Grunge Included

Few people experienced the rise of the Seattle music scene from as many angles as Jan Gregor. A musician, booking agent, tour manager, stagehand, pyrotech, billposter, follow-spot operator, caterer and film maker, Gregor spent 15 years immersed in the Pacific Northwest’s thriving rock community, playing in bands including Variant Cause, Next Exit, Sweet Madness and Koo Dot Tah.

In this interview, Gregor shares the remarkable Nirvana booking story before they became global icons, along with personal memories of Chris Cornell, Matt Cameron, Eddie Vedder, and Alice in Chains during the formative years of the Seattle explosion. He also reflects on the emergence of grunge, the pivotal role of Sub Pop, and what it was really like to witness one of the most influential musical movements in history from the inside.

Music Conference for all!!!!

All music writers, no matter what stage of your career you’re in, to apply to the Grunge Included Conference. Whether you’re a professional musician, critic, an emerging journalist, or someone who explores music as a passionate hobby, your voice and perspective are welcome and important!

The conference brings together diverse thinkers and creators to discuss music as a powerful social, political, and economic force shaping our world today. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your work, share your insights, and connect with a vibrant network of fellow writers, artists, and industry professionals. It will be a completely open and supportive environment: free of judgment!

COACHELLA 2026 AND ‘‘OBLIVIOUS’’

Julian Casablancas is the musician which current and future musicologist, music historians and protest music fans will write about. After a few decades have passed or 100 years, his musical influence and political ideas will be evaluated in the same seriousness as those of Joe Hill, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan or Kurt Cobain.

I’m revisiting this article because The Strokes have reunited for their new album Reality Awaits (26 June, 2026), marking their first performance together in 15 years. And how do they celebrate this ? By headlining Coachella and closing their set on weekend two with powerful political messages.

The band performed ‘‘Oblivious’’ for the first time in 10 years and throughout the visuals showcased photos of influential political figures: Mohammad Mosaddeg (former Prime Minister of Iran), Patrice Lumumba (Former Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Juan José Torres (Former President of Bolivia) and Martin Luther King Jr. (American civil rights activist). After each photo with text stating that the CIA and U.S government was involved in their death and the overthrow of their governments. All whilst singing and asking the crowd ‘‘What side you standing on?’’

Caspian Coberly has quickly become one of the most popular new artists in the Pacific Northwest. His albums : ''Caspian Coberly'' (2019), ''4st spiral thru the dream dimension'' (2022) and ''Texas sex'' (2023) have earned him a growing and dedicated audience in the region.

Caspian also plays in the Seattle-based Wipers tribute band Is This Real? formed in 2023, alongside Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Together, they’ve also released tributes of KISS : “Songs For Ace” and “Shock Me.”

With his new album ''Starlight'' coming out this year and another already finished, he shares more about his new songs, musical process and influences!

Music Conference for all!!!!

I am inviting all music writers, no matter what stage of your career you’re in, to apply to the Grunge Included Conference. Whether you’re a professional musician, critic, an emerging journalist, or someone who explores music as a passionate hobby, your voice and perspective are welcome and important!

The conference brings together diverse thinkers and creators to discuss music as a powerful social, political, and economic force shaping our world today. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your work, share your insights, and connect with a vibrant network of fellow writers, artists, and industry professionals. It will be a completely open and supportive environment: free of judgment!

You can also present your work through a recorded video or zoom call, if you can’t make it to York, UK! Worldwide applicants welcome!☀️

As Lennon shared in the previous interview above, “Our music targets homophobia, misogyny and we are always trying to make a statement whether our music says it outright, or we actually raise issues when we perform.” That same spirit carries into this week’s selections!