Spokane's alternative music community comes alive with the Chameleon's 'The Nightmare After Christmas' event, featuring a lineup of experimental electronic artists. The show highlights local talents connected through open mic nights and underscores the growing underground scene. Scheduled for Friday, it replaces a canceled performance with genres spanning dark wave to hip-hop.
The Chameleon's 'The Nightmare After Christmas' event promises to spotlight Spokane's vibrant experimental electronic music scene. Taking place on Friday, the multi-band show features five artists united by their innovative use of electronic sounds, including dark wave, goth, synth punk, and hip-hop elements. This gathering at the venue, known for its immersive light displays, originally planned for a different performer who had to cancel, now serves as a platform for local innovators.
Experimental electronic music traces its roots to the late 1970s in Great Britain, with pioneering bands like Joy Division and the early work of the Cure laying the groundwork for post-punk and beyond. In Spokane, the genre thrives through community efforts, such as the 'Square Wave' electronic open mic hosted by Nat Mooter, who performs as Iron Chain. Held every first and third Wednesday at Pacific Pizza, it offers performers 10 to 15 minutes each in a low-pressure environment.
"All these people come down and it’s just 10 to 15 minutes; it’s kind of like a low buy-in," Mooter said. "It’s more doable than trying to book your first show … there’s all sorts of different genres that happen there."
Many of Friday's artists, including members of Half Joy who formed after meeting at Square Wave, trace their connections to these nights. Mooter collaborates with Drew Mitchell, who performs as Sad School and serves as the Chameleon's assistant general manager. Chris Malsam, performing as Frog Psychology, handles the venue's lighting and visuals, earning praise from Mitchell: "He’s the heart and soul of the lighting. And of course, the owner Josh Lorenzen put a lot of time and effort into the lights."
The event reflects a burgeoning local scene, with Mooter noting its high quality and community focus. "A lot of us are making it on a high level of quality," he said. "If you look around you, there’s people doing it … We’re putting our heart and soul into building a community here, and this is a good showcase of what’s been popping up in the last year." This underground showcase offers newcomers an accessible entry into Spokane's evolving electronic landscape.
