You can now find Nirvana at Sea-Tac! The Port of Seattle today welcomed the opening of the first ever retail store for Sub Pop Records to be located at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Sub Pop Records, the independent, local record label founded in 1988, led the grunge music movement with early releases by bands such as Nirvana.
“We are proud to welcome Sub Pop to Sea-Tac Airport,” said Port Commissioner John Creighton. “Sub Pop’s bold support of unknown local artists Nirvana, Soundgarden and Mudhoney put Seattle on the map internationally as a music mecca. Like Sub Pop, we believe in fostering local talent by featuring live performances by hometown musicians at the airport.”
Sub Pop Artist Chad VanGaalen from Calgary, Alberta performed live outside the new store to celebrate the grand opening. That location is one of multiple live performance areas that are part of the airport’s popular Experience the City of Music Program, which recently doubled the number of daily performances scheduled with local musicians throughout the airport. The port and The Merchants at Sea-Tac share the cost of funding the project, which has increased dwell time to 7.5 minutes in areas with live music. The artist roster consists of 26 local musicians who play a variety of genres ranging from pop to folk, jazz and blues.
Currently, 19 Sub Pop artists — including Nirvana, Mudhoney, Built to Spill and the Head and the Heart — are on the play list of overhead music by Northwest artists as part of the Experience the City of Music Program. The cooperative effort by the Port of Seattle, the Office of Film + Music, Seattle Music Commission and PlayNetwork showcases the region’s diverse music culture through live performances, overhead music and announcements by Northwest artists, videos, a web radio player and music–themed art exhibits.
Known for their role in shaping the Northwest’s music culture, Sub Pop’s new retail venture features vinyl albums, CDs, sweatshirts, t-shirts, books, hats, coffee, blankets, neck pillows, art and more for travelers and locals alike looking for eclectic items.
“Some travelers’ only exposure to Seattle will take place in the airport, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to share Northwest music, our city and memories of bands we love and revere with the world,” said Sub Pop President Jonathan Poneman. “Our authentic Pacific Northwest memorabilia and swag has multi-generational appeal. An older generation will remember listening to Sub Pop artists in the 80’s and 90’s, and kids will love the music’s raw energy and vitality.”
The port expects to collaborate with Sub Pop Records to find unique ways to highlight the airport’s music program and the region’s music culture. Additionally, Sub Pop’s deep roots in Seattle culture complement Sea-Tac’s diverse retail offerings that feature a unique combination of local and national brands.
The store is located in the central terminal next to Ex Officio near the entrance to the C gates.
About The Merchants at Sea-Tac
Sea-Tac Airport and its merchants are well-known for an award-winning dining and retail program. Ninety-two units are located throughout the airport with competitive street pricing for food, specialty services and duty-free operations.
