PNW: GRAMMY Camp - SoundCheck with Allen Stone Recap

Photo By: Ray Spaddy

On Saturday January 14, 2012 The PNW Chapter and The GRAMMY Foundation hosted GRAMMY Camp - SoundCheck with Allen Stone before his sold out show at The Neptune Theatre in Seattle, WA. High school students from The Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club and The Secondary Bilingual Orientation Center were joined by GRAMMY U members and Chapter VIP’s for a three song performance by Allen Stone and his band. This was followed by a lengthy Q&A session led by PNW Chapter member Jennifer Petersen (KEXP, Sportn’ Life).

Allen Stone has been compared to some of history’s great soul singers. The crowd was mesmerized by his powerful voice and his large backing band added to the excitement of his songwriting. After playing through three songs, Jen Peterson and Allen Stone sat on the edge of the stage and started the Q&A. They dug deep into Allen’s musical background. He shared of his small town upbringing in Eastern Washington and how he found his voice listening to classic soul and R&B records and singing in his father’s church. He didn’t receive any formal training beyond a semester of musical theory but has been singing since he can remember. When asked what advice he has for developing artists he shared that he encourages people to be sure that they want to make a career out of music and that they get into it for the right reasons. His talent and love of music, not his quest for fame and money has led him into the spotlight.

A highlight of the Q&A was when Jen Peterson opened the floor up to the students. A shy 16 year old had her chaperone ask Allen what advice he had for a girl like her on where to start if she wanted to be a singer. His answer was endearing as he shared that the first step would be to get over her shyness of a microphone. Allen’s down to earth personality continued to shine through as he shared with the whole group to sing or play music as much as you can whether it be to your family, friends, church or school group.

After the Q&A wrapped up, Allen and his whole band stuck around to take group photos with students and chapter staff and answer any other questions students had. If you’re  not already familiar with Allen Stone, check him out! His talent, kindness and passion for music will take him far in the music industry.

More photos HERE