Inside the Seattle Funk Scene with Ben Bloom of The Polyrhythmics (Ep.30)

Inside the Seattle Funk Scene with Ben Bloom of The Polyrhythmics (Ep.30)

Author: Nate Riggs February 16, 2025 Duration: 26:21
Music Festivals Podcast
MusicInterviews

In Episode 30 of the Music Festivals Podcast, I sit down with Ben Bloom of the The Polyrhythmics, a Seattle-based powerhouse instrumental group that emerged from Seattle’s deep funk scene.

Originally just a recording project, the band’s first live show revealed an unexpected energy that changed everything. With over 15 years of touring and recording, their evolving sound continues to blur genre lines, creating hypnotic grooves that keep audiences locked in.

Ben and I get into his background as a musician and some inspiration that can be traced back to a highly influential high school band director. We talk about the formation of The Polyrhythmics, their studio, upcoming album releases and some of their tour stops before and after their headlining appearance at the 2024 Whippersnap Music & Arts Festival.

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Key Moments in our Conversation 🎙️

05:33 Starting a Funk Big Band

08:43 Unexpected Live Band Success

12:46 Recording Process of Non-Live Band

13:45 "Filter System: Non-Band Recording Techniques"

19:43 Improvised Musical Journey Ahead

22:49 Unexpected Festival Connections

25:20 Music Festivals & Subscriber Benefits


About The Polyrhythmics 🫠

Website: https://www.polyrhythmics.com/

Tour: https://www.polyrhythmics.com/tour

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polyrhythmics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polyrhythmics

YouTube: @Polyrhythmics 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/43pamwJj22NKepRqNeS412

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/polyrhythmics/399690322

Merch: https://www.hellomerch.com/collections/polyrhythmics


About Whippersnap Music & Arts Festival 🌴

https://www.whippersnapfest.com/

https://floridasandmusicranch.com/

https://www.whippersnapfest.com/whippersnap2025lineup


Win Festival Tickets -- Sign up for The Neighborhood Newsletter 🎟️

Website: https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/


Find NeighborN8 🔎

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighborn8fests/

Request coverage: https://musicfestivalspodcast.com/contact


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Production Credits 🙏

Music Festivals Podcast is a Production of NRMedia Group, LLC

https://www.nrmedia.biz/


Title sequence music bed

Holly Bowling from Dark Star Jubilee 05/25/24.

Holly's Website: https://www.hollybowling.com/

Stream the set on Nugs: https://bit.ly/holly-bowling-set-DSJ24


Closing Music Bed Created by NeighborN8 with help from Suno AI

https://suno.com/me


Nate Riggs hosts Music Festivals Podcast, a weekly conversation for anyone who feels most at home in a field with a lineup and a schedule. This isn't just about dates and headliners, though. Instead, each episode feels like a backstage pass, built on genuine conversations with the people who make these events happen-from organizers and artists to the dedicated crews. You'll hear stories that never make it to the official recap videos and get practical advice that turns a good trip into an unforgettable one. The aim is to give you a richer understanding of the culture and logistics behind the scenes, whether you're a seasoned veteran mapping out your summer or someone curious about attending your first event. By focusing on these insider interviews and deep dives, the podcast helps you discover hidden gems and approach your next festival with a new perspective. Tune in for a regular dose of that community feeling and the detailed planning talk that fuels the journey between festivals.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 69

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