musicquarium must see ~ spyn reset

Pursuing the "Electronic ProgRock" sound, Spyn Reset combines vocoded synth and keyboards, with heavy guitar and a 6 string bass blended with rock drums and polyrhythmic percussion. Spyn Reset sounds like electronic music with fast and catchy dance grooves textured in dense arrangements played by four live virtuosic musicians.

YASU - Rhodes Piano, Moog Synth, Vocoder
Evan McPherson - Bass, Guitar
Pierson Martin - Drums
Thomas Whiteside IV - Percussion, Vibes

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Be prepared for a genre-bending experience with Spyn Reset LIVE on Saturday, March 15th, at 9PM in the Musicquarium {21+} no cover
 

March Mix Madness in the Musicquarium

   

You be the judge!

New Cocktails Each Week!
March 3rd - 9th :: Vodka, Smirnoff
March 10th - 16th :: Gin, Tanqueray
March 17th - March 23rd :: Whiskey, Bushmills
March 24th - 30th :: Tequila, Hornitos
March 31st :: winning bartender announced

Rotating cocktails available during the month of March for $8 each

Top 4 winning cocktails will be featured on The Triple Door’s Summer menu 

Drink and enter to win weekly prizes!

March 3rd – 9th: Pick-A-Show from the Showbox

- Beats Antique on April 5

-  Kris Orlowski Record Release Show

With special guests Campfire Ok, St. Paul de Vence on April 12

Or

- Drive-By Truckers with Shovels and Rope on April 23 

March 10th – 16th: Guest passes to EMP Museum

March 17th – 23rd: $50 gift card to Wild Ginger 

March 24th – 30th: 2 Pairs of Golden Tickets to The Triple Door

Come in any day of the week and try each concoction created, especially for you, by our 8 crafty competing bartenders: Alex, Taylor, Emily, Stella, Andy, Joe, Bret and Teresa!

A lil' Q&A w/ Seattle Rocktographer ~ Jason Tang

The ability to capture the essence of live shows, in the Digital Age, has become an art form. The production of concert photography is becoming just as influential, in band history, as the live show itself. One of Seattle's music scenes' most notable concert photographers, Jason Tang, has been front and center to this growing art movement. We had the opportunity to ask Jason a few questions about his experience.  

The Triple Door: What do you love about being a photographer?
Jason Tang: I love being surrounded by so many talented and caring people in this community - whether it's musicians, fans, or fellow photographers. That's what inspires me to be more creative and constantly hone my craft.

TD: Describe your photography in three words:
JT: First Three Songs

TD: If you could have dinner with any photographer in history, who would it be? What would you ask him or her?
JT: Jim Marshall. I'd ask him what it was like to shoot The Beatles' last official concert (at Candlestick Park) and what his favorite rock concert moments were.

TD: What's the craziest thing you've ever done to get the best shot?
JT: I've never done anything really crazy to get a shot. Usually, I'm lucky to be in the right place at the right time. Back in 2010, when Fitz & The Tantrums came to Seattle for the first time at The Crocodile, Michael (Fitz) Fitzpatrick pulled me up on stage during the last song of the set. In the process, I accidentally hit Noelle Scaggs (co-lead singer) in the face with the mic stand. It was pretty embarrassing, but I got some pretty cool shots from the stage.

TD: As a music photographer, or Rocktographer as you're affectionately called, where do you see the Seattle music scene in 10 years?
JT: Seattle has been the source for some great rock bands over the years, but lately we've been seeing the hip-hop, soul, blues, and folk/americana communities garner some major national attention. The music scene here will continue to thrive... there's no doubt about that. I hope to see many local bands that I've followed and supported over the years in bigger and better places over the next decade.

TD: What band and/or musician are you dying to photograph?
JT: Pearl Jam. I've photographed all the guys in their individual side projects over the years, but never together at the same time. Soon... hopefully! Paul McCartney at Safeco would be killer too!

TD: Photos capture moments in time - for us to remember. Take an imaginary photo of 10 years from now, describe it.
JT: Still living in Seattle with my wife and our two dogs, loving life, traveling, volunteering, and shooting concerts once in a while.

For the full month of July, the walls in the Musicquarium will be covered in concert photography by Seattle area Rocktographer, Jason Tang. Join us for the opening reception with, special musical guests, Hot Bodies In Motion and Eternal Fair, on July 3, from 5-7PM, with happy hour specials until 7PM {21+}. RSVP here>>

The Triple Door Showcases Seattle Rocktographers

It's not everyday a photographer is on the other side of a shutter click hearing the words,"say cheese." But what's even more unique, is having 20 photographers experience this phenomenon all at the same time. 

