Editing Music of Washington (state)

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{{Music of the United States
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[[File:Washington in United States.svg|thumb|260px|Washington in the United States]]

The U.S. state of [[Washington (state)|Washington]] has been home to many popular musicians and several major [[hotbed]]s of musical innovation throughout its history. The largest city in the state, [[Seattle]], is known for being the birthplace of [[grunge]] as well as a major contributor to the evolution of [[punk rock]], [[indie music]], [[folk music|folk]], and [[hip hop music|hip hop]]. Nearby [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] and [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]] have also been centers of influence on popular music.

Several world-famous musicians have come from Washington. [[Bing Crosby]], the [[crooner]] born in Tacoma in 1903 and raised in [[Spokane]], had a number-one hit in the U.S. in 1942 with "[[White Christmas (song)|White Christmas]]." [[Jimi Hendrix]], one of classic rock's most enduring guitar legends, was born and raised in Seattle and is buried in [[Renton, Washington|Renton]], and [[folk rock]] singer-songwriter [[Kenny Loggins]], who had a No. 1 Hot 100 hit in 1984 with "[[Footloose (song)|Footloose]]," was born in [[Everett, Washington|Everett]]. Saxophonist [[Kenny G]] is from Seattle and attended the [[University of Washington]].

==Classical==
The [[Seattle Symphony]] was founded in 1903. [[Milton Katims]] (1954–1976) and [[Gerard Schwarz]] (1985–2011) have been the longest-tenured conductors. The [[Spokane Symphony]] was founded in 1945. The [[Seattle Chamber Players]] was founded in 1989. They are known for their interpretations of modern compositions. [[Seattle Pro Musica]] (founded 1972), [[Seattle Girls Choir]] (founded 1982), and [[Choral Arts]] (founded 1993) are all award-winning [[choral music]] groups. Notable individuals from Washington state include pianist [[Kenneth Boulton]], composer/pianist [[William Bolcom]], composer [[Peter Scott Lewis]], composer [[Mateo Messina]], composer/clarinetist [[Sean Osborn]], composer/pianist/violinist [[Jennifer Thomas (pianist)|Jennifer Thomas]], all from [[Seattle]], and composer/pianist [[Charlie Albright]] from [[Centralia, Washington|Centralia]].

The [[Seattle Opera]] company was founded in 1963 by [[impresario]] [[Glynn Ross]], who served as musical director until 1983. Notable vocalists from Washington state include the [[soprano]]s [[Patrice Munsel]] from [[Spokane]], [[Angela Meade]] from Centralia, and the [[baritones]] [[Roald Reitan]] from [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] and [[Thomas Hampson]], also from Spokane. All have performed at the [[Metropolitan Opera]] at one time or another.

==Jazz==
Washington State has had a [[jazz]] scene since the early 20th century, primarily centered in [[Seattle]]. In the early years, there was an African-American jazz scene on Seattle's Jackson Street, led by the [[Whangdoodle Entertainers]], featuring, amongst others, [[Frank D. Waldron]] (trumpet/[[alto saxophone]]). Waldron later joined the Odean Jazz Orchestra, one of the rare African-American bands in that era to play in downtown Seattle. He remained active in Seattle jazz as a musician and teacher until his death in 1955. On the other side of the tracks, [[Victor Aloysius Meyers|Vic Meyers]] (saxophone) led jazz bands playing in Seattle's [[Pioneer Square, Seattle|Pioneer Square]] and [[Belltown, Seattle|Belltown]] districts. Meyers left music for politics in the early 1930s and served as [[Lieutenant Governor of Washington]] from 1933 to 1953 and then [[Secretary of State of Washington]] from 1957 to 1965. Another notable jazz figure in the early days was [[Harold Weeks (musician)|Harold Weeks]], a ragtime composer/lyricist known as the co-writer (with [[Oliver Wallace]]) of the 1918 song "Hindustan," considered a jazz standard. [[Joe Darensbourg]] (clarinet/saxophone) was active in Seattle from 1929 until 1944, and [[Dick Wilson (musician)|Dick Wilson]] ([[tenor saxophone]]) played in his band from 1930 until 1936.

The early 1940s saw [[Jimmy Rowles]] (piano) come out of [[Spokane]] and [[Corky Corcoran]] ([[tenor saxophone]]) from [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]]. In the late 1940s, [[Robert Blackwell|Bumps Blackwell]] led a Seattle band that featured teenaged future icons [[Ray Charles]] (piano), [[Quincy Jones]] (trumpet), [[Ernestine Anderson]] (vocals), and [[Buddy Catlett]] (double bass). Also emerging out of Seattle during this time were [[Patti Bown]] (piano/vocals), [[Gerald Brashear]] ([[congas]]/[[scat singer]]), [[Elmer Gill]] (piano/[[vibraphone]]/vocals), and [[Floyd Standifer]] ([[tenor saxophone]]/trumpet), while [[Don Lanphere]] ([[tenor saxophone|tenor]] & [[soprano saxophone]]) came out of [[Wenatchee]]. Catlett, Brashear, Standifer, and Lanphere spent their latter years playing jazz in the Seattle scene.

The 1950s–1960s saw [[Tom Collier (musician)|Tom Collier]] (percussion/[[vibraphone]]), [[David Friesen]] (double bass/[[electric upright bass]]) and [[Tim Gemmill]] ([[tenor saxophone|tenor]] & [[soprano saxophone]]/flute/keyboards) come out of Seattle, [[Ralph Towner]] ([[12-string guitar|12-string]] & classical guitar/piano/synthesizer) from [[Chehalis, Washington|Chehalis]], [[Gary Peacock]] (double bass) from [[Yakima]] and [[Larry Coryell]] (guitar from [[Richland, Washington|Richland]]. Only Collier returned to the Seattle scene.

The 1970s saw the emergence of [[Kenny G]] ([[soprano saxophone|soprano]], [[alto saxophone|alto]], and [[tenor saxophone]]/flute) from Seattle, a [[smooth jazz]] artist with 16 [[Grammy Awards|Grammy]] nominations. [[Jeff Lorber]] (keyboards) came out of [[Vancouver, Washington]], and also forged a career in smooth jazz, as well as [[jazz fusion]], with 7 Grammy nominations of his own. In 1971, [[Clarence Acox Jr.]] (drums) arrived in Seattle from his native [[New Orleans]] to revive the [[marching band]] at [[Garfield High School (Seattle)|Garfield High School]]. In 1979 he started the [[Garfield High School (Seattle)#Jazz Band|Garfield Jazz Ensemble]], which he led until his retirement in 2019. The Ensemble has earned many awards and honors. Acox has also been active as a musician in the Seattle scene. [[Hadley Caliman]] (saxophone/flute) moved to tiny [[Cathlamet, Washington|Cathlamet]] in the 1970s and later led combos in Seattle during the 1990s and 2000s. [[John Holte]] ([[woodwinds|reeds]]) was a leader of the West Coast [[swing music|Swing Band]] revival of the 1970s and continued to lead various swing bands in Seattle until his death in 2003. [[Cheryl Bentyne]] (vocals), who grew up in [[Mount Vernon, Washington|Mount Vernon]], sang in Holte's New Deal Rhythm Band before joining the renowned vocal group [[The Manhattan Transfer]] in 1979, with whom she has won 10 [[Grammy Awards]].

The 1980s were the career beginnings of native Washingtonians [[Diane Schuur|Diane "Deedles" Schuur]] (vocals/piano) from [[Auburn, Washington|Auburn]], who has won two [[Grammy Awards]], [[Bill Anschell]] (piano), [[Jeff Kashiwa]] (saxophone) and [[Skerik]] ([[tenor saxophone|tenor]] & [[baritone saxophone]]/[[electronic music|electronics]]), a pioneer of [[saxophonics]]. Anschell, Kashiwa and Skerik remain active in the Seattle scene, with Skerik playing in a number of diverse local bands. The 80s also saw [[Julian Priester]] (trombone/[[euphonium]]), [[Amy Denio]] (saxophone/[[accordion]]/vocals) and [[Bill Frisell]] (guitar) relocate to Seattle. Frisell had previously been active in New York City's [[Downtown music|Downtown Scene]].

The 1990s saw the emergence from Seattle of [[Cuong Vu]] (trumpet), [[Marc Seales]] (piano), [[Jim Black]] (drums), [[Joe Doria]] ([[Hammond organ]]) and [[Jessica Lurie]] ([[woodwinds]]). Lurie is active in the Seattle bands [[Living Daylights (jazz band)|Living Daylights]] and [[The Tiptons Sax Quartet]]. The aforementioned [[Amy Denio]] is also a member of The Tiptons Sax Quartet. Seales and Doria are also active in Seattle. [[Lounge music|Lounge]] band [[Nightcaps (Seattle band)|Nightcaps]] was formed in 1995 and continues to occasionally play in the [[Pacific Northwest]].

The new millennium has produced [[Roxy Coss]] (saxophone), [[Aaron Parks]] (piano), [[Emi Meyer]] (piano/vocals) and [[The Bergevin Brothers]] band, all from Seattle. Meyer and the Bergevins remain active in the Seattle scene. In the early 2000s husband and wife [[Wayne Horvitz]] (keyboards) and [[Robin Holcomb]] (piano/vocals) relocated to Seattle. Both had previously been involved in New York City's [[Downtown music|Downtown Scene]]. In 2015, [[Dmitri Matheny]] ([[flugelhorn]]) relocated from his long-time base in San Francisco to [[Centralia, Washington|Centralia]]. In 2022, he released the album ''CASCADIA'', celebrating the [[Pacific Northwest]]. The album also features the aforementioned [[Bill Anschell]].

==Country/Alt-country==
Washington state has a limited tradition in [[country music]], but has produced some notable artists.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-10 |title=Music Production: What Does a Music Producer Do? – Berklee Online |url=https://online.berklee.edu/takenote/music-production-what-does-a-music-producer-do/ |access-date=2024-03-07 |website=Berklee Online Take Note |language=en-US}}</ref> In the 1920s, [[Paul Tutmarc]] established himself as a fine [[tenor]] and [[lap steel guitar]]ist in [[Seattle]]. He was also known for inventing the first electric bass guitar in 1936. Tutmarc continued to perform and teach guitar in Seattle into the 1960s. Fiddler [[Bus Boyk]] came out of [[Everett, Washington|Everett]] in the 1930s and had a long career, eventually being inducted into the Western Swing Society's Pioneers of Western Swing Hall of Fame.

The late 1950s saw three [[Country Music Hall of Fame]]rs active in Washington state. [[Loretta Lynn]] began her performing and songwriting career while living in the tiny logging community of [[Custer, Washington|Custer]]. She also played in nearby [[Blaine, Washington|Blaine]]. Loretta wrote and recorded her first single "[[I'm a Honky Tonk Girl]]" while living in Washington (although the song was recorded in Los Angeles). The song was a hit and it was off to [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] and superstardom. [[Willie Nelson]] took a job as a DJ at [[KVAN (AM)#History|KVAN]] in [[Vancouver, Washington]], in 1956, where he also played local clubs. While there he cut his first record "[[No Place for Me]]". Nelson left Vancouver in 1958. In 1958, [[Buck Owens]] was working in [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] at radio station KAYE, when he saw [[Don Rich]], a young fiddler from [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]], play. Owens immediately asked Rich to join his band and soon they were being featured on the weekly BAR-K Jamboree on [[KSTW#Early history|KTNT-TV]]. [[Loretta Lynn]] made her television debut on the same program. Owens left Tacoma around 1960 to return to [[Bakersfield, California]], and in a few months, Rich followed and became a member of Buck's backup band [[The Buckaroos]], eventually becoming the lead guitarist. Rich's [[Fender Telecaster]] was an instrumental part of the [[Bakersfield sound]] of the 1960s.

