Countdown in Photos: Day 5

Seattlest will be counting down to 2011 with a series of posts on our highlights of this year and what we're looking forward to in the next. Got a list to suggest? Send it our way. See the entire series here.

The countdown continues. If you haven't been following the series, I've myself dedicated to bringing you epic photos from 2010 for the entirety of December.

My first local musical love was Hey Marseilles. It was their unique orchestral pop sound and light-hearted stage presence that drew me in immediately. As a matter of fact, they were some of my first (and worst) dives into concert photography. Luckily, I've managed to attend many more of their shows and photograph those as well, much to the improvement of my portfolio. Miraculously, early on in the year, I snapped the shot below. It

Over the past year, they've been touring as often as possible, performing sold out shows, and impressing people from all walks. I was completely sure that they'd be the next big thing and with any luck at all, they will be soon. Matt Bishop, the lead singer, has also taken on a solo career playing at several smaller venues around the city. Don't get me started on side projects; Sam Anderson, the cellist/guitarist for the group, is playing in well over 8 bands (I've started to lose count) including Damien Jurado's backup band, Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground, Cataldo, and Mad Rad just to name a few. Hey Marseilles is one of those bands that you watch grow and form into a solid musical entity, then you hope the rest of the world will get to see what you do. Here's hoping.

As I commented before, the Head and the Heart are amazing and taking Seattle by storm. I just hope that they don't completely overshadow other talented groups in this city, Hey Marseilles being one of them. I personally don't know a whole lot about the ins and outs of the music biz (especially on the managerial/record deal side of things) but I would like to think that HATH's fame will bring the limelight to Seattle as a whole for all the quality musicians to share rather than just taking the spotlight. We're like a goldmine waiting to happen, so they should come dig us out!