SPOKANE SCENE REPORT: DECAY // SUSTAIN
My brain was rotting, my spirit withering. 10 hour shifts had become 12s, weeks in Spokane had become months and my alienation was positively Marxist. I peeled myself off my terrible mattress and tapped my secret reserve of party energy for Square Wave Wednesdays.
I had barely reached the door of Pac Ave Pizza before I was hugged and told that it was good to see me again. The reunions and sweet small conversations continued when I entered. The monthly synthesizer open mic was here to prop up my fragile humanity yet again. 10-15 minute sets. “We welcome all levels of knowledge and ability.” A paper sign-up sheet confirming the open invite. At its helm, local musician Nat Mooter setting the scene with warm, positive energy, running sound and playing an ever-evolving goth pop set.
I’ve had many conversations over the years with musicians that never feel “ready” or “good enough” to perform. To hell with that. Perfectionism is boring. First time performers with hacked video game consoles, a palm sized synth that cross fades with the radio, more singing than I’m used to, joyful dancing to weeknight pop sets. Now that’s tasty.
Portland has spoiled me. The weirdness is closer to the surface, even on the warped view of news outlets and national politics. I forgot the pleasure of the search. To seek out the underground with a desperate need after days spent mainstreaming (and watching True Blood).
What I found sustained and inspired me. An after hours at a soup bar (yes soup) with Back2Basics, sipping a hot toddy and talking about the politics of sex work while listening to house music. Jazz night at Emma Rue’s, cozy with my cousin on the couch catching up on family gossip and the sliding of our country into dictatorship. NYE at Berserk, djs spinning new wave vinyl in a dark bar with punks dancing and haunting diner style booths. An independent bookstore that was dangerously well-curated (Giant Nerd Books), a late-night queer tea café (Lunarium), and endless inexplicable invites to go roller-skating.
Thank you Spokane for keeping my spirit alive this winter. It may be snowing outside but that doesn’t stop me anymore. — V. Rose
