Seattle’s Iconic Music Festival Kicks Off

Bumbershoot 2025 kicked off in Seattle, and Day 1 was everything a music lover could hope for: buzzing crowds, a mix of legendary acts and rising talent, and that undeniable energy that only comes from live music echoing through the city. From powerhouse headliners to fresh discoveries, here’s my roundup of the best of Bumbershoot Day 1.

The Energy of Bumbershoot 2025

Seattle’s annual music and arts festival has always been a cornerstone of Pacific Northwest culture, and this year is no exception. With multiple stages, incredible food vendors, and the iconic Seattle Center as the backdrop, Bumbershoot Day 1 set the tone for a weekend full of unforgettable performances.

Standout Performances from Day 1

First up was Great Grandpa and they have always thrived in the in-between—where grunge-tinged guitars meet tender lyricism, and slacker-rock ease collides with carefully layered melodies. Their sound feels quintessentially Seattle: moody and rain-soaked at times, yet shot through with bursts of brightness that cut like sunlight through clouds.

On stage, Great Grandpa balance rawness with intimacy. One moment they’re leaning into fuzz-drenched riffs that recall the scrappy spirit of ’90s alt-rock, and the next, they’re stripping things back to something achingly vulnerable. Their harmonies often surprise you—airy and bittersweet, adding depth to songs that already feel emotionally weighty. What makes them stand out is their willingness to let contrasts live side by side: soft and loud, polished and jagged, playful and heartbreaking.

Their records showcase this duality, but live is where it really lands. Songs unravel with a looseness that feels organic, as if the band is discovering them again in real time. There’s a warmth in their performance that makes even the heaviest moments feel cathartic instead of crushing.

Great Grandpa aren’t just another Seattle band—they’re a reminder of how versatile and expansive indie rock can be when it refuses to fit neatly into a single category. Their music lingers, not just in the ears but in the gut, carrying that mix of grit and tenderness that keeps you coming back.

Catching Kyle Dion live feels like being dropped into a kaleidoscope of R&B, rap, and funk—he’s smooth one second, fiery the next, and always unapologetically himself. His falsetto cuts through the noise, bending and stretching around beats in a way that feels both classic and futuristic. What I love about Kyle Dion is how he refuses to stay in one lane—one song might lean into sultry, soul-soaked melodies while the next flips into sharp-edged rap verses with a swagger that lights up the stage. He’s playful, vulnerable, and confident all at once, the kind of artist who makes you lean in closer because you don’t want to miss a word.

Seeing Foot Ox live is an experience that feels equal parts performance and catharsis. Their set has this raw, handmade quality—like music built from scraps of memory and emotion, stitched together with shaky chords and unfiltered honesty. The songs aren’t polished in a traditional sense, but that’s exactly what makes them hit so hard.

On stage, Foot Ox leans into vulnerability, delivering lyrics that feel like half-spoken secrets while the instrumentation wobbles and warbles in ways that somehow make everything more powerful. There’s a punk spirit in the way they don’t dress anything up—no gloss, no pretense, just a straight shot of feeling. At times, the crowd goes quiet, listening as if they’re being let in on something sacred; at others, the room hums with the kind of communal energy that only comes from DIY shows where everyone is completely present.

It’s messy, it’s beautiful, and it’s unforgettable. Foot Ox isn’t just a band you listen to—they’re a band you experience.

Hey, Nothing is the kind of band that sneaks up on you and then completely takes over. Their sound blends dreamy indie textures with heartfelt lyricism, creating songs that feel both intimate and expansive. Live, they bring a warmth and vulnerability that pulls the crowd in close, then suddenly burst into soaring moments that remind you just how powerful indie music can be. Honest, melodic, and full of feeling—Hey, Nothing is a band to keep on your radar.

Two Minute Hate bring a jolt of urgency to Seattle’s underground scene, channeling raw punk energy into songs that burn hot and fast without ever feeling careless. Their sound is sharp-edged and confrontational, built on propulsive drums, serrated guitar riffs, and vocals that carry both venom and conviction. There’s a sense of catharsis in their music—like every track is a pressure release, aimed squarely at the frustrations of modern life.

What sets them apart is their ability to make chaos feel intentional. Beneath the distortion and breakneck pace, you can hear tightly crafted songwriting and a clear vision of what they want their music to do: shake you awake, make you sweat, and leave you thinking about the world outside the venue walls. Their live shows double down on that mission—sweaty, relentless, and brimming with a kind of intensity that feels as much communal as it does confrontational.

In a city with a long history of heavy, loud, and uncompromising music, Two Minute Hate stand firmly in that lineage while pushing it forward. They don’t just play punk—they embody it, reminding you why the genre has always mattered: because it makes you feel something, fast and without apology.

Indigo De Souza’s music hits like an unfiltered diary entry—raw, intimate, and achingly human. What makes her stand out is her ability to merge confessional songwriting with melodies that range from fragile and haunting to full-on explosive. One moment she’s baring her soul in hushed vulnerability, the next she’s throwing everything into a cathartic chorus that feels both messy and liberating.

On record, her voice is striking—elastic, tender, and at times piercing—but live, it takes on another dimension. There’s a sense of urgency in her performance, like each song is being lived in real time rather than recited. She has a way of drawing you into her world, whether she’s leaning into heartbreak, exploring themes of self-discovery, or celebrating the chaotic beauty of being alive.

