The Story Surrounding Seattle Grunge Bands

Seattle is notorious for having some of the most influential grunge bands in history. They have all of the greats plus some up and coming post grunge stars on the horizon. This is an art that truly has to be loved to be appreciated. It is everything real and raw. Many describe it as life in lyrics. Grunge is a mixture of punk, hard rock and heavy metal that deals with real issues and evokes a real emotion from its listeners. One such band was Nirvana. Although deceased, Kurt Cobain was a huge part of the American and contemporary rock movement that went worldwide.

Also from Seattle are Temple of the Dog, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Other famous bands from Seattle include Alice in Chains, Mother Love Bone, the Screaming Trees and Green River just to name a few. Seattle has birthed many great bands through the grunge culture that is still holding strong today.

Mudhoney, and Candlebox are on all this list of greats as well. With all of the amazing talent and raw emotion on the surface as well as the amazing artists who evolved from this city it is tough to imagine it getting any better. However, Seattle is not finished producing amazing stars from the depths of its inner cities. There are several up and coming new age grunge bands on the rise, and we will most likely be hearing about them in the very near future.

The post grunge traditions are being carried on through the new age grunge bands. The Sound of Madness which was released in 2008 is one example of new age Grunge. Grunge, if you will, is a cousin of alternative music. It actually was birthed in Washington in the mid to late 80's. It has a very distinct sound and following. All of the great artists that emerged made it what it is today. While it is not as mainstream as other styles, the early Seattle grunge bands are still influencing almost all rock music released even in 2013.

Grunge took a beating from the post grunge scene and all of the controversy surrounding the death of one if its legends. Many bands broke up, and some sparked interests of their own, but this came into the mainstream and created an undying culture and movement that still has a major impact on the music world today. While grunge music may not be mainstream the culture and the music is still very much alive.

The Most Famous Seattle Bands

Let's be honest here for a moment about famous Seattle bands. There are a TON of them! So you may be asking yourself, how in the world did I pick out the top 10 bands to put on this list? Well, simply put it is based solely on opinion. That's right, this is my list of picks, and I hope you enjoy (in no particular order):

1. Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam is a band that I hear all the time on the radio, and I still don't get sick of hearing their hits. Their first and most defining album, Ten, was released on August 27th, 1991. Ten managed to stay on the billboard charts for over two years, went 13 times platinum, and became one of the highest selling rock albums ever. Not bad for a first release!

2. Nirvana

What is there to say about Nirvana that hasn't been already? The band that brought alternative and grunge music to the forefront of the music industry, blending memes of punk, rock, acoustic guitar, and conflicting vocal lines. While their first release of Bleach in 1989 was a success for the band on Sub Pop Records, it was Nevermind that catapulted the band to fame.

3. Soundgarden

Started in 1984 by singer Chris Cornell, Soundgarden failed to achieve commercial success and large fame until the grunge genre became popular in the early 90's. They were however, the first grunge band to sign a major label contract in 1988 with A&M Records. Their most successful album came in 1994 entitled, Superunknown. Not only did it debut at number one on the Billboard charts, but the singles "Black Hole Sun" and "Spoonman" both became Grammy winning singles.

4. Alice In Chains

Another great Seattle band that rose during the grunge movement of the early 90's. Something I really enjoy about Alice In Chains is how varied their music can be. Sometimes acoustic and light, but other times filled with thick heavy metal distortion. And let us not forget the harmonized vocals between Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell. To this day their album Dirt remains one of my favorites.

5. Death Cab For Cutie

Transatlanticism in 2003 pushed this group to widespread commercial success and fame. However, Death Cab For Cutie has had a strong Indie following since its debut album, Something About Airplanes in 1998. Definitely a more down tempo and emotional gripping band, I find myself listening to them on rainy days, along with Ben Gibbard's other project, The Postal Service.