The late 1950s also saw the emergence of native Washingtonian [[Bonnie Guitar]], who grew up in [[Redondo, Washington|Redondo]] and [[Auburn, Washington|Auburn]]. Bonnie had her first hit, "[[Dark Moon (song)|Dark Moon]]", in 1957, which charted on the country and pop charts. Guitar was also a co-founder of [[Dolton Records]] and later co-owner of [[Jerden Records]] in an era when this was rare for a woman. Before this, she was a student and wife of the aforementioned [[Paul Tutmarc]]. After their divorce in 1955, she did session guitar work for several labels in Los Angeles. Later in life, she bred cattle and [[quarter-horses]] near [[Orting, Washington|Orting]], before finally settling in [[Soap Lake, Washington|Soap Lake]], where she continued to perform on weekends until the age of 92. Guitar died in 2019, at the age of 95.

Seattle-based [[Lavender Country]] released their self-titled album in 1973. It is the first known gay-themed country and western album.{{Cn|date=March 2024}} They would not have another release until 2022's ''[[Blackberry Rose]]''. Fiddler [[Mark O'Connor]] came out of [[Mountlake Terrace, Washington|Mountlake Terrace]] in the 1970s, winning three [[Grammy Awards]]. [[Michael Peterson (singer)|Michael Peterson]] grew up in [[Richland, Washington|Richland]] and released his first self-titled album of [[contemporary Christian]] songs in 1986. A decade later, he released his second [[Michael Peterson (album)|eponymous record]] in 1997, which produced five Top 40 country hits, including the No. 1 "[[From Here to Eternity (Michael Peterson song)|From Here to Eternity]]". The 1990s saw [[alternative country|alt-country]] enter the scene, led by [[Neko Case]] of [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]]. With her [[contralto]] voice, she has released a series of albums and has also been a part of the revival of the [[tenor guitar]]. [[The Supersuckers]] formed in [[Tucson, Arizona]], in 1988, relocated to Seattle in 1989, and have been playing [[cowpunk]] ever since.

The new millennium has seen the emergence of mainstream country artists [[Brandy Clark]] from [[Morton, Washington|Morton]], who has been nominated for eight [[Grammy Awards]] as a songwriter and performer, [[James Otto]] from [[Benton City, Washington|Benton City]], who had a No. 1 country hit with "[[Just Got Started Lovin' You]]" in 2008, [[Vince Mira]] from [[Federal Way, Washington|Federal Way]], who began his career [[busking]] [[Spanish-language]] songs in [[Pike Place Market]], [[Adam Craig (singer-songwriter)|Adam Craig]] from [[Tenino, Washington|Tenino]], who has been most successful as a songwriter and Seattle based [[Brent Amaker and the Rodeo]], whose image is influenced by [[Johnny Cash]], the "Man in Black" and [[Spaghetti Westerns]]. Their live shows sometimes include the "Whiskey Baptism" of fans into the "Church of the Rodeo". [[Jaime Wyatt]] from [[Tacoma, Washington|Tacoma]] plays [[outlaw country]] and had a song on the 2004 soundtrack of [[Wicker Park (film)|Wicker Park]]. [[Megs McLean]] from [[Snohomish, Washington|Snohomish]] plays "crunge", a combination of [[country music|country]] and [[grunge]], and had a Country Pick of the Week in 2016. [[Star Anna]] from [[Ellensburg, Washington|Ellensburg]] performs [[alternative country|alt-country]] and, with her band the Laughing Dogs, appeared with the [[Seattle Symphony]] in 2012. Seattle based alt-country band [[The Maldives (band)|The Maldives]] live shows have been described as "transcendent" by [[KEXP-FM]].

==Garage rock==
<!--  Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:Regents3.gif|thumb|right|The Regents]] -->
In the mid-1950s, the Washington rock scene was kick-started by a Seattle group, [[The Frantics (Seattle, Washington)|The Frantics]], led by guitarist Ron Peterson. The Frantics were the first rock group from Seattle to have songs in the national Top 40 charts. Later, several [[garage band]]s achieved regional and some national fame. Perhaps the most famous of these are [[The Wailers (rock band)|The Wailers]], whose regional fame was paramount for several years in the early 1960s. Their version of [[Richard Berry (musician)|Richard Berry]]'s "Louie, Louie" became the state's unofficial anthem.

An influential garage rock band called The Regents became local icons in the Tacoma area, but the original incarnation never signed to a record label. They are known for pioneering a distinct sound technology when they fed the rhythm guitar through a [[Leslie organ speaker]] during a concert at the [[University of Puget Sound]]; this gave them their original sound.{{citation needed|date=June 2016}}

<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[File:Sonicsfive.jpg|left|thumb|The Sonics]] -->Another Tacoma band, [[The Sonics]], also proved to be influential, and are still a cult favorite. Their name was inspired by one of Seattle's most important employers, [[Boeing]], an aircraft manufacturer, and The Sonics' brand of aggressive guitar rock made them icons in the later development of music in and around Seattle.

Record producer Jerry Dennon of [[Jerden Records]] was responsible for bringing [[The Kingsmen]] (of [[Portland, Oregon]]), best known for their national hit "[[Louie Louie]]". The Kingsmen found themselves in a rivalry with local favorite [[Paul Revere & the Raiders]] (of [[Boise, Idaho]]), who also released a version of "Louie, Louie". The Kingsmen's version eventually caught on nationally after a Boston radio station picked up the song and Dennon negotiated distributing rights with [[Wand Records]] out of New York City. The song's supposedly suggestive lyrics led to it being banned in some localities, including [[Indiana]].

==Heavy metal==
Notable [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] bands that emerged in the Seattle area in the 1980s include [[Metal Church]], [[Queensrÿche]], [[Mentors (band)|Mentors]], [[TKO (band)|TKO]], Prowler, [[Q5 (band)|Q5]], [[Forced Entry (band)|Forced Entry]], [[Sanctuary (band)|Sanctuary]], [[Culprit (band)|Culprit]], [[Bloodgood]], [[Heir Apparent (band)|Heir Apparent]], and [[Fifth Angel]]. Metal Church was initially formed while [[Kurdt Vanderhoof]] was in the San Francisco scene, but moved back home to [[Aberdeen, Washington|Aberdeen]] and reformed the band with new members from the [[Grays Harbor]] area. They became one of the most well-known metal bands from the 1980s thanks to albums like ''[[Metal Church (Metal Church album)|Metal Church]]'' (1984), ''[[The Dark (Metal Church album)|The Dark]]'' (1986), ''[[Blessing in Disguise (Metal Church album)|Blessing in Disguise]]'' (1989) and ''[[The Human Factor (album)|The Human Factor]]'' (1991); they resurfaced in 2004 with ''[[The Weight of the World (Metal Church album)|The Weight of the World]]''. Queensrÿche is better known for falling somewhere between the heavy metal and [[glam metal]] scene, with strong influence from [[progressive rock]], which can be seen in their albums ''[[Operation: Mindcrime]]'' (1987) and ''[[Empire (Queensrÿche album)|Empire]]'' (1991). Going to the mid-end of the '80s, Seattle featured successful [[thrash metal]] bands, such as [[The Accüsed]] (a [[crossover thrash]] band), Assault & Battery, Bitter End, Coven, and [[Forced Entry (band)|Forced Entry]].

Also of particular note are Seattle's Slaughter Haus 5, Tacoma bands Sword of Judgement, Hammer Head, Diamond Lie (featuring [[Jerry Cantrell]] of [[Alice in Chains]]), as well as Olympia bands Cyperus and Death Squad. Two West Seattle metal bands from the 1980s were [[Sanctuary (band)|Sanctuary]] and Rottweiller. Sanctuary, after two albums and some years revamping, reformed with two original members (bass and vocals) and a former short-term replacement guitarist (along with some new members) and became known as [[Nevermore (band)|Nevermore]]. [[Heir Apparent (band)|Heir Apparent]] came out of North Seattle in the mid-1980's, signed to the independent label Black Dragon Records of Paris, France in 1985, and released what remains the highest-rated album in the 40-year history of Germany's ROCK HARD magazine<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/HeirApparentOfficial/photos/gm.602505260245991/2667544376653447/ |title=Facebook |publisher=Facebook |date= |accessdate=2022-03-19}}</ref> in January 1986. [[Heir Apparent (band)|Heir Apparent]] performed with [[Sanctuary (band)|Sanctuary]] in 2012 at the Metal Assault Festival in Wurzburg, Germany.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/metalassaultfestival/photos/264265583635456 |title=Facebook |publisher=Facebook |date= |accessdate=2022-03-19}}</ref> In 2019 at the Headbangers Open Air Festival in Germany, [[Queensrÿche]], [[Sanctuary (band)|Sanctuary]], and [[Heir Apparent (band)|Heir Apparent]] each headlined an evening of the 3-day event.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1846475385452967&set=gm.2383180541746940 |title=Facebook |publisher=Facebook |date= |accessdate=2022-03-19}}</ref>

More recent underground metal bands include [[Himsa]], Aemaeth, Blood & Thunder, Midnight Idols, Fallen Angels, DEATHBEAT, [[Big Business (band)|Big Business]], Drown Mary, Evilsmith, Vigilance, Skelator, [[Ceremonial Castings]], [[Inquisition (Colombian band)|Inquisition]], Hoth, Inquinok, Pure Hatred, Riot in Rhythm, Deathmocracy, Blood of Kings, [[Wolves in the Throne Room]], Twisted Heroes, Ashes Of Existence, Bleed The Stone, Casualty Of God, Mechanism, I Am Infamy, Devilation, Beyond Theory, Future Disorder, Midnight Drive, Edge of Oblivion, Last Bastion, Phalgeron, and [[Bell Witch (band)|Bell Witch]].

==Punk rock==
In the 1970s, Ze Whiz Kidz helped launch a [[hardcore punk]] scene that included [[Zeke (band)|ZEKE]], [[Mentors (band)|Mentors]], RPA, The Rejectors, The Lewd, Violent World<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ffanzeen.blogspot.com/2015/11/chinas-comidas-inside-look-rocknroll-in.html|title = FFanzeen: Rock'n'Roll Attitude with Integrity: Chinas Comidas: An Inside Look – Rock'n'Roll in Washington State &#91;1980&#93;|date = November 15, 2015}}</ref> The Refuzors, Crunchbird,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/jaime-crunchbird-johnson-mn0003308788|title = Jaime "Crunchbird" Johnson Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More|website = [[AllMusic]]}}</ref> Pod Six, The Enemy, and, most influentially, [[Solger]] and [[The Fartz]], as well as [[New wave music|new wave]] bands like The Heats, The Cowboys, The Meyce, The Telepaths, Visible Targets, [[Chinas Comidas]], [[X-15 (band)|X-15]] and UC5. Hardcore [[skinhead]] bands like Extreme Hate, The Boot Boys and Firing Squad also gained a following. [[Green River (band)|Green River]], a punk rock band that splintered into [[Mudhoney (band)|Mudhoney]] and [[Mother Love Bone]], was one of the first grunge bands. Also drawing on the punk rock scene were [[Melvins]], [[Soundgarden]], [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]], [[Fitz of Depression]] of [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]] and Vitimin C of [[Centralia, Washington|Centralia]]. Musician [[Duff McKagan]] made his entry into the global rock scene in the punk rock scene of his hometown of Seattle. On the other side of the state, Spokane also contained a punk and new wave scene in the 1980s, as chronicled in the documentary film ''[[SpokAnarchy!]]''

In the early 2000s, the [[experimental punk]] rock scene had bands such as [[Botch (band)|Botch]], [[Pretty Girls Make Graves]], [[These Arms Are Snakes]], [[The Fall of Troy (band)|The Fall of Troy]], [[Jaguar Love]][[Unwound|,Unwound]] and [[The Blood Brothers (band)|The Blood Brothers]].

