From Boston Roots to Seattle Stages: GENEVA Finds their Way Back to The PNW Music Scene
- Jenna Mitchell
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
From Boston Roots to Seattle Stages: GENEVA Finds their Way Back to The PNW Music Scene
In a scene where genre lines blur and creative freedom reigns, GENEVA is embracing a new chapter. The six-piece rock-fusion band, known for their eccentric songwriting and electric stage presence, recently relocated from Boston to Seattle—and they’re ready to break into the Pacific Northwest’s music scene.
With their recent West Coast tour wrapped, a new lineup in place, and their sights set on bigger stages (and deeper connection), GENEVA is entering a new era: one that’s rooted in advocacy, diversity, and, of course, killer music.
Roots and reinvention
Though the band was founded in Boston where the original group went to school, GENEVA’s story actually begins in Spokane, Washington, where Lea Anderson, the band's vocalist, alongside keyboardist Andrew Atkison, first started making music back in high school with their band Monke Business. Years later, the two reunited at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where they met the rest of GENEVA’s original lineup and began playing shows across the city.
But the decision to relocate wasn’t just logistical—it was personal.
Lea felt a pull back to the Pacific Northwest. Seattle’s vibrant, genre-diverse scene offered what Boston couldn’t: space to grow, experiment, and build genuine community.
“When we went to Boston, it was like we were very well received, among our community when we were playing shows and stuff. But the scene just wasn't there.” Lea Explains.
“We felt pretty stuck over there. And I have some friends in Seattle who were demonstrating the vibrancy and accessibility of the music scene there - it's like there's always a show happening. There's so many bands, there's such variety and genres. There's a music scene for punk, a music scene for rock music, scene for pop.”
“Everything has its place in Seattle."
Exploring the sound
GENEVA’s sound is hard to pin down, but take one listen and you'll understand that that's exactly the point. Each member comes from a different background, which helps strengthen their sound and cannot-be-contained energy.
GENEVA’s music can be described as a high-energy, genre-bending set that spans from indie to funk to hard-hitting rock. Lea says the best genre to put them in would be rock-fusion. The combination of genres, styles, and backgrounds leaves room for music that will resonate with you in a number of ways.
“All of our music is pretty danceable…we have a lot of fun on stage” says Lea. “Some people even describe us as ‘camp,’”
Beyond the Music
While their sound is infectious and fun, their message is just as important. GENEVA uses their platform to write about mental health, self-love, identity, and social justice. GENEVA’s sound goes beyond catchy lyrics and danceable tunes in every venue they play - there’s power within the words and the message of their music.
“We’re a very diverse band, and a lot of our music is very advocacy and activist based. We write a lot of political music and music that is sometimes taboo,” Lea shares. “I really think my mission is using my platform to give a voice to people who might not have it.”
Their lyrics are deeply personal but crafted to resonate, and to spark something deeper in the audience. Their songs are catchy, but meaningful, which makes up a big part of their mission as a band.
West Coast touring
This past summer, GENEVA hit the road for a West Coast tour that stretched from Idaho to California - playing familiar venues in hometowns, as well as some unique nights that made for lasting memories (including a Thai Restaurant in Richland, with surprisingly good sound and impeccable vibes).
With a brand-new lineup and barely a week of rehearsals before the first show, the tour was both a challenge and a turning point.
“The first rehearsal was a little rough,” Lea admits. “By the third day, I was like, we sound good. And then throughout the rest of the week, we became happier and honing in on details.”
The tour included memorable shows in Moscow (ID), Spokane, Seattle, Boise, Sandpoint, Bellingham, and Santa Cruz, with both traditional venues and DIY spaces on the map. Playing The Hive in Boise was a highlight for the group, as well as packing the house in Spokane at The Big Dipper.
“I think my favorite part around here was just seeing all the different places.”
The tour hitting Seattle a few times was also a high point, and gave them an extra sense of security in their upcoming move. The crowds were engaged, the fans showed out, and shows were played in the middle of a public park - something not many other cities can attest to.
“It was really cool to know this is where were going to be for the foreseeable future.”
Not everything went smoothly - many know the ups and downs of touring and trying to get yourself out there - but by the time they reached their final stop in Denver, they had not only broken even, but gained a new sense of momentum. The tour brought them across new places and gave them more hope and excitement for the future of GENEVA - both musically, and geographically.
What’s next for GENEVA
Now based in Seattle, GENEVA is focused on recording new material, expanding into the local DIY scene, and building their presence across the Pacific Northwest.
“Were going to have a lot more music. We plan to play a ton of shows, really break into the DIY scene and focus more on that.”
One new song, “Stargazing,” written during tour downtime, has already become a fan favorite as they played it across cities on tour - so you can expect more music and shows from GENEVA in their new home.
Where to Find GENEVA
From tour, to Seattle, and streaming, GENEVA has a strong voice and presence that we feel encapsulates so much of the PNW community.
Stream their current releases on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you get your music. For tour dates, new releases, and behind-the-scenes updates, follow them on Instagram
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