The Black Tones are an emerging blues rock duo originally from Seattle, Washington. As their popularity grows, many fans are becoming interested in learning more about the band’s background and origins. Knowing where musical groups hail from often provides insight into their artistic influences and style. In The Black Tones’ case, their Seattle roots have shaped their gritty, soulful sound. This article will explore the details of where exactly The Black Tones are from in Seattle and how their hometown has impacted their musical journey.
The Black Tones’ Origins in Seattle
The Black Tones consists of siblings Eva Walker on vocals/guitar and Cedric Walker on drums. The duo grew up in the vibrant musical environment of Seattle and formed their band there in 2011. Their hometown has heavily impacted their music through its famous grunge scene of the 1990s spearheaded by bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden.
Eva and Cedric were exposed to Seattle’s diverse music culture from a young age. In an interview with PopMatters, Eva cites Jimi Hendrix as one of her biggest influences, describing his innovative guitar playing as “life-changing.” Many consider Hendrix an iconic Seattle musician, as he grew up and began his career there. The Walker siblings also gravitated toward early blues and jazz, discovering artists like Bessie Smith and Billie Holiday through their father’s record collection.
Growing up, Eva and Cedric frequented Seattle’s lively local venues, taking in the broad array of musical styles the city offered. They connected most with the raw, gritty sounds of grunge and blues-inspired rock. These genres shaped their songwriting and live performances, which are packed with aggressive, powerful guitar riffs and soulful yet edgy vocals.
The Black Tones’ Seattle Neighborhoods
Within Seattle, The Black Tones identify closely with the historically black neighborhoods in the city’s Central District and surrounding areas. Eva has emphasized the Central District’s role in Seattle’s African American history and music scene. Though recent gentrification has altered its demographic makeup, it was once the heart of black culture in Seattle.
The siblings grew up frequenting the neighborhood’s local clubs, which Eva describes as instrumental in shaping their love of live music and performance. Historic Central District venues like the Black & Tan and The Elite Club hosted eminent black musicians like Ray Charles, Diana Washington, and Quincy Jones back in the 1950s-60s. Their lively musical legacies clearly influenced The Black Tones during the band’s formative years.
| Neighborhood | Description |
|---|---|
| Central District | Historically black neighborhood and the center of African American music/culture in Seattle. |
| Beacon Hill | Another diverse neighborhood where the Walkers spent time growing up. |
| Columbia City | An area with music venues they frequented as teens. |
Besides the Central District, Eva and Cedric also spent considerable time in nearby neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Columbia City. Each of these areas contributed to their immersion in Seattle’s rock, blues, jazz, and hip hop scenes. They soaked in the musical diversity around them, forging their own style inspired by the city’s unique sounds.
The Black Tones’ Recording History in Seattle
Aside from playing frequent local live shows, The Black Tones have also recorded their music in Seattle. Their debut EP Cobain & Cornbread was released in 2012 and recorded at three Seattle studios – Avast!, Hall of Justice, and Soundhouse. They worked with local producer Jack Endino, famous for working with Nirvana, Soundgarden, and other seminal grunge groups. Endino’s influence gave the EP a quintessentially Seattle grunge sound.
The duo also recorded parts of their 2016 debut LP The Black Tones at Studio Litho, another mainstay studio of the Seattle scene. For their acclaimed 2021 album Step In, they returned to Avast! Recording Company to work with experienced Seattle producer Martin Feveyear. The familiar studios gave the music a genuine Seattle vibe and allowed the band to connect with producers steeped in the city’s musical heritage.
The Black Tones on Tour
Though firmly rooted in Seattle, Eva and Cedric have toured extensively beyond their hometown over the past decade. As their stature in the blues rock scene has grown, they’ve hit venues across North America and Europe. They’ve opened for music legends like Mavis Staples and Buddy Guy, showcasing their high-energy live show inspired by years grinding it out in Seattle’s local bars.
Some upcoming tour dates for The Black Tones include:
| Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| October 5 | Austin, TX | Antone’s Nightclub |
| October 8 | Houston, TX | The Heights Theater |
| October 11 | New Orleans, LA | Tipitina’s |
This touring schedule demonstrates their current status as a nationally-touring blues rock act. It’s a major step up from their early days touring dive bars in Seattle. However, those humble local show experiences developed Eva and Cedric’s skills as energetic, raw performers.
Conclusion
To summarize, The Black Tones originated from Seattle, Washington and continue to embrace their roots in the city. Neighborhoods like the Central District and Columbia City shaped their musical passions during childhood. Iconic Seattle studios and producers recording their early EPs and albums allowed them to soak in the local flavor. They paid their dues playing small clubs in the area before hitting bigger stages. And the grunge movement’s influence pervades their heavy, bluesy songwriting. Though gaining more national and international renown, The Black Tones proudly represent the Seattle sound. Checking out their gritty, soulful music provides a compelling glimpse into the unique musical melting pot of their hometown.