==Grunge==
[[File:Welcome to Aberdeen cropped.jpg|thumb|left|Tribute to [[Kurt Cobain]] in Cobain's hometown of [[Aberdeen, Washington]]. "[[Come as You Are (Nirvana song)|Come as You Are]]" is a song by [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]].]]
[[Grunge]] began as a mixture of [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]], [[punk rock]] and [[indie rock]] in the 1980s and gained mainstream prominence in the early 1990s. The earliest bands included [[Green River (band)|Green River]], [[Skin Yard]], [[Screaming Trees]] ("[[Nearly Lost You]]"), and [[Soundgarden]], among others, with most signed to indie rock label [[Sub Pop]]. This new style was featured on the 1986 compilation album ''[[Deep Six (album)|Deep Six]]'' (CZ001) released by [[C/Z Records]], with tracks by [[Soundgarden]], [[Melvins]], [[Green River (band)|Green River]], [[Skin Yard]], [[Malfunkshun]] and [[The U-Men]]. By the late 1980s, several future stars had begun performing, including [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]], [[Alice in Chains]], and [[Mudhoney (band)|Mudhoney]], while the death of [[Andrew Wood (singer)|Andrew Wood]] (d. 1990, buried in [[Bremerton, Washington]]) of [[Mother Love Bone]] led to that band's disintegration and subsequent reformation as [[Pearl Jam]]. In 1991 (see [[1991 in music]]), Nirvana's ''[[Nevermind]]'', along with Soundgarden's ''[[Badmotorfinger]]'', [[Pearl Jam]]'s ''[[Ten (Pearl Jam album)|Ten]]'' and [[Alice in Chains]]' ''[[Dirt (Alice in Chains album)|Dirt]]'', quickly brought the grunge scene to the forefront.

Pearl Jam has recorded five No. 1 albums featured on the Billboard Top 200 between 1993 and 2013, including ''[[Vs. (Pearl Jam album)|Vs.]]'' (1993), and also had a No. 2 Hot 100 hit with their cover of "[[Last Kiss]]" in 1999. Nirvana had four No. 1 albums, Alice in Chains had two, ''[[Jar of Flies]]'' (1994) and their [[Alice in Chains (album)|self-titled album]] (1995), and Soundgarden had one, ''[[Superunknown]]'' (1994). Later successful grunge acts include [[Foo Fighters]], which had a No. 1 album with ''[[Wasting Light]]'' (2011). 

==Riot grrrl==
[[Riot grrrl]] is a form of [[punk rock]] that arose in [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]] in the 1990s with all-female and woman-led acts like [[Bikini Kill]], known for their militant feminism and raw sound. The genre never achieved mainstream success due to an on-going media blackout, along with their harsh criticism of society and often grating musical style, and eventually faded. However, stalwarts [[Sleater-Kinney]] stayed together and found themselves approaching mainstream audiences after the turn of the millennium. The movement generated many notable bands, concentrated in the [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]] area and including [[Bratmobile]], [[Heavens to Betsy]], and [[Excuse 17]].

A new wave of the riot grrrl movement continued in the 21st century with bands like NighTrain, [[The Gossip]], The Black Tones and Thee Emergency, which feature soulful vocals, heavy drums, a driving, intense rhythm and guitar.

==Twee pop==
In the late 1980s, a form of [[alternative rock]] called [[twee pop]] was popular in the United Kingdom. A small cult following around bands like [[The Orchids]] and [[Heavenly (British band)|Heavenly]] formed in the U.S., centered on [[Olympia, Washington|Olympia]]'s [[K Records]] and the band [[Beat Happening]].

==Hip-hop==
Arguably the most famous [[Hip-hop music|hip-hop]] star to come out of the state of Washington has been [[Sir Mix-a-Lot]], best known for his songs "[[Posse on Broadway]]" and "[[Baby Got Back]]", an early nineties novelty hit. Also prominent in the Seattle rap scene at this time was [[Kid Sensation]] (Steve Spence), who got his start on Sir Mix-a-Lot's first album, ''Swass'' (1988). [[Jonathan Moore (musician)|Wordsayer (Jonathan Moore)]] was influential in bringing hip hop into Seattle's mainstream with his group [[Source of Labor]]. [[Oldominion]] (featuring [[Mr. Hill]], [[Onry Ozzborn]] and [[Xperience]] amongst others), [[Blue Scholars]], [[THEESatisfaction]], [[Shabazz Palaces]], [[Grayskul]] and [[Common Market (hip hop group)|Common Market]] (featuring [[RA Scion]] and [[Sabzi (musician)|Sabzi]]) are other notable acts. [[Art of Movement]] (featuring [[Jay Park]] and [[Cha Cha Malone]] amongst others) is a notable [[b-boy]] crew from Seattle. The ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' holder for Fastest Rap MC is the Seattle-based [[NoClue]], breaking the record previously held by Chicago rapper Rebel XD. Brown rapped 723 syllables in 51.27 seconds on his track "No Clue" at B&G Studios, Seattle, on January 15, 2005. More recently, local indie rapper/DJ duo [[Macklemore]] and [[Ryan Lewis]] have achieved worldwide fame with ''[[The Heist (album)|The Heist]]'' (2012), scoring two No. 1 Hot 100 hits with "[[Thrift Shop]]" and "[[Can't Hold Us]]" in 2013. Also, teenage rapper [[Lil Mosey]] has grown in popularity since his song "Pull Up," but most notably "Noticed" in 2018, and "[[Blueberry Faygo]]" in 2020.

==Origins of notable artists==
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===Aberdeen===
*[[Chris Freeman (musician)|Chris Freeman]], [[queercore]] (1980s-present)
*[[Metal Church]], [[heavy metal music|heavy]]/[[thrash metal|thrash]]/[[speed metal|speed]]/[[power metal]] (1980–1996, 1998–2009, 2012–present)
*[[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]], [[grunge]] (1987–1994)
*[[Presto Ballet]], [[prog rock]] (2005–present)

===Anacortes===
*[[Karl Blau]], [[indie rock]]/[[country music|country]] (1996–present)
*[[D+ (band)|D+]], [[indie rock]] (1996–present)
*[[Kathi McDonald]], [[blues]]/[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]/rock (1963–2012)
*[[Mount Eerie]], [[experimental music|experimental]] [[lo-fi music|lo-fi]] [[indie rock]]/[[indie folk|folk]] (2003–present)
*[[The Lonely Forest]], [[alternative rock]] (2005–2014)
*[[Katherine Paul]] (AKA Black Belt Eagle Scout), [[indigenous music of North America#Northwest Coast|Coast Salish traditional]]/[[post-rock]]/[[alternative rock]] (2000s-present)

===Arlington===
*[[Kenneth Boulton]], classical (1980s-present)

===Auburn===
*[[Bonnie Guitar]], [[country music|country & western]]/pop (1956–1996)
*[[Diane Schuur]], [[vocal jazz]] (1979–present)

===Bainbridge Island===
*[[Jherek Bischoff]], [[indie rock]]/[[experimental music|experimental]]/[[alternative rock]]/[[neoclassicism (music)|neo-classical]]/[[indie pop]]/[[synth-pop]] (2000–present)
*[[Dove Cameron]], pop (2007–present)
*[[Pete Droge]], [[alternative rock|alternative]]/[[folk rock]] (1994–present)
*[[Andrew Joslyn]], [[neoclassicism (music)|neo-classical]]/[[experimental music]]/[[orchestral pop]]/[[hip hop music|hip hop]]/[[folk rock]]/[[indie rock]] (2002–present)
*[[Malfunkshun]], [[glam metal]]/[[grunge]] (1980–1988, 2006–present)

===Battle Ground===
*[[Ceremonial Castings]], [[symphonic black metal]] (1996–present)
*[[Zia McCabe]], [[alternative rock]]/[[country music|country]] (1995–present)
*[[Ruth (band)|Ruth]], [[Christian rock|Christian]]/[[indie rock]] (2005–present)

===Bellevue===
*[[The Catheters]], [[hard rock|hard]]/[[garage rock]] (1995–2004, 2013)
*[[Fifth Angel]], [[heavy metal music|heavy]]/[[power metal]] (1983–1990, 2010, 2017–present)
*[[Queensrÿche]], [[heavy metal music|heavy]]/[[progressive metal]] (1980–present)
*[[Rail (band)|Rail]], [[hard rock]] (1970–present)
*[[Satisfact]], [[post-punk]]/[[new wave revival]] (1996–2002)

===Bellingham===
*[[¡All-Time Quarterback!]], [[alternative rock]]/[[lo-fi music|lo-fi]]/[[indie rock]] (1997–2002)
*[[Black Eyes & Neckties]], [[horror punk|horror]]/[[hardcore punk]] (2002–2009)
*[[Crayon (band)|Crayon]], [[indie pop]]/[[cuddlecore]] (1990–1994)
*[[Death Cab for Cutie]], [[indie rock]]/[[indie folk|folk]]/[[emo]] (1997–present)
*[[Eureka Farm]], [[alternative rock]]/[[post-grunge]] (1996-2000s)
*[[Glowbug]], [[electronic music|electronic]]/dance (2010–present)
*[[Federation X]], [[alternative rock]]/[[alternative pop|pop]] (1998–present)
*[[The Ghost and the Grace]], [[indie folk]]/[[indie rock|rock]] (2009–2010)
*[[Idiot Pilot]], [[alternative rock]]/[[electronic rock]]/[[post-hardcore]] (2003–2011, 2019–present)
*[[ODESZA]], [[electropop]]/[[chillwave]] (2012–present)
*[[Mono Men]], [[garage rock]]/[[grunge]]/[[surf rock]] (1987–1998, 2006, 2013)
*[[The Posies]], [[alternative rock]]/[[power pop]] (1986–2021)
*[[X-15 (band)|X-15]], rock/[[punk rock|punk]] (1979–1987, 1995)
*[[Your Heart Breaks]], [[indie rock]]/[[folk music|folk]] (1998–present)

===Bremerton===
*[[Kane Hodder (band)|Kane Hodder]], [[melodic hardcore]]/[[post-hardcore]] (2002–2009, 2015)
*[[Mike Herrera's Tumbledown]], [[cowpunk]]/[[alternative country|alt-country]] (2007–2014)
*[[MxPx]], [[Christian punk|Christian]]/[[skate punk]] (1992–present)
*[[Sango (musician)|Sango]], [[electronic music|electronic]]/[[hip hop music|hip hop]]/[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] (2010–present)
*[[The Sonics]], [[garage rock]]/[[proto-punk]] (1960–present)

===Camas===
*[[Jimmie Rodgers (pop singer)|Jimmie Rodgers]], [[traditional pop]]/[[folk music|folk]]/[[rock and roll]]/[[country music|country & western]]/[[adult contemporary music|adult contemporary]] (1957–2021)

===Carrolls===
*[[Brian O'Connor (bassist)|Brian O'Connor]], [[hard rock]]/[[garage rock]]/[[blues rock]]/[[rockabilly]]/[[Palm Desert Scene|desert rock]]/[[boogie rock]]/[[alternative rock]] (2003–present)

===Centralia===
*[[Charlie Albright]], classical (2000–present)
*[[Ann Boleyn (singer)|Ann Boleyn]], [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[hard rock]] (1972–present)
*[[Noah Gundersen]] and [[The Courage]], [[acoustic music|acoustic]] [[indie folk]] (2005–present)
*[[Angela Meade]], operatic [[soprano]] (2007–present)

===Chehalis===
*[[Ralph Towner]], [[jazz]]/classical/[[world music|world]]/[[folk music|folk]] (1960s-present)

===Chelan===
*[[Alice Stuart]], [[blues]]/[[folk music|folk]] (1960s-present)

===Chewelah===
*[[Allen Stone]], [[blue-eyed soul]] (2010–present)

===Colville Indian Reservation===
*[[Jim Boyd (musician)|Jim Boyd]], [[indigenous music of North America#Northwest Coast|Interior Salish traditional music]]/[[folk music|folk]]/[[country music|country]]/rock/[[blues]] (1968–2016)

