Word Around the Sound is… the community lost an inspirational leader and beautiful spirit with the passing of Elijah L. Lewis. Tragically, the 23-year-old’s life was taken away due to a minor traffic incident which unnecessarily escalated into gun violence resulting in Lewis losing his life while protecting and saving his young nephew.
Seemingly from birth, Elijah was a beacon of hope for his community. He spent his life championing for those around him, for social justice and real change. He led his community down a path full of love, compassion, and deeper connections. The impact that he made in his short time will forever remain embedded in his community with his spirit continuing to radiate through those that knew him best.
Before his passing, one of the many things Elijah Lewis had been working on was an event with his company Ethereal Vision, a company formed to help empower creatives. Join the community at the Sankofa Theater for a night of humor and healing with the 4/20 comedy special, Puff, Eat and Laugh. The event will pay tribute to Elijah, with proceeds helping to continue Ethereal’s vision of supporting and empowering creatives.
Elijah Lewis on The Day With Trae for Converge Media
Elijah L. Lewis Honored by Community In Rainier Valley
Kassa Overall Announces New Album and NPR Tiny Desk Concert
Kassa Overall has a new album called Animals set to release May 26. He’s released a couple singles off of the album which you can hear on Bandcamp. As well, you can preview the rest of the album, which is stacked with features from artists like Theo Crocker, Danny Brown, Lil B, Shabazz Palaces and many more. While you wait for the album, check out Kassa Overall’s phenomenal Tiny Desk Concert that recently debuted on NPR.
The Unusuals (Ninjaface x Xperience) “The Wake”
A new duo has formed from two legendary artists of the Oldominion hip-hop crew, Ninjaface and Xperience are The Unusuals. Their first single “The Wake” is out now and has already transported listeners back to the classic boom bap era. What’s key about this duo is that they have grown and developed their sound to compete with the modern hip-hop sound while staying true to their roots.
10 Thousand Rats (Jesse Desean x Andy Savoie) “Deer God”
The duo of Jesse Desean and Andy Savoie just keeps unfolding into this complex, diverse, experimental and highly intriguing project. 10 Thousand Rats has put out a few singles now, the most recent one being an eclectic dance track dripping with marinara sauce. All hail the “Deer God”!
Don Grey “Buddha Temple Rugs”
What Don Grey brings to the table is something you don’t find too often. Tonally, his voice is warm, comforting, and flows smoothly. Sonically, his songs are always something to bop your head to. However, lyrically Don packs a heavy punch often speaking on social injustices and corruptions in big business and the government. For such a young voice in the scene, Don Grey is full of wisdom and his new track “Buddha Temple Rugs” is a stellar example of that.
La Fonda We Are Infinite
If you’re into dreamy-beachy-surfer-rock-n-roll-pop music, then La Fonda is for you. This sister-led band just released their newest album We Are Infinite with a release party celebration at Neumos on April 13. Starting off the year they were featured by KING 5 Evening News and have since done a KEXP in-studio performance, as well as a successful run of shows at SXSW in Austin. They’ve been buzzing both in and out of Seattle and it’s so well deserved. Throughout We Are Infinite, you can hear the refinement in their overall sound, their individual talents, and they’re packaging and presentation. I’m stoked to see where they go from here.
GRADY There You Have It
Cinematic soundscape producer GRADY has released his latest audio film There You Have It. The album begins with some wise “Words From Gil” Scott-Heron, then takes you on a contemplative journey through life, finally ending with a reflection on the “Past, Present, Future.” I was thrilled to see a vocal feature from Dave Shanaé on the track “End of the Rainbow.” His voice matches GRADY’s production in emotional maturity; blending their talents together makes for an unforgettable song within an absolutely captivating album.
Bryce Bowden x Greg Cypher When in Rome
Bryce Bowden partnered up with Greg Cypher to release their album, When in Rome. Usually, we’d see Greg focusing on the rhymes but with this project we get an entire project exclusively produced by him. When I first heard that these two were making a project together, I knew it would be a high energy offering; There’s no letting up on the gas on this album, it’s full throttle from the jump. At times, though, that energy feels a bit chaotic and sounds disjointed. However, there’s real intention behind everything here and I feel like this collaboration came together in a super solid and cohesive project that speaks to the growth these artists have had over the years.
Upcoming Events Around the Sound
Friday, April 14: When in Rome album listening party with Bryce Bowden and Greg Cypher at Arch Rivals Studio at 8pm.
Wednesday, April 19: ZoZ Party for a Cause fundraiser for Elijah Lewis will be thrown at the Rose Temple bar from 4-7pm. Tickets are $25 for those 21+, with all proceeds going to support the Lewis family and community work.
Thursday, April 20: Puff, Eat and Laugh, a comedy show at the Sankofa Theater in honor of Elijah Lewis. Doors open at 5:30, and tickets are $40 with all proceeds going directly to the family of Elijah.
Thursday, April 20: Dave B is performing at the Crocodile with Abjo’s The Good Foot band. Khingz with Mic Flont, Naduh, and Lanae Misfit are also on the bill. The show is 21 and up, doors open at 8pm, and tickets are $22 in advance and $25 at the door.
Thursday, April 20 & Friday, April 21: Blksknn is releasing a new album, Quiet Kid in the Corner, on April 19th and will be celebrating with an album release party at Black Noise Records in Bellingham on April 20, and at Throwbacks Northwest in Seattle the following day.
Friday, April 21: The Run-Off, led by Tré Ross and friends, will be taking over the Mediums Collective store-front to have a unique showcase of many talents. Sponsored by Freddy’s Fuego, the night will include live music performances, food and drinks, giveaways and more! Those over the age of 21 can roll through from 8pm to midnight to celebrate the best cannabis, fashion, and music the city has to offer. Tickets are just $5 in advance or you can pay $10 at the door.
Saturday, April 29: Daizha‘s first headlining show will be at Barboza with Shelby Swims, Josiah Mekhi and DJ Kween Kaysh. Doors open at 7pm, the show is 21+ and tickets are $12 in advance with the price going up to $15 the day of the show.
