Casey graduated from Western in 2008 after following the news-editorial track. His repertoire includes sports reporter, editorial analyst, tech writer and last but not least: rapper.

His music group, The Bad Tenants, mixes hip-hop and blues music. During their concerts, the three members play trumpets, trombones and saxophones; they also sing, rap and scratch vinyl. Casey describes their style as “Beastie Boys meets The Blues Brothers.” It’s hard to pin the genre down, though. Put simply, they call it “good music.”

All you need is a catalyst.

Casey said he wanted to pursue music after graduating but it seemed unapproachable.

“A lot of people shelve things that are within their grasp because of fear and insecurity,” Casey said. “Sometimes we need someone to be a catalyst.”

When he came to Bellingham eight years ago, some of his friends were making music and performing. He assumed he could never do the same.

“I told my friend Matthew Goodwin, ‘I’m so jealous that you’re doing this,’” Casey said. “He said, ‘Well let’s make some music together!’” Casey said OK, and that’s how The Bad Tenants started.

“I didn’t know how attainable music was,” Casey said. “With music, poetry, dance and anything else, it’s as simple as saying OK to doing something that you love.”

Artists Casey used to look up to are now his friends. He used to listen to and imitate Grayskul, a Seattle hip-hop duo. Now they feature on The Bad Tenants’ latest track, Parachutes.

Over the last eight years, The Bad Tenants have toured the nation and earned listeners around the world. Since they’re in their 30s and have families, they can’t tour nonstop, but their fan base still cheers them on.

Casey said that his music efforts wouldn’t be possible without the support from his wife and the encouragement of his fans. He met his wife, Gabrielle, while they were both editors on the Western Front. Their 13-month-old daughter, Kiyomi, sports a Western onesie with the names of the editors that quarter—courtesy of Carolyn Nielsen, their faculty advisor at the time.

Casey spends his days at the Seattle Times, writing knowledge articles and documenting various tech processes. On some nights, his coworkers come watch him perform, Casey said. They tend to look at him a little differently after seeing him in action, he said. Then everyone gets back to a normal day at the office.

To anyone wondering if they should branch out or pursue a passion, Casey says to try it.

“We’d never be where we are as a band if we hadn’t been willing to go for it,” he said.

Alexis graduated in 2009 after double-majoring in music and journalism with the PR track. For several years, he played in Bellingham bands and worked as journalism and music department coordinator. Then he became music department administrator at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. He later moved to New Orleans with his wife, Megan.

Alexis said the rich music scene of New Orleans was musically enlightening. He played trumpet and guitar for a Brazilian samba group, BateBunda, and a surf rock band, Shark Attack!! Now he is busy exploring the music scene in Los Angeles.

Alexis’ music career started in fifth-grade band when he had to choose an instrument.

He said his parents are avid music listeners who he thinks probably said something like, “Hey, trumpet might be cool!”

So he chose trumpet and continued to play through high school. At Western, he played in two bands (the Big Band and the Chamber Jazz ensembles) and took as many music classes as possible while studying journalism and music. He knew the degrees would complement each other.

“I’ve always wanted music to be a constant in my life,” Alexis said. “I knew PR would lend itself to any musical endeavors I would pursue.”

And he was right—his skills would prove essential in the music world. He used his PR chops to promote both of his New Orleans bands with news releases, website designs and press kits. He also built his personal website with the skills learned in his journalism degree.

In Los Angeles, Alexis is in the process of getting settled in the area. He said a more polished and produced approach is necessary to be a professional musician in Los Angeles, where almost everyone has their own recording studio. Back in New Orleans, Alexis said, you could practically walk outside your front door and find yourself in a music group.

Luckily, some of the musicians at Cornish College of the Arts are helping him make connections. His time there allowed him to work with talented students and faculty, gain musical experience and develop important relationships with other musicians, he said.

Alexis hopes to play in bands, record in studios, teach and continue to contribute to the musical world. Music doesn’t have to stop after graduation, he said. That’s where it starts.