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September 29, 2026

Is Seattle’s Coffee Scene Missing Anything? Plus, a New Indie Rock Podcast and the Valley of the Gnomes

City Cast Seattle

Is Seattle’s Coffee Scene Missing Anything? Plus, a New Indie Rock Podcast and the Valley of the Gnomes

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2004 was the year indie rock exploded on the music scene — at least, that’s according to a new podcast that launched last week. Host Jane C. Hu and Creative Producer Liam Billingham talk with Melissa Locker, executive producer of “2004: The Year Indie Rock Broke” and founder of Nevermind Media, about what was happening musically in the early aughts, and what that looked like in the Pacific Northwest. Then, to celebrate National Coffee Day, contributor Hannah Krieg joins Jane and Liam to chat about Seattle's coffee history, what the city is doing well, and what's missing in the coffee scene. And finally, Seattle Times employees picketing, Sound Transit’s new Pinehurst station opening tomorrow, and a little bit of whimsy in the form of the Valley of the Gnomes and “Are you my doppelganger?” flyers.

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