===Covington===
*[[Tamara Gee]], pop (1984–present)

===Custer===
*[[Loretta Lynn]], [[country music|Country & Western]]/[[Honky Tonk]]/[[Americana (music)|Americana]]/[[gospel music|Gospel]] (1960–present)

===Edmonds===
*[[Danger Radio]], [[indie pop|indie]]/[[pop rock]] (2003–2011)
*[[Magnog]], [[post-rock]]/[[space rock]] (1990s, 2011)
*[[Jay Park]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]]/[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]/[[breakdancing]] (2003–present)

===Ellensburg===
*[[Screaming Trees]], [[grunge]]/[[neo-psychedelia]] (1984–2000)
*[[Solomon Grundy (band)|Solomon Grundy]], [[psychedelic rock]] (1989–1991)
*[[Star Anna]], [[Americana (music)|Americana]]/[[alternative country|alt-country]] (2000s-present)

===Everett===
*[[Stan Boreson]], [[Nordic folk music|"Scandahoovian"]] [[parody music]] (1949–2007)
*[[Bus Boyk]], [[western swing]] (1930s–1990s)
*[[Mary Lambert (singer)|Mary Lambert]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]/[[folk music|folk]]/pop/[[spoken word]] (2011–present)
*[[Kenny Loggins]], [[folk rock]]/[[soft rock]]/[[kids' music]] (1968–present)
*[[The Moondoggies]], [[alternative country|alt country-rock]] (2005–present)
*[[Parenthetical Girls]], [[experimental pop|experimental]]/[[chamber pop]] (2002–2013)
*[[Jason Webley]], [[folk music|folk]]/[[experimental music|experimental]]/[[Gypsy punk]]/[[folk punk]] (1990s-present)

===Federal Way===
*[[Amber Pacific]], [[pop-punk]]/[[emo]] (2002–present)
*[[Sam Kim]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]/[[soul music|soul]]/pop/[[folk music|folk]]/[[jazz]] (2013–present)
*[[Sanjaya Malakar]], pop (2006–present)
*[[Vince Mira]], [[country music|country]]/[[rock and roll]] (2007–present)
*[[Spluii Numa]], [[punk rock]]/[[grunge]] (1983–1984)

===Gig Harbor===
*[[SixTwoSeven]], [[alternative rock]] (2016–present)

===Issaquah===
*[[Modest Mouse]], [[indie rock]] (1992–present)
*[[SYML]], [[alternative rock]]/[[indie pop]] (2016–present)
*[[Ugly Casanova]], [[indie rock]] (1997–2002, 2010)

===Kelso===
*[[Rock n Roll Worship Circus]], [[contemporary Christian music|contemporary Christian]] (1999–2004)

===Kenmore===
*[[Blake Lewis]], [[electropop]]/[[beatboxing]]/[[soul music|soul]] (2007–present)
*[[Telekinesis (band)|Telekinesis]], [[indie rock]]/[[shoegaze]]/[[power pop]] (2008–present))

===Kent===
*[[Daphne Loves Derby]], [[indie rock|indie]]/[[alternative rock]] (2001–2015)

===Kirkland===
* [[Neon Blonde]], [[experimental rock]]/[[post-hardcore]]/[[alternative hip hop]] (2004–present)

===Lacey===
*[[DJ Dan]], [[funky house|funky]]/[[electro house|electro]]/[[tech house]] (1991–present)

===Lakewood===
*[[Robert Cray]], [[blues]]/[[blues rock]]/[[soul blues]] (1974–present)

===Longview===
*[[The Listening (band)|The Listening]], [[Christian alternative rock]] (2004–present)
*[[The Wilde Knights]], [[garage rock]] (1965–1967)

===Mercer Island===
*[[Bill Anschell]], [[jazz]] (1982–present)

===Monroe===
*[[Benson Boone]], [[Pop rock]]/[[Pop music|Pop]]/[[Alternative Rock]] (2021–present)

===Montesano===
*[[Melvins]], [[sludge metal|sludge]]/[[doom metal|doom]]/[[alternative metal]] (1983–present)

===Morton===
*[[Brandy Clark]], [[country music|country]] (2005–present)

===Mount Vernon===
*[[Cheryl Bentyne]], [[vocal jazz]]/pop (1975–present)

===Mountlake Terrace===
*[[Lil Mosey]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]]/[[trap music|trap]] (2016–present)
*[[Mark O'Connor]], [[country music|country]]/[[Bluegrass music|bluegrass]]/[[jazz]]/classical (1974–present)

===Mukilteo===
*[[The Fall of Troy (band)|The Fall of Troy]], [[mathcore]]/[[post-hardcore]]/[[math rock]]/[[prog rock]]/[[screamo]] (2002–2010, 2013–present)

===Naselle===
*[[Wilho Saari]], [[music of Finland|Finnish folk]] [[kantele]]

===Olympia===
*[[Anna Oxygen]], [[electropop]]/[[psychedelic folk]] (late 1990s-present)
*[[Bangs (band)|Bangs]], [[riot grrrl]]/[[punk rock]] (1997–2004, 2010)
*[[Beat Happening]], [[indie pop|indie]]/[[twee pop|twee]]/[[noise pop]]/[[lo-fi music|lo-fi]] (1982–1992)
*[[Bikini Kill]], [[riot grrrl]] (1990–1997, 2017, 2019–present)
*[[The Blow]], [[indie pop]]/[[electro (music)|electro]]/[[lo-fi music|lo-fi]] (2001–present)
*[[Bratmobile]], [[riot grrrl]]/[[punk rock]] (1991–1994, 1998–2003)
*[[Cool Rays]], [[punk rock]] (1990–1991)
*[[Dead Air Fresheners]], [[experimental rock]]/[[post-punk]] (1996–present)
*[[Dub Narcotic Sound System]], [[indie rock]] (1995–2003)
*[[Earth (American band)|Earth]], [[drone metal]]/[[psychedelic rock]]/[[post-rock]] (1989–1997, 2003–present)
*[[Enemymine]], [[noise rock]] (1998–2000)
*[[Excuse 17]], [[punk rock]]/[[queercore]] (1993–1995)
*[[Fitz of Depression]], [[punk rock]] (1987–1997, 2000, 2002–2019)
*[[The Fleetwoods]], [[doo wop]] (1958–1983)
*[[The Frumpies]], [[lo-fi music|lo-fi]] [[punk rock|punk]]/[[garage rock]] (1992–2000)
*[[G.L.O.S.S.]], [[hardcore punk]]/[[queercore]]/[[D-beat]] (2014–2016)
*[[The Go Team]], [[indie rock]] (1985–1989)
*[[godheadSilo]], [[noise rock]]/[[stoner rock]]/[[sludge metal]] (1991–1998, 2015–present)
*[[Gun Outfit]], [[indie rock]]/[[post-punk]]/[[psychedelia]] (2007–present)
*[[Heavens to Betsy]], [[riot grrrl]]/[[indie rock]]/[[punk rock]] (1991–1994)
*[[Irving Klaw Trio]], [[experimental rock]] (1990s)
*[[Lake (American band)|LAKE]], [[indie pop]] (2005–present)
*[[Love as Laughter]], [[indie rock]] (1994–2020)
*[[Lync]], [[post-hardcore]]/[[indie rock]]/[[emo]]/[[lo-fi music|lo-fi]] (1992–1994)
*[[The Microphones]], [[neofolk]]/[[indie rock]] (1996–2003, 2007, 2019–present)
*[[Milk Music]], [[punk rock|punk]]/[[indie rock|indie]]/[[alternative rock]] (2008–present)
*[[Mirah]] [[indie rock]]/[[chamber pop]]/[[indie pop]]/[[experimental pop]](1997–present)
*[[Mocket]], [[alternative rock]]/[[post-punk]]/[[indie rock]] (1995–1999)
*[[The Need]], [[queercore]]/[[post-punk]]/[[art rock]]/[[garage rock]]/[[experimental rock]] (1996–2001, 2010, 2013)
*[[The Old Haunts]], [[garage rock|garage]]/[[swamp rock]] (2001–2009)
*[[Old Time Relijun]], [[noise rock]]/[[no wave]]/[[art punk]]/[[punk blues]] (1995–present)
*[[Don Rich]], [[country music|country & western]]/[[Bakersfield sound]] (1959–1974)
*[[RVIVR]], [[melodic hardcore]]/[[pop punk]] (2008–present)
*[[Tracy + the Plastics]], [[electropop]] (2004–present)
*[[Travis Shook]], [[hard bop]]/[[jazz fusion]]/[[modal jazz]]/[[mainstream jazz]]/[[post-bop]] (1990s-present)
*[[Sleater-Kinney]], [[riot grrrl]]/[[indie rock]] (1994–2006, 2014–present)
*[[Team Dresch]], [[queercore]]/[[riot grrrl]]/[[punk rock]] (1993–1998, 2004–present)
*[[Viva Knievel (band)|Viva Knievel]], [[punk rock]] (1989–1990)
*[[Wolves in the Throne Room]], [[black metal|atmospheric black metal]] (2002–present)

===Pullman===
*[[Tyson Motsenbocker]], [[Christian alternative rock]]/[[indie folk]]/[[folk rock]] (2010–present)

===Ravensdale===
*[[Brandi Carlile]], [[Americana (music)|Americana]]/[[alternative country|alt-country]]/[[folk rock]] (2004–present)

===Redmond===
*[[The Blood Brothers (band)|The Blood Brothers]], [[post-hardcore]]/ [[screamo]]/[[art punk]] (1997–2007, 2014)
*[[Cody Votolato]], [[folk music|folk]]/[[alternative country|alt-country]]/[[indie rock]] (1995–present)

===Sammamish===
*[[Surf Mesa]], [[electronic music|electronic]] pop (2019–present)

