On a recent episode of Almost the Weekend, hosts Besa Gordon and Curtis Delgardo II sat down with Seattle hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Maribased1 to talk about his journey, his platform “Seattle Music Is Real,” and the creative ways he’s pushing the local music scene forward.

For Maribased1, Seattle Music Is Real isn’t just a catchy name—it’s a movement. Launched in 2021 with his father, the platform started as a space for them to perform but quickly evolved into a hub for local artists to showcase their talent. “We believe that Seattle didn’t really have an identity,” he shared. “Seattle Music Is Real became the identity we wanted to push to the world.”

The platform’s foundation is rooted in community, with it’s homebase being out of LEMS Bookstore in Columbia City, Seattle Music Is Real runs live showcases from March through August, giving local performers a consistent stage. Over time, the movement expanded beyond city limits, touring to places like Bellingham, Yakima, Tri-Cities, and even Los Angeles and Idaho—building what Maribased1 says they call “the chicken wing circuit,” connecting artists with new audiences and fan bases in every city.

One of the most innovative aspects of Seattle Music Is Real is its embrace of the metaverse. Partnering with Blockchain Radio, Maribased1 created his own digital space, complete with avatars, music videos, and merch links, allowing fans to attend concerts virtually from anywhere in the world. “We’ve had thousands of people tap into our Metaverse shows,” he explained. “It’s like performing at the Paramount—but online.”

Of course, the conversation wasn’t just about the platform. Maribased1 is continuing to make waves as an artist in his own right. His new single, Spot ’Em Got ’Em, produced by Seattle’s own Doggemout Beats, is a summer-ready track he describes as “that ether”—pure energy showcasing the talent coming out of the city.

Through it all, Maribased1’s mission is clear: to show the world that Seattle’s music scene is alive, authentic, and here to stay. “Seattle music is real, and this ain’t a game,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what genre you do—hip-hop, R&B, country—this is our identity to the rest of the world.”

Fans can follow Maribased1 on all platforms at @Maribased1Official and tap into Seattle Music Is Real on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and their official seamusicisreal.com.

His single Spot ’Em Got ’Em is streaming everywhere, and the movement is just getting started.

Photos by Susan Fried on behalf of Converge Media