The Seattle Funk Revival: Why the Groove Is Back
The Seattle Funk Revival: Why the Groove Is Back
Seattle’s music scene has always had a flavor. Grunge put it on the global map, indie kept it quirky, and hip-hop gave it a sharper edge. But now, funk is creeping back into the clubs, rehearsal rooms, and sweaty basement shows—and it’s hitting different.
Why Funk? Why Now?
Funk thrives when people want to move. After a few years of isolation and introspection, Seattle musicians are leaning into rhythm, horn sections, pocket grooves, and energy. Think less laptop, more bass line.
You can hear it in bands like The True Loves, an instrumental funk powerhouse that packs venues across the Pacific Northwest. You can feel it at Sea Monster Lounge, a funky Fremont venue that’s quietly been the epicenter of live groove for years. And you can see it on stages from Nectar Lounge to Clock-Out Lounge, where genre mashups are the new norm.
Instagram Accounts to Watch
Here are a few accounts pushing the scene forward:
@truelovesband – Seattle’s modern funk flagship
@hardmaybemusic – Bringing live soul, funk, and groove to Seattle'
@sodorosemusic – (yeah, that’s us) blending blues, gospel, and funk from the ground up
What’s Hot Right Now in Seattle
Vinyl’s Back – Funk records are flying off the shelves at Easy Street Records and Daybreak Records.
Jam Nights – Places like The Royal Room are hosting spontaneous funk/soul collabs.
Crossover Collabs – Look for hip-hop MCs fronting funk bands, jazz kids getting nasty with James Brown covers, and DJs spinning George Clinton between sets.
