Michael Reitmulder

Seattle

Music Reporter and Critic at Seattle Times

Music reporter/critic @seattletimes. SEA via MSP. Read stuff: https://t.co/biHX2WqZBE

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Articles

Heart announces Gorge Amphitheatre concert

1 week ago | seattletimes.com | Michael Rietmulder |Michael Reitmulder

Hometown rock heroes Heart have a busy 2025 ahead, bouncing back after singer Ann Wilson’s cancer treatment delayed last year’s tour plans. The matriarchs of Seattle’s storied rock scene bolstered that active itinerary Wednesday when the band announced a new run of summer shows, starting in their home state. The classic rock deities led by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson will kick off a 14-date summer tour Aug. 8 at the Gorge Amphitheatre.
Our music critic's take on Brandi Carlile and Elton John's new album

1 week ago | seattletimes.com | Michael Rietmulder |Michael Reitmulder

What a month it’s been for Brandi Carlile, building up to the buzziest album release week of her career. For anyone living under a sequins-encrusted rock, the Maple Valley songsmith teamed up with her longtime hero-pal Elton John for “Who Believes in Angels?,” their collaborative new album.
SYML learns to let go on new album ‘Nobody Lives Here’

1 week ago | seattletimes.com | Michael Rietmulder |Michael Reitmulder

It’s a classic Seattle “false spring” day, the temporary sun pouring through the windows at Easy Street Records where Sammamish singer-songwriter Brian Fennell, better known as SYML, is perched at the coffee counter. The yellow orb illuminating the West Seattle record store and cafe brings a welcome respite from the gray that will return when rain clouds reclaim their Seattle airspace.
Nectar Lounge owners are opening another music venue in Fremont

3 weeks ago | seattletimes.com | Michael Rietmulder |Michael Reitmulder

A significant shake-up is coming to Fremont’s live music scene as the sun sets on one pillar venue, making way for a splashy new opening around the block. When Belgian-themed beer hall Brouwer’s Café closed last summer after filling tulip glasses for 19 years, there was much curiosity around what might become of the unique and expansive space. Its incoming tenants didn’t have to walk far to get an up-close look at the stone-walled room that will house Fremont’s newest music venue: Hidden Hall.
Review: Kelsea Ballerini gets real in commanding Seattle star turn

1 month ago | seattletimes.com | Michael Rietmulder |Michael Reitmulder

No one would have suspected amid the sparkling wardrobe changes, hip-swiveling dance moves and the brighter-than-a-blood-moon smile across Kelsea Ballerini’s face as she lit up Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday. But in the days leading up to the show, the veteran pop-country star was admittedly a wreck. “I don’t know why, but the last two days, I’ve been crying, I’ve been bloated.
Seattle’s Hall of Justice, where Nirvana recorded ‘Bleach,’ changes hands

1 month ago | seattletimes.com | Michael Rietmulder |Michael Reitmulder

A lot of Seattle music history is hiding in plain sight. One undersung byproduct of having a music community that’s made its share of dents in popular culture over the years is that the city is peppered with recording studios where quintessential albums were made.
In his ‘favorite city,’ hip-hop’s David Bowie puts on theatrical show

1 month ago | seattletimes.com | Michael Rietmulder |Michael Reitmulder

Part of growing up in the public eye means constantly being compared to younger versions of yourself. Tyler, the Creator’s evolution from a brash, teenage shock-rap phenom to a ruminative 33-year-old who has blossomed into hip-hop’s David Bowie has been well documented. The Los Angeles rapper and producer never had anything to outrun, per se.
Nasty Nes, Seattle rap pioneer who discovered Sir Mix-A-Lot, dies at 63

2 months ago | seattletimes.com | Michael Rietmulder |Michael Reitmulder

The Seattle hip-hop community lost one of its most influential early ambassadors last week: “Nasty” Nes Rodriguez died Saturday in Los Angeles, his widow, Llola Rodriguez, announced the following morning on Facebook, calling the loss “immeasurable.”The 63-year-old DJ, music promoter and co-founder of Nastymix Records played an essential role in bringing hip-hop to Seattle during the early 1980s, and in turn, bringing Seattle hip-hop to the rest of the world.
ZooTunes’ 2025 summer concert series lineup announced

2 months ago | seattletimes.com | Michael Rietmulder |Michael Reitmulder

Less than a week after a lowland snowfall briefly turned Seattle into a big ol’ sledding hill, we have reason to start dreaming of summer nights on the lawn. The penguin-tending folks at Woodland Park Zoo have unveiled the 2025 lineup for the beloved summer concert series, ZooTunes.
Seattle music legend Quincy Jones honored at 2025 Grammy Awards

2 months ago | seattletimes.com | Michael Rietmulder |Michael Reitmulder

If anyone deserved it, it was Quincy Jones. Amid the high-profile performances from music’s biggest stars and a warranted focus on the Los Angeles community devastated by wildfires, organizers of Sunday’s 67th annual Grammy Awards carved out roughly 20 minutes — an eternity in TV time — to honor a true giant in music and entertainment.