April 4th marked The Triple Door's first Rockgrapher exhibit opening-20 of Seattle's music photographers, or Rocktographers as we're affectionately calling them, selected their best photo to display on the Musicquarium walls for one month. Curated by Mat Hayward, Seattle Rocktographer, the showcase was created to shine the spotlight on the photography community in Seattle. 

"It's no secret that Seattle is known for producing some of the world's more renown musicians and rock stars," say Hayward. "But there's this really incredible underground community of photographers that have shot them over the years. Seattle's concert photographers have had access to so many incredible shows, garnering both incredible stories and tips to share. These individuals are what this event is all about."  

Featured Rocktographers (in no particular order):
Graham Lee 
Christopher Nelson 
Jason Tang 
Morgan Schuler 
Xander Deccio 
Alex Crick 
Chona Kasinger 
Dan Rogers 
David Conger 
"Iron" Mike Savoia 
Stephanie Savoia 
Greg Roth 
"Island" Jennifer Dohner 
Jim Bennet 
Marcella Volpintesta 
Matthew Lamb 
Mat Hayward 
Kirk Stauffer 
Suzi Pratt 
Heather Fitzpatrick AKA Mocha Charlie 

Local buzz surrounding our Rocktographer exhibit opening party on April 4th:
Seattle Music Insider interviews Mat Hayward
The Stranger 
Seattle Weekly

Seattle will have until the end of April (one more week!) to take a gander at all the submissions and vote on a  favorite. The ballot box is already overflowing, but one lucky voter will be picked at random to receive 2 show tickets to The Triple Door, every month, for a year. Will it be you? It most certainly could be! 

This is only the beginning. The Triple Door plans to continue to feature music photography exhibitions, with rotating artists, each month.  

Photo cred: Mat Hayward Photography

The Burlesque POP-OUT show

In conjunction with the illustrious spectacle of glitzy, glam at the beloved Land of Sweets: The Burlesque Nutcracker, we're pleased to showcase the visual wittiness of Kelly Portfolio Illustrations in the Musicquarium for the month of December. To celebrate, join us for The Burlesque POP-OUT show opening on First Thursday, December 6th, at 8pm in the Musicquarium. 

We chatted with Kelly Brownlee, creator of Kelly Portfolio Illustrations, to see what inspires some of Seattle's most playful burlesque illustrations. 

The Triple Door: What part of the burlesque culture inspires your designs?

Kelly Brownlee: Visually, of course, I am drawn to the amazing costumes and vibrancy these women and men bring to the stage. They put an incredible amount of thought and energy into creating a wonderful show. But to me, it's also about identifying with the performers and what they create on stage. A few years ago I saw The Shanghai Pearl perform. I had never seen burlesque before. I remember feeling, for the first time, that I could relate as a woman, as an artist, to burlesque. There was beauty, strength and humor that was front and center in these acts. These performers exuded confidence and grace, being immersed in everything womanhood can represent. Loving your body. I became an instant fan of burlesque and boylesque. There's a playfulness and power in burlesque that inspires me. And who doesn't love copious amounts of sparkle?

TD: Describe Seattle's Burlesque scene in 3 words:

KB: Sparkle, beauty, humor

TD: Describe your work in 3 words:

KB: sexy, candy, wit

TD: What are some of your other artistic outlets?

KB: Collecting vintage dresses and antique furniture. I also got into playing the banjo last year and fell head over heels in love with the instrument. Cooking, making delicious pastries with my daughter. Making greeting cards and jewelry from my illustrations. 

TD: Being a music venue, this questions must be asked: Do you listen to music while you create? If so, who?

KB: Always. It depends on what I'm creating. If I am creating something with a vintage feeling. I listen to Julie London, Anita Goodman, Marilyn Monroe and old swing jazz. If I am in a time crunch and I need to work fast, I listen to 80's metal or The Pogues. I also really enjoy the banjo music. No one can be sad while playing or listening to the banjo, in my opinion. My musical tastes are all over the place and I don't rule anything out, but in general, I love to match my music to whatever I am creating. 

TD: If you could have a drink with any visual artist, living or dead, who would it be?

KB: Maurice Sendak- hands down

TD: What would you ask him?

KB: What he likes to eat for breakfast. And what inspired him daily. Artists have an ability to channel inspiration from somewhere and I am always fascinated by where people draw their inspiration from.

TD: What is your favorite historical artistic movement?

