Interviews

Despite life's challenges, Sheryl Wiser continues to lean into the light. It's her breadth of life experiences and immersion in Americana, Blues, Folk, and Jazz that craft the unique essence of her music. The singer-songwriter's upcoming album will give listeners a window into her years-long journey to the woman she is today. But in the meantime, she's a mainstay on stages across Seattle.

Since the '80s, Sheryl has been carving out a space of her own in one of history's most storied music scenes. She has seen a lot of changes over the years, but the one thing she notes that hasn't changed much is the camaraderie of Seattle's music community. It is one of the driving forces behind Sheryl's work, and continues to lead her forward.

Recently, Sheryl wrapped the recording process of her latest solo album, which will be her first since her 1996 debut Month of Saints. The album was co-created with fellow songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tomo Nakayama.

In our discussion, Sheryl traces back the early years of her career in Boston and Denver, then her relocation to Seattle and her own path in music as grunge took off in the early '90s. We also explore why she decided now was the time to release a new album, artists she admires locally and beyond, and how different narratives in music are necessary. Additionally, Sheryl talks about how a repetitive strain injury changed the course of her career and how the community behind Cafe Racer urged her to return to the stage.

When the occasion arises, not only will you rise to the occasion, but how will you rise to the occasion? It has meant everything to me because really everything about who I am and what I've done in my life is not just because of me. It's because of the community and the communities that I've been a part of, and the strength and wisdom that you gain from one another.

It is the hardest thing in the world to lean into the light after something like that, but you do because you're not going alone, man. There's traffic, and we are all holding hands, and we're going into this together. And there were a lot of really beautiful responses from the community. Being in community, supporting community, standing up, all those things, it's just like etched in my bones.

For more information about Sheryl, visit sherylwiser.com or her Instagram.

Listen to the full interview below (at the 20-minute mark).

Ani jan is an up-and-coming musician and poet who exists in a liminal space. An Armenian immigrant who relocated to the States as a teen, Ani jan has been defining the meaning of Heartbeat of the City, through a thoughtful and emotional album that explores lineage, heartbreak, and the inner self.

A multi-hyphenate artist, Ani jan fuses poetry, Middle Eastern, grunge, and trip-hop notes to craft something special. Citing inspirations such as LAMB, Massive Attack, Tricky, Portishead, and more, Ani jan is finding her place in the new trip-hop zeitgeist.

In our discussion, Ani jan informs me of the meaning behind her name, lists her numerous rich musical influences (including local peer inspirations), gives her thoughts on the state of the current Seattle music scene, and details the experiences that led to creating Heartbeat of the City.

Ani's response to my question on how other people can find their own "Heartbeat of the City":

I think really sitting down with yourself and seeking the wound. I think most people try to turn that part off of themselves, not delve into their deepest wounds, but kind of avoid those areas, very gingerly sidestep their biggest wounds.

I feel like it's important at some point to delve into those things and reframe them and gain power again. And sometimes that means going back into the situation and getting angry when you weren't allowed to the first time, or getting sad for yourself and really feeling out those emotions. I think that's part of finding the Heartbeat of the City. I think everybody's Heartbeat of the City is a little different.

But one thing that is true for all of us is that we're all here. We're physical, whatever mental state we're in, whatever emotional state we're in, as long as you're still physically alive, still physically breathing, hope is not lost. It's like as long as your heart is beating, hope is not lost. If that's literally the only music left, there is still a heartbeat.

For more information about Ani jan, visit newfairyorder.com. She is also on Instagram.

Listen to the full interview below (at the 30-minute mark).

Alison Braun always knew she was shooting something special when she started photographing many of the punk bands on the Sunset Strip in the '80s. Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, Discharge, D.O.A, Social Distortion, and so many more up-and-coming bands at the time all exist on Braun's film rolls in vivid black and white.

Later on, Alison relocated to Seattle and immediately began shooting the exploding music scene. Some of the notable bands she captured were Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Mookie Blaylock (before they became Pearl Jam), and Forced Entry.

Her images serve as an archive of rare moments in music history that are still beloved the world over and may never be duplicated again. However, punk has never left, but Alison says she is not seeing enough anger in her current punks and hopes to see more. After all these years, she is still as punk as ever.

Still an active photographer in Seattle and elsewhere, Alison has never shied away from getting right into the action in the pit. Her photos are chaotic and intimate, showcasing her subjects at their most vulnerable and powerful moments on stage. Currently, the photographer declares Seattle's El Corazon as another home. She regularly shoots metal, punk, and hardcore shows there.

Alison was the first interview guest on Vinyl Apothecary. In our chat, we discussed LA beginnings, her transition to the Seattle scene, the camera as an instrument, her advice to young female photographers, and current music recommendations.

It's about taking pictures. And I have tried for four and a half decades now to make sure people first see the camera and see me as an artist and not as a little girl, a woman, an old woman. I try to not be the story. And that's kind of how I've always lived.

For more information about Alison, visit her official website at alisonbraun.com.

Listen to the full interview below (at the 30-minute mark).