6. Jimi Hendrix

Simply put, the number one greatest guitarists of the rock genre. Well, at least accordingly to Rolling Stone, and I'd say they know what they're talking about. It still amazes me how phenomenal his riffs and solos are, not to mention the overall song structure. He is easily one of the most important and influential musicians of the 20th century, and has inspired thousands of others over the years.

7. Heart

I love Heart. As one of the newest inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2013), they have been one of the most enduring hard rock bands in history. They originally came to fame in the 1970's after releasing their breakthrough album, Dreamboat Annie. The two singles "Crazy on You" and "Magic Man" were key to their success at the time, and remain fan favorites to this day.

8. Queensrÿche

These guys have been quite successful in the progressive heavy metal scene. Formed in 1981, they received worldwide recognition after releasing Operation: Mindcrime in 1988. To many, this is considered one of the greatest concept albums to ever be released.

9. Dave Matthews Band

To this day, Dave Matthews Band continues to fill venues (and the Gorge) full of people, and for good reason. Not only is the music amazing, but watching them perform live is something that everyone should see. As a drummer myself, I do tend to geek out a little bit while watching Carter Beauford solo! Not only a local legend, Dave Matthews Band also had the highest ticket sales of any North American act from 2000 to 2010. Pretty impressive.

10. Modest Mouse

OK, so technically these guys are from Issaquah. No matter though, as they have made a name for themselves in the Indie-pop scene. To be fair, it took me several listens of their album Good News For People Who Love Bad News to really appreciate them. But once I did, I was hooked.

An amicable list of the top 10 famous Seattle bands if I do say so myself. Feel free to disagree, but you have to admit that each group listed above has had its share of fame and influence in the music industry.

How To Make It As A DIY Band In 5 Steps

For many DIY Bands, the idea of making it big is centered on the belief that "if I keep making music and playing out, I'll eventually get discovered by a record label." Let me tell you from personal experience my friend, that you have a greater chance of getting struck by lightning. Twice. Simply put, you shouldn't rely on any form of luck if you want to be successful.

Instead, you need to think of yourself and your band as a business, and you are the manager. And what do all successful businesses have? A plan. So here, in no particular order, are my top 5 steps to get you pointed in the right direction:

1. E-mail Is King!

Start an e-mail list, and get everybody to sign up for it. And I do mean everybody! Have a sign up form at every show that you play. Ask your friends and family to sign up. Network with other musicians and get them to sign up. Then, make sure you communicate with your entire list at least once a month. Make it a newsletter, and have content that is relevant and interesting. Don't just try to sell your albums and merchandise. Really try to connect with your fans.

2. Join The Social Networking Craze!

I will be the first to admit, I knew absolutely nothing about social networking when I started. And I still have plenty to learn. However, it is very important for you to have a Facebook page for your band, at the very least. You should also look into Twitter and YouTube. Learn how each of these networks tick, and get into the habit of sending out regular updates. Your fans like and follow you for a reason, so keep them interested.

3. Sign Up For Reverbnation!

Get a Reverbnation account, and aim for the top. Clearly define what genre of music you are, and work your way to at least the top 10 for your city. There are many factors that can contribute and help you, including: Reverbnation fans, fans from other social networking sites, total song plays, total profile views, and comments on your page. Remember, most people browsing a site will likely not look past the top 10, so that is your goal.

4. Create A Top Notch Product!

Your product is your music, whether that be a single song or an album. But it really is more than that. Your product will represent you to a wide range of people who don't know you on a personal level. Make sure that it is something to be proud of. Don't expect your demo recordings to do the job.

5. Work Hard!

Don't ever forget "It's a long way, to the top, if you want to rock and roll!" This has never been more true. The only bands and musicians that make it nowadays are the ones that work hard. A quote that I always remember and live by is this: "You can't control how successful someone else will be. But you can control how much harder you are willing to work for your own success."

Remember, everybody has the potential for success as a DIY Band. How much you put into it is directly proportionate to what you can get out of it. 

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Rock On!