===Seattle===
*[[10 Minute Warning]], [[hardcore punk]] (1982–1984, 1997–1998)
*[[3rd Secret]], [[alternative rock]]/[[folk rock]]/[[grunge]] (2022–present)
*[[7 Horns 7 Eyes]], [[Christian metal|Christian]] [[melodic death metal]] (2006–present)
*[[7 Year Bitch]], [[riot grrrl]] (1990–1997)
*[[764-HERO]], [[indie rock]]/[[emo]] (1995–2002, 2012, 2016)
*[[A Frames (band)|A Frames]], [[post-punk]]/[[noise rock]] (1999–2010)
*[[Abney Park (band)|Abney Park]], [[steampunk]]/[[world music|world]]/[[industrial dance]]/[[dark wave]] (1997–present)
*[[Abyssinian Creole]], [[Northwest hip hop]] (2001–present)
*[[Acceptance (band)|Acceptance]], [[pop-punk]] (1998–2006, 2015–present)
*[[The Accüsed]], [[crossover thrash]]/[[hardcore punk]] (1981–1992, 2003–present)
*[[Clarence Acox Jr.]], [[jazz]] (1971–present)
*[[Aiden]], [[horror punk]]/[[post-hardcore]]/[[emo]] (2003–2012, 2015–2016)
*[[Akimbo (band)|Akimbo]], [[hardcore punk]] (1998–2012)
*[[Alice in Chains]], [[grunge]]/[[hard rock]] (1987–2002, 2005–present)
*[[Alice N' Chains]], [[glam metal|glam]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy]]/[[speed metal]] (1986–1987)
*[[Brent Amaker and the Rodeo]], [[country music|country & western]] (2005–present)
*[[Aqueduct (band)|Aqueduct]], [[indie pop]] (2003–2015)
*[[Art of Movement]], [[b-boy]] crew (2002–present)
*[[Artis the Spoonman]], rock/[[folk music|folk]] [[busking|busker]]
*[[Arthur & Yu]], [[indie folk]] (2006–present)
*[[Assemblage 23]], [[futurepop]]/[[electro-industrial]]/[[synth-pop]] (1988–present)
*[[Asva (band)|Asva]], [[drone metal|drone]]/[[doom metal]] (2003–present)
*[[Awesome (band)|"Awesome"]], [[cabaret]] (2003–present)
*[[Baby Gramps]], [[folk music|folk]]/[[country music|country]]/[[Americana (music)|Americana]]/[[blues]] (1964–present)
*[[Caspar Babypants]] ([[Chris Ballew]]), [[kids' music]] (2009–present)
*[[Band of Horses]], [[indie rock]]/[[Southern rock]]/[[power pop]]/[[folk rock]] (2004–present)
*[[Barcelona (indie rock band)|Barcelona]], [[indie rock]] (2005–present)
*[[The Beakers]], [[art punk]]/[[post-punk]]/[[new wave music|new wave]] (1980–1981)
*[[Tina Bell]], [[grunge]]/[[punk rock]] (1983–1990)
*[[Bell Witch (band)|Bell Witch]], [[doom metal|funeral doom metal]] (2010–present)
*[[Anomie Belle]], [[avant-garde music|avant-garde]] (2008–present)
*[[The Bergevin Brothers]], [[music and politics|political]] [[jazz]] (2008–present)
*[[Degenerate Art Ensemble|Big Band Garage Orchestra]], [[punk jazz]] (2001–2006)
*[[Big Business (band)|Big Business]], [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[sludge metal]]/[[stoner rock]] (2004–present)
*[[Alyse Black]], rock/pop/[[jazz]]/[[folk pop]] (2007–present)
*[[Black Cat Orchestra]], classical/[[world music|world]]/[[film score]] (1991–2004)
*[[Nissim Black]] (D.Black), [[political hip hop|conscious]]/[[hardcore hip hop|hardcore]]/[[Jewish hip hop]] (1999–present)
*[[The Blackouts]], [[punk rock]]/[[post-punk]]/[[hard rock]] (1979–1985)
*[[Robert Blackwell|Robert "Bumps" Blackwell]], [[jazz]]/[[rock and roll]]/pop/[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]/[[Funk]] (1947–1981)
*[[The Blakes]], [[indie rock]] (2001–present)
*[[Blenderhead]], [[punk rock]] (1992–2001, 2016–present)
*[[Blood Circus (band)|Blood Circus]], [[sludge metal]]/[[grunge]] (1988–1989, 2992. 2007)
*[[Erik Blood]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]]/rock 2000s-present)
*[[Bloodgood]], [[Christian metal|Christian]]/[[glam metal]] (1984–1994, 2006–present)
*[[Blue Scholars]], [[northwest hip hop]]/[[alternative hip hop]] (2002–present)
*[[Boat (band)|BOAT]], [[indie rock]] (2004–present)
*[[William Bolcom]], [[Contemporary classical music|contemporary classical]]/[[traditional pop]]/[[parlour music|parlour]]/[[cabaret]]/[[ragtime]] (1950s-present)
*[[Patti Bown]], [[jazz]] (1940s–2000s)
*[[Brad (band)|Brad]], [[alternative rock]]/[[grunge]]/[[neo-psychedelia]] (1992–present)
*[[Gerald Brashear]], [[jazz]] (1940s–1970s)
*[[The Briefs]], [[punk rock]] (2000–present)
*[[Brite Futures]], [[indie rock]]/[[electronica]] (2005–2013)
*[[The Brothers Four]], [[folk pop]] (1957–present)
*[[Budo (musician)|Budo]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]] (2004–present)
*[[Burning Witch]], [[doom metal|doom]]/[[sludge metal|sludge]]/[[drone metal]] (1995–1998)
*[[Calm Down Juanita]], [[alternative rock|alternative]]/[[psychedelic rock]] (1998–2002)
*[[Candlebox]], [[grunge]]/[[post-grunge]] (1990–2000, 2006–present)
*[[Cardiknox]], [[indie pop]]/dance (2013–2018)
*[[Cat Butt]], [[alternative rock]]/[[grunge]] (1987–1990)
*[[The Catch (American band)|The Catch]], [[alternative pop]] (2000s)
*[[Buddy Catlett]], [[jazz]] (1940s–2000s)
*[[The Cave Singers]], [[indie rock]]/[[indie folk|folk]] (2007–present)
*[[Champion (band)|Champion]], [[straight edge]] [[hardcore punk]]/[[melodic hardcore]] (1999–2006)
*[[Childbirth (band)|Childbirth]], [[garage rock|garage]]/[[alternative rock|alternative]]/[[punk rock]] (2013–present)
*[[Chinas Comidas]], [[art punk]]/[[post-punk]]/[[no wave]] (1977–1980)
*[[Choral Arts]], [[choral]]/[[a cappella]]/classical/[[contemporary classical music|contemporary classical]] (1993–present)
*[[Christ Analogue]], [[electronic music|electronic]]/[[industrial rock]] (1995–1998, 2003–2004)
*[[Circus Contraption]], [[dark cabaret]]/[[vaudeville]] (1998–2009)
*[[Class of '99]], [[alternative rock]] (1998)
*[[The Classic Crime]], [[alternative rock]]/[[post-grunge]]/[[post-hardcore]]/[[pop punk]] (2004–present)
*[[Climax Golden Twins]], [[experimental music]] (1993–present)
*[[Coffin Break]], [[hardcore punk]]/[[grunge]] (1987–1994, 2007–present)
*[[Tom Collier (musician)|Tom Collier]], [[jazz]]/classical/pop (1950s-present)
*[[Common Market (hip hop group)|Common Market]], [[Northwest hip hop]] (2005–2009, 2019–present)
*[[Roxy Coss]], [[jazz]] (2000s-present]
*[[Critters Buggin]], [[instrumental music|instrumental]] rock/[[jazz]]/[[funk]]/[[punk rock|punk]]/[[ambient music|ambient]]/[[Electronic music|electronic]] (1993–present)
*[[Culprit (band)|Culprit]], [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] (1982–1985, 2010–present)
*[[Cuong Vu]], [[jazz]] (1994–present)
*[[The Daily Flash]], [[folk rock|folk]]/[[psychedelic rock]] (1965–1968, 2002–present)
*[[Ray Dalton]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]]/[[gospel music|gospel]]/[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]/pop (2011–present)
*[[The Dark Fantastic]], [[hard rock|hard]]/[[Palm Desert Scene|desert]]/[[psychedelic rock|psychedelic]]/[[indie rock]] (1997–2001)
*[[Dark Time Sunshine]], [[alternative hip hop|alternative]]/[[indie hip hop]] (2009–present)
*[[Dead Low Tide]], [[garage rock]] (2001–2003)
*[[The Dead Science]], [[experimental pop]] (1999–present)
*[[Dear John Letters (band)|Dear John Letters]], [[alternative rock]]/[[indie rock]]/[[emo]] (2000–present)
*[[Deep Sea Diver]], [[pop rock]] (2009–present)
*[[Demon Hunter (band)|Demon Hunter]], [[Christian metal|Christian]]/[[metalcore]]/[[nu metal|nu]]/[[alternative metal|alternative]]/[[groove metal]] (2000–present)
*[[Peter DePoe]] (aka Last Walking Bear), [[funk rock]]/[[swamp rock]]/[[soul music|soul]]/[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]/[[Indigenous music of North America#Northwest Coast|Native American traditional]] (1960s-present)
*[[Devilhead]], [[alternative rock]]/[[post-grunge]] (1993–1998)
*[[Diagram of Suburban Chaos]], [[electronic music]] (1997–present)
*[[Dickless]], [[riot grrrl]]/[[grunge]]/[[punk rock]]/[[funk punk]] (1989–1998)
*[[The Divorce]], [[indie rock]] (2002–2007, 2011)
*[[Dolour]], [[indie pop|pop]]/[[power pop|power]]/[[baroque pop|baroque]]|/[[chamber pop]] (1997–2007, 2020–present)
*[[Doll Squad]], [[alternative rock]]/[[power pop]] (1987–1989, 2008–present)
*[[Taime Downe]], [[hard rock]]/[[glam metal]]/[[industrial rock]]/[[gothic rock]] (1985–present)
*[[Sammy Drain]], [[blues]]/rock/[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] (1960s–2016)
*[[Dude York]], [[alternative rock]] (2012–present)
*[[Dust Moth]], [[post-metal|metalgaze]] (2013–present)
*[[The Dutchess and the Duke]], [[indie folk]] (2008–2010, 2014–2015)
*[[Shelby Earl]], [[indie rock]] (2005–present)
*[[Jack Endino]], [[grunge]]/[[alternative rock]]/[[hardcore punk]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[doom metal]] (1985–present)
*[[Fair (band)|Fair]], [[alternative rock]]/[[emo pop]] (2005–2012)
*[[Faith & Disease]], [[ethereal wave]]/[[dark wave]]/[[slowcore]]/[[shoegaze]]/[[dream pop]]/[[new-age music|new-age]] (1994–2006)
*[[The Fartz]], [[hardcore punk]] (1981–1983, 1999–2003)
*[[Fastbacks]], [[punk rock]] (1979–2002, 2011, 2018)
*[[Fences (band)|Fences]], [[pop rock|pop]]/[[alternative rock|alternative]]/[[indie rock]] (2010–present)
*[[The Fire Theft]], [[prog rock|prog]]/[[hard rock|hard]]/[[art rock]] (2001–2004)
*[[Fleet Foxes]], [[folk rock]]/[[chamber pop]] (2006–2013, 2016–present)
*[[Flop (band)|Flop]], [[grunge]]/[[power pop]]/[[punk rock]] (1990–1995)
*[[Foo Fighters]], [[post-grunge]]/[[hard rock]] (1994–present)
*[[Forced Entry (band)|Forced Entry]], [[thrash metal|thrash]]/[[progressive metal]] (1983–1995, 2002, 2020–present)
*[[Forgive Durden]] [[indie rock]]/[[post-hardcore]]/[[emo]] (2003–2010, 2013)
*[[The Frantics (Seattle, Washington)|The Frantics]], [[rock and roll]] (1950s–1960s)
*[[David Friesen]], [[jazz]] (1960s-present)
*[[The Gallahads]], [[doo wop]] (1952–1962)
*[[Gas Huffer]], [[garage rock]]/[[punk blues]]/[[garage punk (fusion genre)|garage punk]]/[[grunge]] (1989–2006)
*[[Gatsbys American Dream]], [[indie rock]] (2001–2006, 2010–2012, 2020–present)
*[[Tim Gemmill]], [[jazz]]/[[post-bop]]/[[avant-garde jazz]]/[[jazz fusion]]/[[techno]] (1967–present)
*[[The Gentlemen (Seattle band)|The Gentlemen]], [[pop rock]] (1998–1999. 2000–2001)
*[[Elmer Gill]], [[jazz]] (1940s–2004)
*[[Girl On Fire (band)|Girl On Fire]], [[hard rock]] (2007–2015)
*[[The Girls (Seattle band)|The Girls]], [[pop punk]]/[[glam punk]]/[[new wave music|new wave]] (early-2000s-present)
*[[The Gits]], [[punk rock]] (1986–1993)
*[[Goodness (band)|Goodness]], [[alternative rock]] (1994–2005)
*[[Grand Archives]], [[indie rock]] (2006–2012)
*[[Grammatrain]], [[alternative rock]]/[[post-grunge]]/[[grunge]]/[[Christian rock]] (1994–1998, 2009–present)
*[[Grand Hallway]], [[indie folk]]/[[chamber pop]]/[[art rock]] (2007–present)
*[[Natalie Grant]], [[contemporary Christian music|contemporary Christian]] (1999–present)
*[[Grave Babies]], [[Gothic rock]]/[[dark wave]]/[[noise rock]]/[[lo-fi music|lo-fi]] (2000–present)
*[[Grayskul]], [[alternative hip hop|alternative]]/[[Northwest hip hop]] (2003–present)
