’ve seen in a while, full of great moments that really spoke to the caliber of musicianship of this band. The love coming from the crowd echoed throughout every song, with every lyric shouted and every hand in the air. At one point I looked around and literally everyone had a smile on their face. It was incredible to be a part of and I am now officially a huge fan of MUNA.
MUNA captivating the audience on the Main Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2023 | Photo by Terra Nobody
Mt Fog
Another act I was so stoked to see on the bill. The thought of missing this band was worse than any bodily aches or pains I was feeling early Sunday afternoon after two full days of block party shenanigans. Mt Fog is dreamy and otherworldly, with Björk-inspired vocals mixed with Rubblebucket-style energy. They are the off-beat, underground band you’ve been searching for, and were the perfect way to kick off my last day at the festival. Talk about a breath of fresh air. You have to check this band out.
Carolyn of Mt Fog performing on the Vera Stage at Capitol Hill Block Party 2023 | Photo by Terra Nobody
Honorable Mentions
Honestly, I could go on for days about all of the amazing musicians at the festival, but there were so many that it would take a whole dissertation to accomplish. So here are my honorable mentions!
Samara Lennoxx
Dark, dreamy, and beautiful storytelling. Samara Lennoxx caught me off-guard in the best way with her smokey alto vocals and performance art. Each song was haunting in its own way.
Empress Of
Upbeat, interesting pop vocals, and snappy house beats. Another artist I had never heard of before. I was mesmerized watching her move and dance across the stage. It was impossible not to dance along with her.
Medejin
Mysterious, nostalgic, and ethereal. Medejin is a band for all the cool kids. Lead singer Jenn Taranto’s vocals soared in between dreamy guitars. I felt like I was watching a band perform at The Bronze (any Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans out there?)
Flesh Produce
In-your-face, electro-punk, blastbeat drums, and high energy. Flesh Produce is raw, rough around the edges, and will have even the quietest of wallflowers thrashing around in the pit. Another band for the cool kids and I absolutely love them.
Taylar Elizza Beth
Inventive beats, full of attitude, underground pop/rap, and intergalactic club vibes. TEB is definitely a standout artist for me because of her overall showmanship, performance, and because of the level of polish she brings in her aesthetics. I love her unique, alto voice.
Acid Tongue
Gritty, nostalgic rock, introspective songs, and powerful musicianship. What can I say that hasn’t already been said about this incredible band. I was blown away and felt like I was transported back in time, letting my hair down to just jump around and rock out. Shaina Shepherd also appeared on stage to perform “Suffering for You” with the band, and it was epic.
Views from the Beer Garden at CHBP 2023 | Photo by Terra Nobody
Pro-Tips
- Bring Earplugs – you can thank me years from now when you still have your hearing. If you don’t have your own, most bars have them for sale or if you’re lucky they will just give them to you if you ask nicely!
- Get to the main stage early for headliner acts. This is not a drill. By evening/nightfall the festival gets packed. It’s like the worst bumper-to-bumper traffic possible in the form of human bodies. As someone who isn’t a fan of big crowds, I preferred to hang on the outer edges of the massive audiences.
- Overwhelmed by all the acts? Take a screenshot of the daily lineup and circle acts you want to see in your editor. (BONUS TIP: Set alarms on your phone and you’ll never miss a set!)
My Biggest Takeaway
I guess all I can say is, if you ever get the chance to go to Capitol Hill Block Party, GO! My first experience was everything I expected, and at the same time not at all what I thought it was going to be. Yes, it is a massive block party. But the overall vibe of the festival was less of an alcohol-fueled frat house bash, and more of humans coming together to celebrate their love of music, their love for each other and living in the present moment.
