Local Musicians

NPR's annual search for the next great undiscovered artist is underway. While the judges continue to deliberate, here are some standout local entries from musicians across western Washington.

J'Nai Bridges, a native of Lakewood, Wash. makes her Seattle Opera debut this weekend as Delilah in "Samson and Delilah." It's a role she first sang three years ago, but now feels more ready to take on.

Devin Damitio and James Raymond Rosales met in middle school in Juneau, Alaska. They literally lived across the street from each other and bonded over their love for music. In 2019, they reunited in Seattle and now play together in the indie-pop band Lovely Colours.

Travis Thompson is from Burien, Wash. and is Navajo on his dad's side. Already a rapper who has gained much acclaim, Thompson is making his acting debut in two episodes of the TV show, "Reservation Dogs."

This edition of Aux Cord Privileges features the young artist Taye$ty. Da Qween passed the aux cord to them after being blown away by their confidence on stage. KNKX Arts and Culture Reporter Grace Madigan talks with Taye$ty about where that confidence came from.

KNKX Arts and Culture Reporter Grace Madigan kicks off this new series with Shaina Shepherd, a Tacoma artist whose voice "makes you stop in your tracks." And when it came her turn to pass the aux cord, Shepherd picked a local rapper who she can’t get enough of.

Sofia Krutikova, who performs as Sofiiak, and Mary Robins, the lead singer and bassist in the band Biblioteka, both have Ukrainian family. They are performing at The Vera Project and plan to pay tribute to the country in a show of solidarity.

Live music has started to return to Seattle, but many artists are still struggling financially after a year and a half of missed opportunities. To answer the growing need, a group of local musicians partnered with The Reef dispensary to create a fund to help artists get back on their feet.

Seattle's All-City Band returns this summer, after a pandemic hiatus.

Several music venues in the Puget Sound region are preparing to open their doors for the first time in over a year this summer.A new book called "Bring…