*[[Green Apple Quick Step]], [[alternative rock]]/[[post-grunge]]/[[psychedelic rock]] (1992–1998. 2009–present)
*[[The Green Pajamas]] [[neo-psychedelia]]/[[indie rock]]/[[Paisley Underground]]/[[jangle pop]] (1984–present)
*[[Green River (band)|Green River]], [[grunge]]/[[punk rock]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[garage rock]] (1984–1988, 1993, 2008–2009, 2018)
*[[Grieves]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]] (2007–present)
*[[Gruntruck]], [[grunge]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[alternative metal]] (1989–1993, 1996–2002, 2017–present)
*[[Ivar Haglund]], [[folk music|folk]] (1920s–1980s)
*[[Hammerbox]], [[alternative rock]]/[[grunge]] (1990–1994, 2004)
*[[Randy Hansen]], [[psychedelic rock|psychedelic]]/[[blues rock]]/[[Jimi Hendrix]] tribute (1972–present)
*[[Harvey Danger]], [[alternative rock]] (1992–2001, 2004–2009)
*[[Hater (band)|Hater]], [[alternative metal]]/[[grunge]]/[[hard rock]] (1993–1997, 2005, 2008)
*[[The Head and the Heart]], [[indie folk]]/[[folk rock]] (2009–present)
*[[Headphones (band)|Headphones]], [[indietronica]]/[[synth-pop]] (2005–2006)
*[[Heart (band)|Heart]], [[hard rock]]/[[pop rock]] (1967–1998, 2002–2016, 2019–present)
*[[Heir Apparent (band)|Heir Apparent]], [[heavy metal music|heavy]]/[[power metal|power]]/[[progressive metal]] (1983–1989, 2000–2019)
*[[Heiress (band)|Heiress]], [[sludge metal]]/[[post-metal]] (2006–present)
*[[Hell's Belles (band)|Hell's Belles]], [[hard rock]] (2000–present)
*[[Helms Alee]], [[sludge metal]]/[[noise rock]]/[[post-hardcore]] (2007–present)
*[[Jimi Hendrix]], [[psychedelic rock]]/[[blues rock]] (1963–1970)
*[[Hey Marseilles]], [[folk rock]]/[[chamber pop]] (2006–present)
*[[Hibou (band)|Hibou]], [[dream pop]], (2013–present)
*[[Himsa]], [[metalcore]]/[[melodic death metal]] (1998–2008, 2017–present)
*[[Hobosexual]], [[indie rock|indie]]/[[experimental rock|experimental]]/[[alternative rock|alternative]]/[[garage rock]] (2009–present)
*[[Ron Holden]], [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]/pop/[[rock and roll]] (1958–1997)
*[[Hovercraft (band)|Hovercraft]], [[experimental rock|experimental]]/[[noise rock|noise]]/[[space rock|space]]/[[post-rock]] (1993–2001)
*[[I Declare War (band)|I Declare War]], [[deathcore]] (2005–present)
*[[The Intelligence]] [[post-punk]]/[[garage rock]]/[[garage punk (fusion genre)|garage punk]] (1999–present)
*[[Ivan & Alyosha]], [[indie pop]]/[[indie rock|rock]] (2007–present)
*[[Jake One]], [[Northwest hip hop]]/[[trap music|trap]] (1992–present)
*[[Ayron Jones]], [[blues]]/[[grunge]]/rock/[[soul music|soul]] (2005–present)
*[[Quincy Jones]], [[jazz]]/[[big band]] [[swing music|swing]]/[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]/[[soul music|soul]]/[[funk]]/[[bossa nova]]/[[hip hop music|hip hop]]/pop/[[disco]] (1951–present)
*[[Juned]], [[pop rock]] (1993–1996)
*[[Juno (band)|Juno]], [[indie rock]]/[[post-punk]]/[[post-hardcore]]/[[shoegaze]]/[[experimental music|electronic]] (1995–2003, 2006)
*[[Damien Jurado]], [[indie rock]] (1995–present)
*[[Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground]], [[indie rock]]/[[psychedelic pop]]/[[jazz]] (2005–2013)
*[[Kenny G]], [[smooth jazz]] (1973–present)
*[[Kid Sensation]] (now Xola Malik), [[old-school hip hop|old skool]] [[hip hop music|hip hop]]/rap (1987–1996, 2009–present)
*[[Kill Switch...Klick]], [[industrial rock]] (1991–present)
*[[Kings Kaleidoscope]], [[contemporary worship music|contemporary worship]]/[[Christian rock]]/[[art rock]]/[[chamber pop]]/[[progressive pop]] (2011–present)
*[[Kinski (band)|Kinski]], [[post-rock]]/[[noise rock]]/[[instrumental rock]] (1998–present)
*[[Kiss It Goodbye]], [[metalcore]]/[[hardcore punk]] (1996–1998, 2012)
*[[Kultur Shock]], [[Gypsy punk]]/[[alternative metal]] (1996–present)
*[[La Luz (band)|La Luz]], [[surf rock|surf noir]]/[[doo wop]]/[[neo-psychedelia]] (2013–present)
*[[Leah LaBelle]], pop/[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]/[[soul music|soul]] (2004–2018)
*[[Land (band)|LAND]], [[jazz]]/[[world music|world]]/rock/[[electronic music|electronic]] (1993–2001)
*[[The Lashes]], [[power pop]] (2000–2008)
*[[Lavender Country]], [[country music|country]]/[[Americana (music)|Americana]] (1972–1976, 1999–2000, 2014–present)
*[[Legion Within]], [[dark wave]]/[[gothic rock]]/[[industrial rock]] (2000–present)
*[[The Lemons]], [[post-grunge]]/[[pop-punk]]/[[thrash metal]] (1991–1996)
*[[Dave Lewis (American musician)|Dave Lewis]], [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] (1957–1969)
*[[Peter Scott Lewis]], [[contemporary classical music|contemporary classical]] (1980s-present)
*[[Ryan Lewis]] (born in [[Spokane, Washington]]), [[alternative hip hop]]/[[progressive rap]]/[[pop rap]]/[[hipster hop]] (2006–present)
*[[Limp Richerds]], [[hardcore punk]]/[[noise rock]]/[[grunge]] (1981–1987)
*[[Little Champions]], [[indie rock]] (1996–present)
*[[Living Daylights (jazz band)|Living Daylights]], [[jazz]]-[[jamband]] (1995–present)
*[[Loaded (band)|Loaded]], [[hard rock]]/[[punk rock]] (1999–2002, 2006–present)
*[[The Long Winters]], [[indie rock]] (2001–present)
*[[Love Battery]], [[alternative rock]]/[[grunge]]/[[psychedelic rock]] (1989–2002, 2006, 2011–2013)
*[[Macklemore]], [[alternative hip hop]]/[[progressive rap]]/[[pop rap]]/[[hipster hop]] (2000–present)
*[[Mad Rad]], [[hipster hop]]/[[electronic music|electronic]] (2007–2010)
*[[Mad Season (band)|Mad Season]], [[alternative rock]]/[[grunge]] (1994–1996)
*[[The Magic Magicians]], [[indie rock]] (2000–present)
*[[Maktub (band)|Maktub]], [[jazz fusion]]/[[prog rock]] (1996–present)
*[[The Maldives (band)|The Maldives]], [[alternative country|alt-country]]/[[country rock]] (2002–present)
*[[Mamiffer]], [[post-rock]]/[[ambient music|ambient]]/[[experimental rock]]/[[drone music|drone]] ((2007–present)
*[[Manooghi Hi]], [[prog rock]] (2007–present)
*[[Briana Marela]], [[indie rock]] (2010–present)
*[[Massive Monkees]], [[b-boy]] crew 
*[[Math and Physics Club]], [[indie pop]]/[[twee pop]] (2004–present)
*[[Duff McKagan]], [[hard rock|hard]]/[[punk rock]] (1979–present)
*[[The Mentors]], [[shock rock]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy]]/[[thrash metal]] (1976–1996, 2001–present)
*[[Mateo Messina]], classical/[[film score]] (1995–present)
*[[Emi Meyer]], [[jazz]] (2007–present)
*[[Victor Aloysius Meyers|Vic Meyers]], [[jazz]] (1910s–1930s)
*[[Mico de Noche]], [[sludge metal]] (2001–present)
*[[Minus the Bear]], [[math rock|math]]/[[experimental rock|experimental]]/[[prog rock]] (2001–2018)
*[[The Missionary Position (band)|The Missionary Position]], [[hard rock]]/[[blues]]/[[funk]] (2009–present)
*[[Mistrust (band)|Mistrust]], [[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] (1984–1988)
*[[Jonathan Moore (musician)|Jonathan Moore]] (Wordsayer), [[Northwest hip hop]] (1992–2017)
*[[Pamela Moore]], [[hard rock]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] (1981–present)
*[[Mother Love Bone]], [[grunge]]/[[glam punk]] (1988–1990)
*[[Mr. Hill]], [[alternative hip hop|alternative]]/[[Northwest hip hop]] (1999–present)
*[[Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band]], [[indie rock|indie]]/[[alternative rock]] (2008–present)
*[[Mudhoney]], [[alternative rock]]/[[grunge]]/[[garage punk (fusion genre)|garage punk]] (1988–present)
*[[The Murder City Devils]], [[horror punk|horror]]/[[garage punk (fusion genre)|garage punk]] (1996–2001, 2006–present)
*[[My Sister's Machine]], [[hard rock]]/[[grunge]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[alternative metal]] (1989–1994, 2010–2011)
*[[The Myriad]], [[indie rock|indie]]/[[alternative rock]] (2002–2009)
*[[Nacho Picasso]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]] (2010–present)
*[[Naked Giants]], [[rock and roll]]/[[psychedelic rock]]/[[grunge]]/[[post-punk]]/[[lo-fi music|lo-fi]] (2014–present)
*[[Narrows (band)|Narrows]], [[mathcore]]/[[hardcore punk]]/[[post-hardcore]]/[[sludge metal]] (2008–present)
*[[Nerve Filter]], [[electronic music|electronic]] (1995–present)
*[[Nevada Bachelors]], [[alternative rock|alternative]]/[[indie rock|indie]]/[[pop rock]] (1997–2001)
*[[Nevermore]], [[heavy metal music|heavy]]/[[progressive metal|progressive]]/[[thrash metal|thrash]]/[[power metal]] (1991–2001)
*[[New American Shame]], [[hard rock]] (1998–2001, 2010–present)
*[[Night Beats]], [[garage rock]]/[[psychedelic rock]]/[[soul music|soul]]/[[surf rock]] (2009–present)
*[[Nightcaps (Seattle band)|Nightcaps]], [[lounge music|lounge]]/pop/[[jazz]]/[[torch song|torch]]/[[soul music|soul]]/[[garage rock]] (1994–present)
*[[The No WTO Combo]], [[hardcore punk]]/[[spoken word]] (1999)
*[[NoClue]], [[West Coast hip hop|West Coast]]/[[Northwest hip hop]] (2004–present)
*[[Oldominion]] [[alternative hip hop|alternative]]/[[Northwest hip hop]] (1999–present)
*[[On the Last Day]], [[post-hardcore]]/[[alternative rock]]/[[emo]]/[[screamo]] (2003–2009)
*[[Onry Ozzborn]], [[alternative hip hop|alternative]]/[[Northwest hip hop]] (1997–present)
*[[Orcas (duo)|Orcas]], [[dream pop]]/[[ambient pop]]/[[electronic music|electronic]] (2012–present)
*[[Orkestar RTW]], [[Balkan music|Balkan]]/[[folk music|folk]] (1987–present)
*[[Sean Osborn]], classical/[[chamber music|chamber]] (1980s-present)
*[[Pacific Gold]], [[contemporary Christian music|contemporary Christian]]/[[folk rock]]/[[indie rock]] (2012–present)
*[[Jim Page (singer)|Jim Page]], [[folk music|folk]] [[busking|busker]]
*[[The Pale Pacific]], [[indie rock]]/[[power pop]] (1994–present)
*[[Aaron Parks]], [[jazz]] (1999–present)
*[[Past Lives (band)|Past Lives]], [[post-punk]]/[[experimental rock]]/[[post-hardcore]] (2007–present)
*[[Pearl Jam]], [[grunge]]/[[alternative rock]]/[[hard rock]] (1990–present)
*[[Pedro the Lion]], [[indie rock]]/[[slowcore]]/[[emo]] (1995–2006, 2017–present)
*[[Perfume Genius]], [[art pop|art]]/[[baroque pop|baroque]]/[[indie pop|indie]]/[[chamber pop]] (2008–present)
*[[Perkins Coie Band]], [[rock and roll]]/[[garage rock]] (1999–present)
*[[Pickwick (band)|Pickwick]], [[indie rock]]/[[garage rock]]/[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] (2008–present)
*[[Pigeonhed]], [[funk]]/[[soul music|soul]]/[[trip hop]]/[[lo-fi music|lo-fi]] (1993–1997, 2010–2019)
*[[Pleaseeasaur]], [[camp (style)|camp]] [[musical comedy]] (1997–2009)
*[[Pollens (band)|Pollens]], [[indie rock]] (2008–present)
*[[Ponga (band)|Ponga]], [[jazz]] [[musical improvisation|improv]] (1997–2001)
*[[Pony Time (band)|Pony Time]], [[garage rock]]/[[punk rock]] (2009–present)
*[[Poor Moon]], [[indie folk]]/[[indie pop|pop]] (2012–present)