Her albums reflect a wide emotional spectrum: the bittersweet melancholy of indie folk, the edge of grunge, and the dreamlike textures of bedroom pop. But it’s the honesty at the core of her songwriting that makes her unforgettable. Indigo De Souza doesn’t just craft songs—she creates experiences that feel like conversations with your closest friend, the kind where laughter and tears coexist in the same breath.

In today’s indie landscape, few artists manage to be this vulnerable while also sounding this fearless. Indigo De Souza is one of them, and every release feels like another layer of her artistry revealed.

Scowl was an absolute highlight of the day, and it’s easy to see why. From the moment they hit the stage, the energy was relentless—tight, aggressive, and impossibly infectious. Every riff, drum hit, and shouted lyric felt charged with a kind of electricity that left the crowd practically vibrating.

What made the performance truly stand out, though, was Kat’s presence. Despite the intensity of the music, her kind demeanor and ever-present smile created a unique connection with the audience. She radiated warmth while commanding the stage, reminding everyone that punk can be fierce without losing its humanity. Between songs, her playful energy and genuine engagement made the set feel intimate, even in the festival’s massive outdoor setting.

The band tore through their songs with precision and passion, yet never lost that raw, chaotic edge that makes Scowl’s music so thrilling. It’s a rare balance—high-octane aggression paired with a sense of joy and community—and it’s exactly what made this set one of the most memorable performances of Bumbershoot. By the end, it was impossible not to be swept up in their energy, leaving fans buzzing long after the last note rang out.

Say She She delivers a mesmerizing blend of indie pop and intimate storytelling that feels both personal and expansive. Their songs are carefully crafted, balancing lush melodies with thoughtful lyrics that explore love, vulnerability, and the nuances of everyday life. There’s a quiet confidence in their music—the kind that draws you in, making you lean closer to catch every word and every subtle instrumental flourish.

Live, Say She She’s performance has a gentle magnetism. They create a space where the audience feels included in the narrative of each song, whether it’s through delicate harmonies, tender guitar work, or quiet moments of pause that let the emotion sink in. Their sound isn’t about theatrics; it’s about connection, and that sincerity resonates in every note.

For listeners who crave indie music that’s heartfelt without being overbearing, Say She She strikes the perfect balance—melodic, introspective, and quietly unforgettable.

Seattle’s own Zookraught were the undisputed highlight among the festival’s up-and-coming acts at Bumbershoot, delivering a set that was nothing short of electrifying. Playing on the packed Vera Stage, the band transformed the space into a swirling sea of energy—shoulder to shoulder, the crowd practically pulsed with every beat.

The band’s charisma and tight musicianship ignited an incredible level of audience participation. Fans sang along, danced wildly, and cheered with unbridled enthusiasm, creating a shared intensity that felt almost tangible. Every song seemed to build on the last, each riff and drum hit driving the crowd further into a euphoric frenzy.

What set Zookraught apart was their ability to channel raw energy while maintaining an undeniable sense of fun. They didn’t just play music—they created an experience, one that left everyone buzzing and wishing it could go on forever. As one of the most exciting rising bands in Seattle, Zookraught proved why they’re a force to watch, and their Bumbershoot set was a reminder of how thrilling live music can be when a band and their audience move as one.

Coffin Break tore through their Bumbershoot set with raw, unapologetic energy, reminding everyone why they’re a cornerstone of Seattle’s punk scene. The riffs were gritty, the drums relentless, and the vocals packed with biting intensity, hitting every note with feral precision. Even in a festival setting, their set felt like a full-on punk onslaught—loud, fast, and impossible to ignore. For fans of classic Seattle punk, Coffin Break delivered a powerful, no-frills reminder of why the scene still matters.

Biblioteka closed out my Day One of Bumbershoot 2025 with a set that was both hypnotic and high-voltage, bringing a unique punk-meets-garage-glam energy to the stage. Their sound fuses gritty riffs, propulsive rhythms, and flamboyant flair, creating music that’s raw, catchy, and utterly magnetic.

Live, they commanded the crowd with a confident, playful presence—vocals floated over layered instrumentation while each member added to a vibrant, chaotic-yet-controlled energy. Biblioteka’s set was a perfect end to the day: messy, thrilling, and glamorous in all the right ways, leaving festival-goers buzzing long after the last note rang out.

Bumbershoot 2025 Day 1 was an absolute blast. From the moment I arrived at Seattle Center, the festival energy was electric—crowds buzzing, multiple stages alive with music, and the perfect mix of local talent and big-name acts. I caught sets from rising stars and hometown favorites, each bringing their own unique energy to the festival. The atmosphere was full of color, creativity, and connection, with art installations and food vendors adding extra layers to the experience. Between unforgettable performances, festival vibes, and the thrill of discovering new music, Day 1 of Bumbershoot reminded me why this festival is such a highlight of Seattle’s music scene.

The Best of Bumbershoot 2025 Day 1

Seattle’s Iconic Music Festival Kicks Off

The Energy of Bumbershoot 2025

Standout Performances from Day 1

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The Best of Bumbershoot 2025 Day 1

Seattle’s Iconic Music Festival Kicks Off

The Energy of Bumbershoot 2025

Standout Performances from Day 1

Forty Feet Tall Record Release Show @ The Get Down

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