by Parker Cacatian
In the vibrant city of Tacoma, one band has carved out its own unique path and left an incredible mark on the local music scene. The band Seaweed, known for its distinct sound and energy, has become intertwined with the spirit of Tacoma’s music community. With its style of punk, grunge, and indie rock, Seaweed has captured audiences attention and generated a dedicated following since its creation.
Seaweed was formed in 1986 by Aaron Stauffer on vocals, Clint Werner on guitar, Wade Neal on guitar, John Atkins on bass, and Bob Bulgrien on drums. All of the members of the band at the time were in high school and were already active in different local bands. Seaweed’s early years in Tacoma were crucial to their development as a band. Playing in local venues and collaborating with other bands in the area, Seaweed quickly became a very popular band in the local music scene. The band’s raw energy resonated with audiences and helped establish them as one of the most promising new bands in punk rock. In the early days of Seaweed, the band played small shows and house parties in the Tacoma area, while building a local following. As their reputation grew, Seaweed began playing shows at larger venues. As Seaweed’s popularity grew, it began to attract attention from outside of Tacoma. They signed with the popular Seattle-based independent label Sub Pop Records in 1990, joining a roster that included bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney. The band’s debut album “Despised” was released on Sub Pop the following year, helping to establish Seaweed as an important band in the Pacific Northwest music scene.
Seaweed’s musical style can be described as a blend of punk rock, and hardcore. Their sound was characterized by heavy guitar riffs, bass lines, and powerful vocals. The band’s music was both raw and energetic and Seaweed’s lyrics often tackled social and political issues, making them unique and standing out from others. In an interview with Aaron Stauffer, the lead singer of the band, states “we hated the concept of grunge, like we considered ourselves a punk band…”. Despite this, Seaweed’s music had an impact on the development of the grunge sound, with their heavy, melodic style influencing many of the bands that would achieve mainstream success in the future years that followed.
Seaweed released many great albums throughout their career, each showcasing their evolving musical style and contributions to the punk rock genre. “Despised,” their debut album released in 1991, was a raw and intense release that showed the band’s punk rock roots. The band’s standout tracks, such as “Kid Candy” and “Start with” were fast-paced and aggressive, with fast paced rhythms and harsh vocals. In 1993, Seaweed released “Four,” which marked a significant evolution in the band’s sound. The album had a smoother sound and catchier tunes, but the band was still able to keep their powerful energy and meaningful messages. The album’s lead single, “Go Your Own Way,” was a catchy track that showcased Seaweed’s ability to write accessible and memorable songs.
Seaweed’s album “Spanaway” was released in 1995, after finishing their contract with Sub Pop and signing with Hollywood Records. The album featured a more polished sound and incorporated elements of alternative rock, while still retaining the band’s trademark intensity and socially conscious themes. Tracks such as “Anti Lyrical” and “Free Drug Zone” showcased Seaweed’s ability to tackle serious issues with wit and humor. The song “Last Humans” from the album talks about the impact of human actions on the environment and the need for change. The song’s lyrics address the destruction of forests, pollution of oceans, and the depletion of natural resources, highlighting the need for us to take responsibility for our actions and work towards a more sustainable future. “I don’t want to live in a world like that” Stauffer states. Despite this album’s popularity, Seaweed disbanded shortly after its release, because of creating differences and the desire to pursue other projects. When asked about the relationship of the band when they broke up Stauffer states “I’m in contact with all of the seaweed guys, We’re really good friends”, “It was just logistically taxing on our lives”. Seaweed’s contributions to the punk rock genre were significant, both in terms of their musical style and their themes as well. They helped create a more inclusive and politically engaged punk rock scene, inspiring countless bands and musicians to follow in their footsteps.
Seaweed was known for their electrifying live performances, with their high energy shows, intense sound and enthusiastic audience participation. Their shows were known for their lively mosh pits, crowd surfing, and sing-alongs that left audiences feeling exhilarated and energized. During one of their shows at the Temple Theatre, fans reportedly got wild and ripped out the seats of the venue. During the time of Seaweed’s prime, the punk rock scene in Tacoma was lively, with many different bands emerging from the area and playing shows at local venues. In an interview with Aaron Stauffer, the lead singer of Seaweed, he recalls how Tacoma was a hub for live music at that time, with all the promoters hosting shows in the city. Stauffer notes the diversity of the scene, ranging from full-on punk bands like Poison Idea, to others like Soundgarden and Greenriver, reflecting the vibrant and electric nature of the Tacoma music scene.
Despite not achieving the same level of commercial success as some of their peers, Seaweed remains a hidden gem in the world of punk rock and alternative music. Hailing from the vibrant and eclectic Tacoma music scene during the 1990s, they carved out a unique place for themselves with their energetic performances, infectious melodies, and raw lyrics. Seaweed’s music continues to be influential and highly regarded by those in the know. Their contributions to the punk rock genre, alongside their peers, shaped an era and left a lasting impact. While others may have received more mainstream recognition, Seaweed’s authenticity and unapologetic approach to their music earned them a dedicated following that appreciates their contributions to the punk and alternative rock movements. Though the band may no longer be active, their legacy lives on. Their music serves as a time capsule, capturing the spirit and essence of an era that resonates with fans even today. Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone discovering their music for the first time, Seaweed’s music is definitely worth exploring. From their debut album “Despised,” with its fast-paced and aggressive tracks like “Kid Candy,” to their more evolved sound on “Actions and Indications” featuring standout tracks like “In The Middle” each album showcases their evolution as musicians and their amazing talent. So, if you’re seeking a musical journey that takes you back to the influential punk rock and alternative scene of the 1990s, be sure to check out Seaweed. Give their albums a listen and discover their music that continues to inspire fans and musicians alike. Seaweed’s music is a testament to the spirit of punk and a reminder of the long lasting impact that music can have on our lives.
About the Author
Parker Cacatian prepared this article as his final project for TARTS 225: Musical History of Tacoma, at the University of Washington, Tacoma. At the time he took the class in Spring Quartet 2023, he was a senior majoring in Business Administration.
Further Reading
Tacoma Music History 
Leave a comment