*[[The Postal Service]], [[indietronica]]/[[indie pop]]/[[synth-pop]] (2001–2005, 2013)
*[[Posse (band)|Posse]], [[indie rock]] (2010–2017)
*[[The Presidents of the United States of America (band)|The presidents of the United States of America]], [[alternative rock]]/[[pop-punk]]/[[post-grunge]] (1993–1998, 2002–2015)
*[[Pretty Girls Make Graves]], [[post-punk]]/[[indie rock]]/[[emo]] (2001–2007)
*[[The Prom (band)|The Prom]], [[indie rock]] (1999–present)
*[[Psychic Emperor]], [[indie rock]]/[[electronic music|electronic]] (2004–present)
*[[Q5 (band)|Q5]], [[hard rock]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] (1983–1989,:2014–present)
*[[RA Scion]], [[alternative hip hop|alternative]]/[[Northwest hip hop]] (2002–present)
*[[Raft of Dead Monkeys]], [[Christian punk]]/[[hardcore punk]]/[[noise rock]] (1999–2001, 2004)
*[[Raz Simone]] (Razpy), [[hip hop music|hip hop]]/[[trap music|trap]] (2014–present)
*[[Red Stars Theory]], [[indie rock]]/[[post-rock]]/[[slowcore]] (1995–2000)
*[[Melissa Reese]], [[hard rock]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[glam metal]]/[[alternative rock]]/[[alternative metal]]/[[electronica]]/[[experimental rock]]/[[punk rock]] (2006–present)
*[[Reignwolf]], [[indie rock]]/[[blues rock]] (2011–present)
*[[Reverend (band)|Reverend]], [[thrash metal|thrash]]/[[speed metal|speed]]/[[power metal]] (1989–1993, 2000–2010)
*[[The Revolutionary Hydra]], [[indie rock]] (1997–2003)
*[[Roadside Monument]], [[instrumental rock|instrumental]] [[math rock]]/[[emo]] (1994–1998, 2002–2003)
*[[The Rockfords]], [[alternative rock]] (1999–2003)
*[[Room Nine]], [[alternative rock|alternative]]/[[psychedelic rock]] (1980–1988)
*[[Rose Blossom Punch]], [[post-grunge]]/[[alternative rock]] (1995–1999)
*[[Loni Rose]], pop (1993–present)
*[[Rose Windows (band)|Rose Windows]], [[psychedelic rock|psychedelic]]/[[experimental rock]] (2010–2015)
*[[The Rumba Kings]], [[world music|world]]/[[Latin music|Latin]] (2015–present)
*[[Merrilee Rush]], pop/[[rock and roll]]/[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] (1960–present)
*[[Sabzi (musician)|Sabzi]], [[alternative hip hop|alternative]]/[[indie hip hop]] (2002–present)
*[[Sanctuary (band)|Sanctuary]], [[thrash metal|thrash]]/[[power metal]] (1985–1992, 2010–present)
*[[Sandrider (band)|Sandrider]], [[grunge]]/[[hard rock]]/[[sludge metal]] (2008–present)
*[[Satchel (band)|Satchel]], [[grunge]] (1991–2019)
*[[The Saturday Knights]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]]/[[indie rock]]/pop (2007–present)
*[[The Scene Aesthetic]], [[indie pop|indie]]/[[folk pop|folk]]/[[country pop]] (2005–2012)
*[[Schoolyard Heroes]], [[horror punk]]/[[alternative rock]]/[[gothic rock]]/[[shock rock]] (1999–2009)
*[[scntfc]], [[Electronic dance music|EDM]]/[[hip hop music|hip hop]]/rock (2000s-present)
*[[Marc Seales]], [[jazz]]/[[post-bop]] (1990s-present)
*[[Seapony]], [[indie pop]] (2010–2015, 2017)
*[[Seattle Chamber Players]], [[chamber music|chamber]] (1989–present)
*[[Seattle Girls Choir]], [[choral]] (1982–present)
*[[Seattle Opera]], [[opera company]] (1963–present)
*[[Seattle Pro Musica]], [[choral]]/[[a cappella]]/classical/[[contemporary classical music|contemporary classical]] (1972–present)
*[[Seattle Symphony]], classical/[[contemporary classical music|contemporary classical]] (1903–present)
*[[Second Coming (band)|Second Coming]], [[industrial dance]]/[[post-grunge]]/[[hard rock]]/[[alternative rock]] (1990–2008)
*[[Shabazz Palaces]], [[experimental hip hop|experimental]]/[[alternative hip hop]] (2009–present)
*[[Sharks Keep Moving]], [[math rock|math]]/[[indie rock]] (1997–2002)
*[[Shoplifting (band)|Shoplifting]], [[punk rock]] (2002–2006)
*[[Sicko (band)|Sicko]], [[pop-punk]] (1991–2001, 2018–present)
*[[The Sight Below]], [[ambient music|ambient]]/[[techno]]/[[shoegaze]]/[[electronic music|electronic]] (2008–present)
*[[Sir Mix-a-Lot]], [[old-school hip hop|old skool hip hop]]/[[West Coast hip hop]]/[[party rap]]/[[pop-rap]] (1981–present)
*[[Sirens Sister]], [[alternative rock]] (2006–present)
*[[Skerik]], [[jazz]]/[[saxophonics]]/[[punk jazz]] (1980s-present)
*[[Skin Yard]], [[grunge]]/[[alternative metal]] (1985–1992)
*[[Sky Cries Mary]], [[psychedelic rock]]/[[trance music|trance]]/[[industrial music|industrial]]/[[space rock]] (1988–1999, 2004–2009, 2013–present)
*[[Sledgeback]], [[punk rock]]/[[Oi!]] (2004–present)
*[[Slender Means]], [[indie rock]] (2003–2010)
*[[Sleze]], [[glam metal]] (1984–1987)
*[[Chaos Chaos|Smoosh]] (now [[Chaos Chaos]]), [[indie pop|indie]]/[[synth-pop|synth]]/[[baroque pop|baroque]]/[[twee pop]] (2000–present)
*[[SMP (band)|SMP]], [[industrial rock]] (1992–present)
*[[Soiled Doves]], [[post-hardcore]]/[[art punk]]/[[screamo]]/[[experimental rock]] (2000–2001)
*[[Sol (musician)|Sol]] (Solzilla), [[Northwest hip hop]] (2008–present)
*[[Solger]], [[hardcore punk]] (1980–1982)
*[[Soulbender]], [[alternative metal]]/[[hard rock]] (2002–2014)
*[[Soundgarden]] [[grunge]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy]] [[alternative metal]]/[[hard rock]] (1984–1997, 2010–2019)
*[[Source of Labor]], [[Northwest hip hop]] (1989–2004)
*[[Spys4Darwin]], [[alternative metal]]/[[hard rock]] (2001–2002)
*[[The Squirrels]], [[novelty song|novelty]] [[bubblegum]] [[pop-punk]] (1984–2009, 2017–present)
*[[Floyd Standifer]], [[jazz]] (1946-2000s)
*[[Sunn O)))]], [[drone metal|drone]]/[[doom metal|doom]]/[[experimental metal|experimental]]/[[black metal]] (1998–present)
*[[Sunny Day Real Estate]], [[emo]]/[[indie rock]]/[[post-grunge]]/[[post-hardcore]] (1992–1995, 1997–2001, 2009–2014, 2022–present)
*[[Super Deluxe (band)|Super Deluxe]], [[punk pop]] (1993–2005)
*[[Sweet 75]], [[alternative rock]] (1994–2000)
*[[Sweet Water (band)|Sweet Water]] [[alternative rock]]/[[punk rock]]/[[New wave music|new wave]]/[[grunge]]/[[hard rock]] (1990–1999, 2007–present)
*[[Tad (band)|Tad]], [[grunge]]/[[alternative metal]]/[[sludge metal]]/[[noise rock]] (1988–1999)
*[[Tangerine (band)|Tangerine]], [[indie pop]]/[[dream pop]]/[[indie rock]]/[[garage rock revival]] (2014–present)
*[[Tattle Tale]], [[folk punk]]/[[indie rock]] (1992–1995)
*[[Tea Cozies]], [[garage rock]] (2005–2012)
*[[Teen Angels (American band)|Teen Angels]], [[grunge]] (1990s)
*[[The Tempers]], [[synth-pop]]/[[glam rock]]/[[art rock]]/[[dark cabaret]] (2006–present)
*[[Temple of the Dog]], [[grunge]]/[[alternative rock]] (1990–1992, 2003, 2009, 2011, 2014–2016, 2019)
*[[Gabriel Teodros]], [[Northwest hip hop]] (1999–present)
*[[These Arms Are Snakes]], [[post-hardcore]]/[[alternative metal]] (2002–2009, 2016, 2021)
*[[This Busy Monster]], [[indie rock]] (1992–2001)
*[[This Providence]], [[alternative rock]]/[[indie rock]]/[[pop-punk]]/[[emo]] (2003–2013)
*[[Jennifer Thomas (pianist)|Jennifer Thomas]], classical/[[crossover music|crossover]]/[[new-age music|new-age]] (1990s-present)
*[[Thorr's Hammer]], [[death-doom]] (1994–1995, 2009–2010)
*[[Thrones (band)|Thrones]], [[doom metal]]/[[avant-garde music|avant-garde]]/[[noise rock]]/[[experimental rock]] (1994–present)
*[[Throw Me the Statue]], [[indie pop]] (2005–2013)
*[[Thunderpussy]], [[hard rock|hard]]/[[blues rock]] (2014–present)
*[[Tiny Vipers]], [[indie rock]] (2006–present)
*[[The Tiptons Sax Quartet]], [[jazz]] (1990s-present)
*[[TKO (band)|TKO]], [[hard rock]]/[[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]] (1977–1986, 1994, 1997, 2001, 2018)
*[[Toe Tag (American band)|Toe Tag]], [[hardcore punk]]/[[thrash metal]]/[[metalcore]] (2006–present)
*[[Total Experience Gospel Choir]], [[gospel music|gospel]] (1973–present)
*[[Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players]], [[anti-folk]]/[[indie rock]]/[[art pop]] (2000–2011)
*[[Trial (Seattle band)|Trial]], [[hardcore punk]] (1995–2000, 2005, 2009, 2011)
*[[The Tripwires]], [[power pop]]/[[Pub rock (United Kingdom)|pub rock]] (2006–present)
*[[Truly (band)|Truly]], [[grunge]]/[[psychedelic rock]]/[[alternative rock]] (1990–1998, 2008–present)
*[[Tuatara (band)|Tuatara]], [[instrumental]] [[world music|world]]/[[folk music|folk]] (1996–present)
*[[Tullycraft]], [[indie pop]]/[[twee pop]]/[[cuddlecore]] (1995–present)
*[[The Turn-Ons]], [[alternative rock]] (1997–2008)
*[[The U-Men]], [[grunge]]/[[punk rock]]/[[post-punk]]/[[garage rock]]/[[noise rock]] (1980–1989)
*[[Uncle Bonsai]], [[acoustic music|acoustic]] [[contemporary folk music|contemporary folk]] (1981–1988, 1999–present)
*[[Undertow (band)|Undertow]], [[hardcore punk]]/[[metalcore]] (1991–2004)
*[[Unified Theory (band)|Unified Theory]], [[alternative rock]]/[[post-grunge]] (1998–2001)
*[[United State of Electronica]], [[electronic rock]] (2002–present)
*[[Unwed Sailor]], [[instrumental rock]]/[[ambient music|ambient]]/[[post-rock]] (1998–present)
*[[Vells]], [[indie rock]] (2001–present)
*[[Vendetta Red]], [[alternative rock]]/[[screamo]]/[[emo]]/[[post-grunge]]/[[post-hardcore]] (1998–2006, 2010–present)
*[[Visqueen (band)|Visqueen]], [[pop-punk]]/[[power pop]]/[[indie rock]] (2001–2011)
*[[Walt Wagner]], [[lounge music|lounge]]/pop/classical/[[rock and roll]] (1960–2017)
*[[Frank D. Waldron|Frank Waldron]], [[jazz]] (1910s–1950s)
*[[The Walkabouts]], [[indie rock]]/[[alternative country|alt-country]]/[[folk rock]]/[[chamber pop]]/[[slowcore]] (1984–2015)
*[[Walking Papers (band)|Walking Papers]], [[alternative rock]] (2013–present)
*[[War Babies (band)|War Babies]], [[hard rock]]/[[glam metal]] (1998–1993)
*[[Waxwing (band)|Waxwing]], [[emo]]/[[indie rock]] (1996–2005)
*[[Harold Weeks (musician)|Harold Weeks]], [[jazz]]/[[ragtime]] (1910s–1967)
*[[Wellwater Conspiracy]], [[alternative rock]]/[[garage rock]]/[[neo-psychedelia]]/[[space rock]] (1993–2004)
*[[Western State Hurricanes]], [[indie rock]] (1997–1999)
*[[Whangdoodle Entertainers]], [[jazz]]/[[ragtime]] (1907–1925)
*[[White (band)|White]], [[prog rock]] (2005–2022)
*[[Willard (band)|Willard]], [[grunge]]/[[sludge metal]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[alternative metal]] (1989–1995, 2018)
*[[William Control]] ([[Wil Francis]]), [[dark wave]]/[[synth-pop]]/[[gothic rock]] (2008–2017, 2020)
*[[Dick Wilson (musician)|Dick Wilson]], [[jazz]] (1930–1941)
*[[Wimps (band)|Wimps]], [[punk rock]] (2012–present)
*[[Wizdom]], [[Northwest hip hop]] (2008–present)
*[[Wonderful (band)|Wonderful]], [[dream pop]] (1999–present)
*[[Xperience]], [[alternative hip hop]] (2004–present)
*[[The Young Fresh Fellows]], [[alternative rock]] (1981–present)
*[[Zeke (band)|Zeke]], [[hardcore punk]]/[[hard rock]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] (1992–present)
*[[Zipgun]], [[punk rock]] (1991–1994)

