Photos by Kayla Wallace
Tacoma Washington Band neglects racial bias and creates a world of their own. The bassist of Enumclaw, Eli Edwards discusses the atmosphere of Washington State, their debut album, and the band’s source of drive, aspirations, and goals.
When you think of music in Washington, Seattle, the state’s major city, immediately comes to mind. This city has been a breeding ground for legendary bands like Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Jimi Hendrix, Soundgarden, and more. Seattle is renowned for its strong ties to the grunge, indie, and punk rock music scenes. These musical influences have extended their reach throughout the entire state of Washington, leaving their mark on neighboring cities like Tacoma, where you can find the indie band Enumclaw.
Enumclaw, named after the town in Washington, is an indie band comprising four members: Aramis Johnson as the lead vocalist, Eli Edwards on bass (Aramis’s younger brother), Ladaniel Gipson on drums, and Nathan Cornell on guitar.
Eli Edwards explained, “The vibe of Tacoma is interesting because it’s very diverse. Because of the military presence, there are a couple of large bases in the suburbs of Tacoma. It’s like all the schools are very diverse, but people are usually into the same kind of things. I feel like guys like me, the rest of the band, and our friends are very much a minority. Other than the Tacoma Dome, which is the arena where country artists perform, there’s Real Art, the hardcore venue. I saw my first show there.” He goes on to describe how, despite Tacoma’s size, the rock artist community is relatively small yet close-knit.
After a year of touring, the band has connected with numerous bands outside of Washington, such as They are Gutting Out a Body of Water, Hotline TNT, and is currently on tour with Australian artist Genesis Owusu.
This flourishing band is celebrating its one-year anniversary since the release of their debut album, “Save the Baby.” The album explores various themes such as family dynamics, heartbreak, introspection, and more. Aramis, the lead vocalist, stands out with his unique voice, which cuts through the band’s fusion of grunge and indie, creating a space for vulnerability and reflection, offering more than just a sound.
With transparent and contradictory lyrics, Johnson found a way to craft raw words that harmonize perfectly with the band’s gritty yet vibrant sound, appealing to both musical and lyrical listeners.
Edwards further explained, “We just wanted to make the best album that showed who we were, you know. We wanted to give the world a glimpse into what we are and, in a way, shine a spotlight on a scene that’s never had its moment.”
The album begins with the song “Save the Baby,” which sets the tone for the rest of the project, with lyrics that end on a note of hope: “I just want to wake up brand new.” The album closes with an acoustic and emotionally driven song called “Apartment,” where the refrain chants, “Why not give it all that you have? Hey, you have one last chance to let go and get rid of the past.”
Enumclaw’s “Save The Baby” emphasizes coming to terms with the past and using it as fuel to create the life you envision for yourself.
Facing the challenge of being a black indie band in a predominantly white music scene, Enumclaw serves as an inspiration for young people of color to express themselves, regardless of the genre.
Eli Edwards shares a powerful message, “You can be somewhere with a thriving music scene, or you can be in a place without one. It doesn’t matter if you have friends who support your work or friends who don’t; you can pursue your passion. If you want to create music, go ahead and make it happen.”