BY ANGELA JOSSY for WEEKLY VOLCANO 5/30/25 |
This week we interview Kim Archer. In case you’re not hip, Kim has been energizing crowds in this town for as long as I can remember and she’s still one of the most fun musicians to see live. From her funky takes on covers to her own original music, it’s impossible not to return her amazing smile or to resist the urge to sing along, tap your feet and eventually let the music take you over entirely. Today we reflect on the past and present outlook for local musicians and venues. I think you’ll find her words just as compelling as her music. Please enjoy this exclusive interview with Weekly Volcano.
1. What brought you to Tacoma? How hard was it to start booking gigs and build a fan base?
The drummer in my band in Indiana, Jeff Derby, moved here in late 2003 and immediately started raving about the scene here and that I should come check it out. I visited in early 2004 and arrived on a one-way ticket with my suitcase and guitar on July 14, 2004. Tacoma really just opened its arms to me, starting with the open mic hosted by Loose Gravel at the original Cole’s Tavern in Ruston. That was the first stage I played, and Pat Fereday, David McKibbin, Jeff, and I were put together. That was the first lineup of the Kim Archer Band, and I am so grateful to still be playing and enjoying it over twenty years later. Though the venues change, there have always been places that value what we do and people who support local, live music, and that’s what makes Tacoma special.
2. Did Weekly Volcano play any role in your early days here?
I’m not sure there’s anyone playing who wasn’t supported by the Weekly Volcano in the early 2000s! The weekly calendar was the place to see who was playing, where, and what was going on in the city. There were also the weekly editorials and highlights that introduced new and upcoming acts to the community in such a personal way. You opened to that section first each week, hoping to see your name in that section.
3. Did you have any local people who helped you early on that you want to give a shout-out to?
Wow . . . That list is long (and I’m sure I’ll forget some, so my apologies). Definitely the people who booked us early on and gave us a chance to get in front of people. Loose Gravel, who put us together at Cole’s open mic. Dan Rankin, who was at Jazzbones then and still books us at his new venue, Airport Tavern, is not only a great guy and promoter but a friend. I’ve learned a lot from him about producing shows and navigating the business side of things. The band Just Dirt used to let us on their open mic stage as a band at the old Bullseye Lounge in Spanaway, and that taught me a lot about managing a crowd for sure. Soon after, we started the Friday and Saturday night music at Dawson’s with Kenny and ran that for a couple of years. That was before there was a stage, and we just hoped that the nest of electrical cords in the back room didn’t ignite . . . those were good times, and we really got tight as a group. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without Jeff, Dave, and Pat. We’re all spread out now but still playing, and it’s always cool when we run into each other. They’ll always be my brothers.
4. How important was networking and going to open mics?
Open mics are the place to get started in any city. It’s what got me started in Tacoma, Seattle, and now even in Puerto Vallarta. If you want to learn about the music scene, go to the open mic.
5. How would you describe Tacoma’s music community compared to other cities?
They don’t call us the Gritty City for nothing. I still feel that underground vibe and the camaraderie among musicians to help each other and support the venues that are part of our family. You can make real friends here and create cool things together. That’s part of what makes Tacoma special.
6. How has the music scene in Tacoma changed over the past ten years?
There are new faces and new venues for sure, which is great. I also see more festivals, community events, and seasonal series happening, giving us more opportunities to play. I think the introduction of more all-ages venues sparked more genres of music to make their space here too. I love it.
7. Are there any venues you especially like to play? Any that don’t exist anymore that you miss?
If we’re talking big stages, I love Airport Tavern and the Spanish Ballroom, and Jazzbones is a Tacoma staple. For a more intimate setting, I like Cider & Cedar, The Valley, and New Frontier Lounge, and you can always have a great time at a Saturday morning farmers market.
I remember the vibe at the original Cole’s in Ruston. It was live and gritty and a favorite for the blues community. It was supposed to be our first show back in 2004, but it burned down before we got a chance. I just have a nostalgic feeling for it because it was first.
8. What advice do you have for venues who want to succeed at showcasing live music?
Create a space that blends quality music, good service, tasty food, and a culture of appreciation. The artist and venue should share the risks of building the room and work together to make it successful. Do your marketing collectively and make sure the people who come have a positive experience. You get one chance to make a first impression.
9. What advice do you have for young musicians trying to make a living from their art in this region?
Do it because you love it, and the rest will come. A solid work ethic will always serve you well, and the relationships you foster will make all the difference in your experience and level of success.
10. Are there common mistakes you see artists make when trying to book gigs or promote their work?
Being easy to reach and quick with a response is probably the most important part of booking. It’s business, and learning how to manage it will make or break you.
11. How do you manage the business side of being an artist—booking, marketing, finances, etc.?
I schedule business time and creative time each day so I can focus on them individually. For me, it’s a different brain space, so I need that separation to do them with any successful outcome. I also use business tools and apps to streamline booking and managing finances.
12. Do you have any stories of fans or moments that reminded you why you do this?
There have been many special moments with fans and great memories of travel and interactions, but one comes to mind often. There was an older couple who used to come to our shows, and they would always dance together because we would play some songs from their generation. I’d see them a couple of times a month, and we’d always spend a few minutes together, and they were just the sweetest people. He was so tall, and she was tiny, and he would float her around the floor. Over the years, she became frail, and I saw them less and less. Then one night he showed up alone, then a few months later was the last time I saw him.
Music connects us in a way that no other thing is able because it leaves an impression on our hearts. It marks time, preserves memories, and can even give us hope. Creating a space for people to feel that is the greatest honor and gift. This is a service job.
See Kim Archer live: Maritime Gig Festival in Gig Harbor on June 7, Quinault Beach Resort & Casino in Ocean Shores, June 13–14, Firehouse Pub in Buckley June 26, and Tacoma’s Spanish Ballroom on June 27.
