For those of you who have been reading my column, you have inevitably inferred my belief that Tacoma is a musical epicenter of sorts. It has provided a starting platform for many bands that have gone on to find great success on an international level. The Northwest has been both a hotbed for musical talent, and a breeding ground for the invention of new sounds and styles. And when bands like THE FAME RIOT bridge my consciousness, it's not difficult for me to uphold these beliefs.

Earlier this year I became acquainted with a fellow young resident of Tacoma, with whom I shared a strong mutual interest and involvement in music. A few minutes into our first conversation, he mentioned that he played in a band.

I was of course speaking with the one and only Shazam "Tea Time" Watkins, with the aforementioned band being THE FAME RIOT, comprised of himself and the equally magnificent Liz Scarlett. Together, they have created the most incredible, sequence-filled, fur coat-adorned pop combo for many miles abound right now. For those of you whose eardrums have not yet been tickled by these young men, it is truly my pleasure to inform.

Scarlett and Watkins have been playing music together since about 2003. What is now THE FAME RIOT began in the form of a band called "Moon Juice." Due to some minor legality issues involving other groups sharing the same name, as well as the exuberant desire to create something new and completely their own, the duo officially became THE FAME RIOT in April 2012. Their first single, entitled "Heart Stray", was then released. They've since released a number of other singles including "Shelah," "The Finale" and "Limits."

THE FAME RIOT is managed by Gabriel Mira, and produced by Rob Daiker. Daiker has produced the likes of Christian Burkhardt, among other large acts. Maybe Katy Perry rings a bell? THE FAME RIOT also works with a manager in California by the name of Jeff Peters, who some of you may know as the founding bass player of Flogging Molly. Peters has also been heavily involved with The Hollywood Undead and Papa Roach.

Shortly after I met Watkins, we began discussing possible show collaborations between him and I. Their manager Gabriel Mira contacted me, and presented my band with the opportunity to open for THE FAME RIOT at Louie G's Pizzeria in Fife. By this point my band mates and I - and everyone within earshot of our bedrooms and car stereos - were already fans of THE FAME RIOT. Naturally, we accepted the opportunity without question. To the unsuspecting audience that night, the closest thing I can equate THE FAME RIOT'S performance to is jumping onto a moving train. I hesitate to even use the word "performance," because it was more of a spectacle, during which Scarlett and Watkins put forth more energy than I've ever seen exerted in a 30-minute time span. Scarlett even spent the better portion of a song riding the shoulders of my band mate in the audience.

This past summer, THE FAME RIOT headed to California - where they are originally from - to perform at Launch Sacramento. There, they shared the stage with Grouplove, Joy Formidable and Chromeo. Though these are very daunting names to be billed with, THE FAME RIOT'S songwriting, professionalism and stage presence is more than deserving of being billed with such massive acts. I suggest you all purchase Lollapalooza tickets for the next three years in advance, and you just might get to see THE FAME RIOT perform.

THE FAME RIOT are about to embark on its next big recording endeavor, and expect to have a full-length album out by March of next year. Until then, you can easily find its music, info and upcoming shows at thefameriot.com.

As I said before, I'm honored to inform you about this band. Its music has the sincerity and passion behind it that is necessary for the genuine success it has achieved, and will continue to achieve. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for THE FAME RIOT.