Ask Amy Grant what advice she would give herself if she could go back in time and she’d tell you, “don’t waste energy measuring yourself against somebody else… Because everybody is gifted.”

Words of wisdom from a woman who has been through a lot in her life. But it isn’t the 6 GRAMMY® Awards or the countless forms of recognition that are teaching Amy the most – though they are undeniably very important parts of her journey – on top of it all, it’s the life experience. It’s learning how to embrace blessings that come in different forms.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Lisa Loeb in the Seattle area – but lucky for us, she is going to be playing at the Kirkland Performance Center tomorrow night. I was lucky enough to have a fantastic chat with Lisa just a couple of days before the show, check it out!

Every time I talk to ZZ Ward, I get just a little more inspired by her.  Her unyielding determination, her courage to do something different – to promote DIRTYSHINE – have left no question in my mind that the only direction that this woman is going is up. ZZ was kind enough to sit down [...]

Those glasses. That sweet and relatable voice…

It’s no wonder that no one can captivate the world quite like iconic pop-rocker Lisa Loeb. After spending time doing some voice over work and writing children’s books, Lisa is back with her seventh album, No Fairy Tale. “This record is a return to making grownup records regularly.” She explained, “It’s full of punky/poppy/rock energy.”

Ben Union’s got a new record and it’s a great one. If you love having a good time with music without abandoning intelligent lyrics, then you’re going to love these guys. After four years together, this band is starting to make some big waves in the Seattle music scene and beyond – and if you’ve been to one of their live shows, you already know why!

The first time I heard ZZ Ward’s voice, I knew that I had stumbled upon something magical – something incredibly special. It’s not just her voice either…it’s her all-around musical depth and rhythm – it’s her radiating self-confidence and raw talent. Her debut record, ‘Til the Casket Drops, is a collection of bluesy, gritty songs with the dirtiest beats you can find (in a really good way) and if you haven’t checked it out, I suggest you drop everything and do it right now.

“You belong here,” – three words that had a profound impact on LEAGUES band-mates Thad Cockrell, Jeremy Lutito and Tyler Burkum. “There’s something about saying that you belong to somebody – that you belong here.” Says drummer Jeremy Lutito, “It’s kind of like you showing up at a party, and you don’t know it’s for you, but literally everyone is genuinely happy that you’re there. That’s our whole deal.”

Los Angeles rock band The Gallery is gearing up to release their first full-length record, Restless, in early 2013. The four-piece band is comprised of brothers Brendan and Ryan Cooney, Dave Mozdzanowski and Ben Lozano.

Susanna Hoffs is heading to Seattle’s Triple Door Theater this Sunday and she’s bringing a set of brand new 60s-influenced songs to share from her latest album, Someday. Her shows, she says, are a lot more spontaneous this time around. “Part of what’s really special and fun is that every show is different,” she says about this very special solo tour. “I get to sort of make it up on the spot.”

The first bit of text on Esthero’s Facebook page describes her as “your favourite singer’s favourite singer”…and boy, I can definitely understand why. Her voice is stop-in-your-tracks beautiful. Her latest album, Everything is Expensive, is beautiful in it’s honesty and simplicity. Esthero was kind enough to do an e-mail Q&A for us and I’m honored to share it with you! Give her a listen, I know you’ll love her!

As much as I loved Alison Sudol of A Fine Frenzy and her latest album, Pines…I love her and it even more now that I’ve seen her perform the record live.

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you couldn’t go underwater? Singer-songwriter Joshua Radin never had to wonder – that’s just how life was for him growing up. Diagnosed with a hole in his eardrum at just 4 years old, Joshua was forced to be a land-dweller throughout his formative years and well into adulthood. “Everyone takes it for granted, I think, the ability to go underwater.” he tells me as we sit on a couch backstage at Seattle’s Moore Theater, “I started thinking about alienation and different worlds that people can never be a part of. That’s one for me, obviously.”