KB: I love pop art. I would have loved to have lived in NYC in the 80's. I'm also a fan of the Rococo, Neoclassicism, and Romanticism movements for the decadence and color palate. 

TD: What is your favorite color?

KB: Red. I love it so much I wear the same red lipstick and nail polish daily.

RSVP for The Burlesque POP-OUT show on Facebook here>> 

Quiet Observations: New Photography from Cameron Nagashima

Quiet Observations: New Photography from Cameron Nagashima will be showing for the month of September, with an opening night rendezvous on Thursday, September 6 from 5pm-8pm in the Musicquarium Lounge. Join us!

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Cameron Nagashima, Seattle photographer and overall delight, to briefly see the world through his lenses.    

The Triple Door: Where do you find inspiration for your art?
Cameron Nagashima: I am inspired by what I see. Time, place, light, subject, and mood, all have an effect on why I take any given picture. Also, the creative people around me keep me inspired to continue taking pictures. Their motivation motivates me and I like to believe it is the same for them.

TD: If you could have a drink with any visual artist, living or dead, who would it be? What would you ask him/her?
CN: Dali or Robert and Shauna Parke-Harrison. I'd rather enjoy the drink and ask how they are, and then see how the conversation evolved. Especially would love to hear about the Parke-Harrison's process, such a rustic elegance to their surrealism. I'd also love to go backpacking through Europe with Henri Cartier-Bresson.

TD: Who is your favorite artist?
CN: Visually, Gustav Klimt takes the cake as far as subject and composition. But, I do love the work of Robert Frank, Andre Kertesz specifically Distortions, Sally Mann's opinion on critics, and Connie Imboden's Reflections. I'm also a huge fan of local artists such as Redd Walitzki, Carl Faulkner, and Jeff "Weirdo".

TD: What is your favorite historical artistic movement?
CN: Hard to say, there are so many with such great art from each. I love surrealism, but my favorite has to be our generation. Call it the Contemporary Renaissance.

TD: What are some of your other artistic outlets?
CN: Drawing, dancing, painting, Sushi

TD: Do you listen to music while you create? If so, who do you listen to?
CN: During my post-production and most of the day, while creating or relaxing, I am listening to music. I enjoy electronic music while working the most. It allows my mind to move freely through my work as I find patterns in my pictures. Some of my favorites are Amon Tobin, Trenemoller, Bonobo, Deru, and Diagrams of a Suburban Chaos. I don't listen to headphones while out in the city though. I like hearing the beat and orchestral compositions created by my surroundings and some sounds will draw my attention or push me down a different path.

TD: Describe Seattle's art scene in three words:
CN: Small, Growing, Original

TD: Your work conveys a parallel between nature and the human condition. Can you elaborate?
CN: That notion is a consistent theme in my photography and is hard to avoid while living in the Northwest. With trees and parks, mountains and oceans, we in Seattle have a beautiful connection to nature. As much as I am for the preservation of Earth, I'm not making a statement on the relationship of man and nature, but I am observing that it exists and documenting my observations.

TD: Let's chat more about your artistic background. When was the first time you realized your love for photography? 
CN: I was drawn to photography at an early age. When we would visit our grandparents in Kirkland, Wa from Spokane, I loved looking through their slides of old images of my family with the slide viewer. Years worth of photos never printed. I would hide under the stairs, like Harry Potter, and look at them for hours. The idea of time and place, and the captured moment of my family standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, or wherever, was interesting. It was a visual family history and I liked that.

TD: What is your favorite color?
CN: Plaid

Find more information on, and RSVP for, Quiet Observations: New Photography from Cameron Nagashima here>> 

amazingly nutty & brilliantly unconventional

Don't let Holli's fairy-esque-jaunt allude you, she's a ball of fire. It only takes a few minutes to notice this gal has a keen sense of imagination and is not afraid to show it.

With a reduce-reuse-recycle mentality, Holli never buys a new canvas- she prefers to paint over works bought second hand. More often than not, she doesn't use brushes or your typical artist tools, instead she is known to use old socks, twigs, and her "chubby fingers" to paint. We sat down with Holli Pappan to take a glimpse into her amazingly nutty and brilliantly unconventional mind.

The Triple Door: Where do you find inspiration for your art?
Holli Pappan: I am inspired mostly by the sunsets, my time in the woods, and the fear of alien attacks.

TD: If you could have a drink with any visual artist, living or dead, who would it be?
HP: I would combo up with Dali- because he was so wack, Van Gogh so I could tell him it's gonna be okay, and Pollock because the man was a wicked drunk and I'm sure we could get down.

