Sam Chapman

Björk, Yaeji, and the Aesthetic Concept of Ma

I am a deeply impractical person, and formerly a chubby, manga-obsessed middle-schooler, which means I’ve long been obsessed with the Japanese art of ikebana, or flower arrangement. It fascinates me for a variety of reasons (its position as an ideal pursuit for generals and accomplished warriors, its spiritual components, its dense, specific visual vocabulary, the fact that I’m a swishy brat who loves flowers) but the aspect of the practice that I’m most fascinated with is its adherence to the aesthetic concept of ma.

Solange, Lorde, and the Sweet Music of Bumbershoot

We all complain about festivals; don’t lie, you do it too. But if you peel off the layers of irony that cover your body, that cling to all full-grown Seattleites like a weird fungus, they can actually be a lot of…fun?

Totally Unofficial Queer Guide to Bumbershoot 2017

Here we are. Bumbershoot. Seattle’s flagship festival (much like every other festival these days) seems to inspire a range of reactions amongst observers: annoyance, excitement, confusion, a sudden desire to be intoxicated. But whether you like it or not, Bumbershoot is here, and this year’s festival is packed to the gills, yet again, with all the music AEG’s money could buy.

Folding Fans and Canned Chardonnay: CHBP 2017

You’re welcome, readers. You’re so welcome. While you spent the weekend tucked in bed reading Roxane Gay’s new book (or whatever), I was out in the streets, clocking in three full days of Capitol Hill Block Party so I could report back to you. It was long and hot and full of people not-so-subtly doing drugs. Ok, to be fair, it wasn’t all bad, and I did get drink tickets, but still! It was a lot of work, ok?!

Totally Unofficial Queer Guide to Capitol Hill Block Party 2017

[Editor’s Note] The Capitol Hill Block Party is back once again. Frequently referred to by some as Straight Pride™, or at least as one of the loudest and most public symptoms/causes of gentrification on the Hill, it’s still a great place to hear some great live music.

Hardly Boys “Middle School” Jetspace Premiere

My encounter with Hardly Boys begins with a bang. At six-thirty (our appointed meeting time), I sit in Little Oddfellows (our appointed meeting place) and finish the last of my yogurt (not appointed, but satisfying). I watch from my seat across the room as the band walks in, looks around, and then, before I can say anything, sits down with a person who is definitely not me.

Totally Unofficial 2017 Queer Summer Music Guide

Technically speaking, summer doesn’t begin until the Summer Solstice on the 20th. That said, Seattle recently experienced a straight week of sun and I’ve already been told by two separate individuals that my shorts are inappropriately short, so for all intents and purposes, SUMMER IS HERE!

Totally Unofficial Queer Guide to Upstream Music Fest 2017

After a year of hype, immense amounts of money spent, and the announcement of an obscenely large lineup, Upstream Music Fest + Summit is finally here. Paul Allen’s bloated brainchild will light up Pioneer Square from Thursday till Saturday with a host of shows, panels, and lectures.

Taming of the Tension: A Conversation with Coco Peru

Miss Coco Peru has been there and done that – all in a shoulder-length, red flip hairdo, naturally. Unlike most drag performers, Ms. Peru forewent lip-synching and dancing and instead made a name for herself as a monologist and creator of one-woman shows. A period of successful performances in New York’s cabaret circuit eventually led to stints in film and television.

Indie Music and The Insufferable Triteness of Being

Obviously, I can’t stop straight, white, indie dudes from doing their thing. I’m sure they’re going to write their bullshit essays whether I read them or not. But what I can do is interrogate the implicit politics of these situations and encourage others to do the same.

Charli XCX Turns The Party

There’s a profound difficulty in locating any of Charli XCX’s music historically, or even within the continuum of her own output, because she’s never made the same thing twice. As a fan this is thrilling, but as a critic it’s deeply puzzling.

The Art of a Mayoral Run: Nikkita Oliver

Local artist, teacher, activist, community organizer and attorney Nikkita Oliver recently launched her run against Ed Murray for Seattle’s mayoral seat. Oliver, who’s gained recognition as both an eminent Seattle artist and a keen and passionate community organizer…