===Sequim===
*[[Bailey Bryan]], pop/[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]/[[country music|country]] (2016–present)

===Snohomish===
*[[Megs McLean]], [[country rock]]/[[grunge]]/"crunge" (2015–present)

===Spokane===
*[[Cami Bradley]], [[folk music|folk]]/pop (2013–present)
*[[Michael Clarke (musician)|Michael Clarke]], [[folk rock|folk]]/[[country rock]] (1964–1993)
*[[Bing Crosby]], [[traditional pop]]/[[vocal jazz]] (1922–1977)
*[[Bob Crosby]], [[jazz]]/[[big band]] [[swing music|swing]]/[[dixieland]] (1931–1993)
*[[Enterprise Earth]], [[deathcore]] (2014–present)
*[[Thomas Hampson]], opera/romantic/[[chamber music|chamber]]/[[show tune]]s (1980–present)
*[[Myles Kennedy]], [[alternative metal]]/[[blues rock]]/[[hard rock]]/[[jazz]] (1988–present)
*[[The Makers (American band)|The Makers]], [[garage rock]] (1991–present)
*[[The Chad Mitchell Trio]], [[Folk music|folk]] (1958–1967, 1987, 2005–2014)
*[[Patrice Munsel]], opera/[[show tune]]s (1943–2008)
*[[Jimmy Rowles]], [[jazz]]/[[swing music|swing]]/[[cool jazz]] (1940s–1980s)
*[[Spokane Symphony]], classical (1945–present)
*[[Telecast (band)|Telecast]], [[Christian rock]] (2003–2008)
*[[Too Slim and the Taildraggers]], [[blues rock]] (1986–present)
*[[Tyrone Wells]], [[folk pop]] (2000–present)
*[[Merrill Womach]], [[gospel music|gospel]] (1960–1985)

===Stanwood===
*[[Bundle of Hiss]], [[hard rock]]/[[grunge]]/[[heavy metal music|heavy metal]] (1980–1988)

===Tacoma===
*[[Botch (band)|Botch]], [[mathcore]]/[[metalcore]] (1993–2002)
*[[Neko Case]], [[indie rock]]/[[alternative country|alt-country]]/[[folk rock]]/[[Americana (music)|Americana]] (1994–present)
*[[Corky Corcoran]], [[jazz]] (1940–1979)
*[[Girl Trouble (band)|Girl Trouble]], [[garage rock]] (1983–present)
*[[Donald Glaude]], [[house music|house]] (1992–present)
*[[Harkonen (band)|Harkonen]], [[post-hardcore]] (1997–2005)
*[[He is We]], [[indie pop]] (2008–present)
*[[Junkyard Jane]], [[Americana (music)|Americana]]/[[Swamp rock|"Swampabilly"]] (1997–present)
*[[Liar's Club (band)|Liar's Club]], [[melodic]] pop (1989–1995, 2013)
*[[Vicci Martinez]], pop/rock (2000–present)
*[[Jerry Miller]], [[psychedelic rock]]/[[folk rock]] (1959–present)
*[[Motopony]], [[indie rock|indie]]/[[alternative rock]] (2008–present)
*[[Ronny Munroe]], [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]/[[thrash metal]]/[[prog metal]]/[[hard rock]] (1986–present)
*[[Roald Reitan]], opera (1957-1970s)
*[[Roy (band)|Roy]], [[folk rock|folk]]/[[indie rock]] (2002–2006, 2010)
*[[Seaweed (band)|Seaweed]], [[punk rock]]/[[alternative rock]]/[[post-hardcore]] (1989–1999, 2007–2014)
*[[Some By Sea]], [[baroque pop]]/[[symphonic rock]] (2002–2006)
*[[Swelter]], [[noise rock]]/[[hardcore punk]]/[[shoegaze]] (1989–1998)
*[[The Ventures]], [[instrumental rock]]/[[surf rock]] (1958–present)
*[[Versing]], [[alternative rock]]/[[indie rock]]/[[shoegaze]] (2015–present)
*[[The Wailers (rock band)|The [Fabulous] Wailers]], [[garage rock]]/[[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] (1958–1969)
*[[Jaime Wyatt]], [[outlaw country]]/[[Americana (music)|Americana]] (2002–present)
*[[Harry Stewart|Yogi Yorgesson]], [[traditional pop]] [[parody music]] (1927–1941)

===Tenino===
*[[Adam Craig (singer-songwriter)|Adam Craig]], [[country music|country]] (2004–present)

===Tri-Cities===
*[[Larry Coryell]], [[jazz fusion]]/[[free jazz]]/pop/rock/classical (1965–2017)
*[[Gosling (band)|Gosling]] (formerly Loudermilk), [[hard rock|hard]]/[[alternative rock]] (1995–2006)
*[[Kristine W]], dance/[[house music|house]]/[[electronica]]/[[jazz]] (1985–present)
*[[James Otto]], [[country music|country]] (2002–present)
*[[Michael Peterson (singer)|Michael Peterson]], [[country music|country]] (1986–present)

===Tumwater===
*[[Karp (band)|Karp]], [[post-hardcore]] (1990–1998)
*[[Survival Knife (band)|Survival Knife]], [[post-hardcore]] (2011–2015)
*[[Unwound]], [[post-hardcore]]/[[noise rock]]/[[experimental rock]] (1991–2002)

===Vancouver WA===
*[[Jeff Lorber]], [[smooth jazz]]/[[jazz fusion]] (1975–present)

===Vashon===
*[[The Pharmacy]], [[psychedelic rock|psychedelic]]/[[indie rock]] (2002–present)
*[[Poor Old Lu]], [[Christian alternative rock]]/[[pop punk]] (1990–2002, 2011, 2013, 2014)
*[[Sumac (band)|Sumac]], [[post-metal]]/[[sludge metal]] (2014–present)

===Wahkiakum County===
*[[Giants in the Trees]], [[alternative rock]] (2017–present)

===Walla Walla===
*[[Chastity Belt (band)|Chastity Belt]], [[alternative rock]]/[[rock and roll]]/[[noise pop]]/[[pop rock]] (2010–present)
*[[Evelyn Evelyn]], [[baroque pop]]/[[Americana (music)|Americana]]/[[dark cabaret]] (2007–2012)

===Wenatchee===
*[[The Chargers (band)|The Chargers]], [[garage rock]] (1966–1969)
*[[Dan Hamilton (musician)|Dan Hamilton]], [[surf rock]] (1963–1994)
*[[Judd Hamilton]], [[surf rock]]/[[country music|country]] (1961–present)
*[[Don Lanphere]], [[jazz]] (1947–2003)

===Yakima===
*[[Oleta Adams]], [[gospel music|gospel]]/[[pop rock]]/[[soul music|soul]]/[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]/[[jazz]] (1980–present)
*[[Gary Peacock]], [[jazz]]/[[avant-garde jazz]]/[[free jazz]] (1956–2020)
*[[The Velvet Illusions]], [[garage rock]] (1965–1967)

(Note: years active are as of July 23, 2022 and are in some cases approximate)
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Hip-hop music in the Pacific Northwest]]
* [[Indigenous music of North America#Northwest Coast]]
* [[Museum of Pop Culture]]
* [[Music of Seattle]]
* [[List of songs about Seattle]]
* [[List of musicians from Seattle]]
* [[Music of Olympia, Washington]]
* [[Music of the Pacific Northwest]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* [[Steven Blush|Blush, Steven]] (2001). ''[[American Hardcore: A Tribal History]]''. Los Angeles, CA: [[Feral House]]. {{ISBN|0-922915-71-7}}.
* Bush, James. "Encyclopedia of Northwest Music: From Classical Recordings to Classic Rock Performances, Your Guide to the Best of the Region". Seattle: Sasquatch Books, 1999. 340p. {{ISBN|1-57061-141-6}}

{{Washington}}

[[Category:Music of Washington (state)| ]]
[[Category:Music of the United States by state|Washington]]
[[Category:Washington (state) culture]]