Artist profile: Plus or Minus

 

Plus or Minus promotional photo
Plus or Minus promotional photo

Plus or Minus is an up-and-coming duo from Seattle, Washington. Built on a foundation primarily of acoustic guitar, they weave many elements into their songwriting, pulling from a huge array of influences from indie folk to progressive metal. Their ambitious collaboration of intricate guitar and vocal work produces a sound entirely unique. With music that takes on elaborate shapes of its own, members Josh Brugman and Tony Dunlap only push it further: “Our work ethic is extremely progressive, and I think our music reflects that.”

Personnel:

  • Josh Brugman — Guitar
  • Tony Dunlap — Guitar

Links to artist websites:

Links were good as of when the artist performed. Some may no longer work.

Performances:

Artist profile: Pink Octopus

Pink Octopus promotional photo
Pink Octopus promotional photo

Pink Octopus is the Seattle-based outlet for the compositions of guitarist Jonathan Huffman. His wide-ranging musical vision includes elements from several streams of rock along with a sprinkling of jazz. There are complex arrangements featuring odd meters, killer grooves with screaming solos, and enough ideas for three or for ordinary bands. Ordinary they are not.

Personnel:

  • Jonathan Louis Huffman — Guitar
  • Ian McCarley — Bass
  • Luke Wyman — Bass
  • Michael Porenta — Saxophone

Links to artist websites:

Links were good as of when the artist performed. Some may no longer work.

Performances:

Artist profile: Panther Attack

Panther Attack promotional photo
Panther Attack promotional photo

Panther Attack is a Seattle band bent on “exploring irregular structures.” The band originally convened in Detroit many years ago, then moved to Seattle, and has toured extensively. Their first release, Martyr Bonus, came out in 2007, and their newest is Sung amongst Shadows, a sophisticated collection of complex arrangements and raw sounds.

Personnel:

  • Kelly Mynes — Drums, guitar
  • Jon Weins — Bass
  • Josh Grapes — Guitar
  • Andrew Grapes — Drums
  • Nate Henry — Saxophone

Links to artist websites:

Links were good as of when the artist performed. Some may no longer work.

Performances:

Artist profile: Northern Cantrips

Northern Cantrips promotional photo
Northern Cantrips promotional photo

Led by celebrated Seattle guitarist Simon Henneman, the Northern Cantrips ensemble weaves a singular tapestry of improvisation-laden original compositions and reinterpretations of bebop, modern Brazilian music, tango, hip hop, and progressive rock.

Personnel:

  • Simon Henneman — Guitar
  • Kate Olson — Saxophone
  • Bob Rees — Keyboards, vibraphone
  • John Seman — Bass
  • Evan Woodle — Drums

Links to artist websites:

Links were good as of when the artist performed. Some may no longer work.

Performances:

Artist profile: MoeTar

MoeTar promotional photo
MoeTar promotional photo

MoeTar is a Bay Area band formed by singer Moorea Dickason and bassist/songwriter/lyricist Tarik Ragab, who are joined by a talented crew of musicians, including Matt Lebofsky, a Seaprog veteran who appeared with miRthkon in 2013. Like many of the best bands, their music defies easy categorization, but their progressive leanings are more than obvious.

Personnel:

  • Moorea Dickason — Vocals
  • Tarik Ragab — Bass
  • Matt Lebofsky — Keys
  • Matthew Charles Heulitt — Guitar
  • David M Flores — Drums
  • Jonathan Herrera — Keyboards

Links to artist websites:

Links were good as of when the artist performed. Some may no longer work.

Performances: