Underground Sound: Tacoma’s New Print Zine Delivers Edge, Wit and Noir

There’s a brand new publication hitting the streets of Tacoma on December 4th and it’s bringing a unique spin on the stories and creative pulse of our city.

Underground Sound is the brainchild of James Hume, along with his lively bunch of…shall we go as far as calling them “tortured artists”? This was the name of Hume’s film festival going way back to the 1990s. 

A rather eccentric and recognized Tacoma artist, James ran multiple Tacoma film festivals while he occupied office space at 7th and Pacific with his television production business, Club Seven.

Later he pulled together a cast of local talent and ran a series of underground art shows between 2006-2008. Entry cost was laughable, art was affordable, and the energy was palpable. Both artists and attendees benefited from these events. Kulture Lab became a fixture of Tacoma’s art scene history that people still talk about with a little spark in their eyes.

Today, Hume is back and he’s about to stir the pot again. 

Underground Sound is the Kulture Lab of print. It carries that same raw, iconic Tacoma flavor, only this time it shows up in the form of a glossy black and white zine. It will be free to the public, with fresh issues monthly distributed to over 300 locations in the South Sound. No online version. No scrolling. It will challenge readers to pour a drink, cozy into a favorite chair and find connection page by page.

The mission of this zine is simple. Showcase the people and places of Tacoma. Share useful information. Bring a few laughs. Encourage collaboration over competition. And strengthen the underground spirit of a uniquely creative city.

Each month will spotlight stories and interviews with local doers, film, book, and music reviews, the dish on tasty bites around town, and a sense of humor that feels uniquely 253. Even the ads are designed with a creative edge, offering local businesses an opportunity to get noticed starting at an ultra affordable sixty bucks per month. 

A sampling from the editors page:

“Welcome to the world of yesterday…where we’re still proudly behind the times. Underground Sound is a brand new locally produced infotainment zine that shamelessly celebrates local businesses and groovy events. We will always report the news with humor, heart, a dash of mild profanity and a sprinkle of hometown mischief.”

The approach to the cover art brings an exciting element to the publication. Each issue will feature a collectible cover by a local artist. Some legendary, some unknown, all meticulously curated. With limited copies being produced, the monthly treasure hunt is part of the experience.

There is talk about hosting small monthly pop up release parties to celebrate each new issue. The idea is to rotate through local venues, bars, restaurants and creative spaces that support Tacoma’s arts community. If this vision comes to life, each month will feature the cover artist as the guest of honor. They may bring additional artwork to display, sign a few limited edition shirts or chat with readers. It would give people a chance to meet the creatives behind the zine while also supporting the businesses that make Tacoma a vibe. This idea is still brewing, but it speaks to the deeper intention behind the publication. Community and collaboration.

Underground Sound lives in partnership with Tacoma Loyal, an evolving platform dedicated to uplifting the small businesses, entrepreneurs and creative culture of the 253. Originally started as an online merch shop, Tacoma Loyal shares profits with businesses who desire to offer exclusive branded products to their customers without the hassle of inventory or a website. Future plans include representation of select local artists in an online gallery format.

The teamwork between Underground Sound and Tacoma Loyal comes naturally. They are two branches of the same mission. Both encourage residents to explore, engage and invest in the city they love.

In addition to the brand new publication, this partnership is proudly launching an epic membership program! The 253 VIP. Think modern twist on the old school entertainment books. Participating businesses offer monthly perks that make it fun and easy for people to try new places and support the local economy. Very streamlined. All online. No clipping coupons. This will roll out over the coming weeks with a super affordable monthly fee to locals–less than your Netflix subscription! 

While the Underground Sound zine is a print only publication, the web presence will be held by Tacoma Loyal. There’s a page to keep readers and residents informed of the happenings, including special events, limited edition merchandise, contests and contributor opportunities. Potential advertisers will find pricing and connection to a real human ad department here as well. TacomaLoyal.com/underground-sound

The official Underground Sound launch party is happening December 4th, 6pm at The Valley 1206 Puyallup Avenue, a local fave owned by the Peterson Bros.

Everyone 21+ is invited to come meet some of the contributors, grab one of the very first copies and experience the renaissance of Kulture Lab via a community zine. This is a night for those who love Tacoma and enjoy supporting the creative energy which makes it so unique. The theme is noir. Dressing up is encouraged but not required. Around 8pm Ava King of Clipsie Entertainment will open the stage for karaoke. Sounds like a whole lotta fun not to be missed!

**The full Kulture Lab backstory is one begging to be told. Stay tuned here on Tacoma Stories for the gritty beginnings and more weird, wonderful edgy photos that will light up your inner voyeur.