TD: Who is your favorite artist?
HP: My favorite artists are Van Gogh, Theodor Geisel (Dr. Suess), and Bob Ross.. high as a kite Bob Ross.

TD: What is your favorite historical artistic movement?
HP: I find the most interesting and artistic movement to be when cinema went from silent to audible, or
"talkies" as they were referred to. Chaplin refused to when everybody else jumped right on the bandwagon. Chaplin's silent films are still heavily sought after today, it's awesome!

TD: What are some of your other artistic outlets?
HP: I take turns with my artistic outlets, I have gone from painter to stand up comedian, and vica versa for years. I am a bit of a lyrical gangster... word.

TD: Do you listen to music while you create? If so, who do you listen to? 
HP: I am a stupid fan of the mix tape, I listen to it all. Big fan of the oldies while painting, not so much The Cure. Listening to The Cure while painting would be like playing Russian Roulette with a teenage waifs sadness.. I keep it light and happy.

TD: Describe Seattle's art scene in three words:
HP: Seattle's art scene in one word is flooded. In two words, very flooded, in three words... I LOVE IT.

TD: What is your favorite color?
HP: Everything teal/turquoise/aqua.... and rusty orange forever!

Holli Pappan will be presenting a series of paintings inspired by the seasons. To accurately capture the visual brilliance of nature, each piece was created while physically immersed in the elements of the corresponding season: spring, summer, fall and winter.   

"I paint as unconventional as I live, and it's the simplicity in my life that allows me to paint so freely," says Holli. "I respect the classic approach to painting, drawing, and all things fine.. but I prefer to go caveman on my works."

See Holli Pappan's work on the Musicquarium walls at The Triple Door for the month of August. Join us for First Thursday on August 2nd for extended happy hour for 4-7pm.

Inside The Mind Behind Seattle's Gig Posters

For the month of June, the Musicquarium walls will be bombed with silk-screen gig posters and art prints by Powerslide Design Co., the brainchild of Seattle-based graphic designer Mike Klay. Join us for happy hour eats and drinks at the First Friday Art Opening w/ Mike Klay event, with live music from Smoke and Honey, on June 1st from 5-7pm.

Watch Mike in action:





Mike Klay's collection of silk screen-printed posters evoke the beauty of nature and the energy of music with sleek patterns, rough textures and simple, yet crisp, vector shapes. We sat down with the graphic artist himself to get an idea of the imagination behind such visual brilliance.

The Triple Door: What's the first art piece you can remember creating as a child?
Mike Klay: Drawings of ninjas. Lots and lots of ninjas. On rooftops.

TD: If your art had a sound, what would it be?
MK: A deep beat with a catchy hook. Upbeat and definitely head-nod-able.

TD: Do you have a favorite color?
MK: Green and all shades of it.

TD: If you could have a drink with any visual artist, living or dead, who would it be? What would you ask him/her?
MK: I've always been fascinated with how things work, I guess I would have to sip some wine with Leonardo Da Vinci. Not only being the greatest artist of all time, he had such an inventive imagination that getting to even speak with him would blow my mind.

TD: What is your favorite historical art movement?
MK: The Renaissance for sure. The time of rebirth and new ideas would have been so cool to be a part of. Printing was also invented during the time which is most likely why it's my favorite. Mass producing the same image or text by hand just makes me feel that much closer to this era.

TD: Where do you find inspiration for most of you designs?
MK: I find inspiration everywhere. Mostly outdoors though. I guess you could call me "outdoorsy" as cliche as that sounds, I love to get out and camp, snowboard, bike ride, etc. Most recently my son has provided quite a bit of inspiration for some art prints of construction trucks and trains.

TD: What are some of your other artistic outlets?
MK: Every one in a while I'll pull out the paint brushes and have fun on canvas, but I'm no good at it. I just sculpted and assembled a mini alpine village in z scale for a model railroad. That was very time consuming and detail oriented but the final product turned out great.

TD: You've designed silk screen gig posters for tons of bands, including: M83, Death Cab for Cutie, Broken Bells, The Cars, Ratatat, Ghostland Observatory, to name a few. What band would you kill to design a poster for?
MK: Quicksand, circa 1995 or The Prodigy.

TD: Who's work is hanging on your walls?
MK: Duane Armstrong, Daniel Danger and Aaron Horkey

Powerslide Design Co. gig posters and hand pulled screen prints are available for purchase for the month of June in the Musicquarium. It's time to snatch em up!