A fire at a self-storage facility in Everett, Wash., resulted in one death and thousands of dollars in destroyed possessions, but it's also affecting local musicians, as the facility had grown a reputation as a hospitable place for band practices and gatherings.
A sizeable portion of a unit at Storehouse Mini Storage burned, causing local bands to lose a significant amount of instruments and equipment. Musicians told the source the facility began welcoming them as long as 30 years ago, which inspired underground acts to rent space at the facility as well as get together, practice and write songs. Some musicians went as far to say the facility was the epicenter of the Everett music scene.
Several Everett bands plan to join together to host benefit concerts, which will be promoted through Facebook, to replace their equipment. The source does not report if the facility or bands had insurance.
Storehouse Mini Storage is on Smith Avenue, just east of Interstate 5. Everett is part of the Seattle metropolitan area, about 30 miles north of downtown Seattle. The Seattle region has a reputation for spawning popular "garage" bands as the alternative/grunge movement began in the area in late 1980s and early 1990s.
Sources:
- MyFoxSpokane.com: Storage Unit Destroyed by Fire Was Hub of Everett Music Scene