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One Hour To Doors Podcast Feat. Kiddus fecto
“This week we meet a young artist at the beginning of his career. When Seattle's own Kiddus Fecto traded his basketball aspirations for the pulsing heart of music, a star was born in the lush soundscapes of the Pacific Northwest. This episode sings a tale of transformation, as Kiddus shares his melodious journey from the echo of church choirs to his first steps onto festival stages. We unravel the fabric of his musical background, underscoring the lucky strike of having found access to an array of production tools and the critical and sometimes unexpected role arts play in shaping our lives.”
Back2Besa | Totem Star's Melodic Haven: Ground Zero Radio Spotlights a Free Music Haven for Youth
“For many of us, all of what we actually want is to be known for who we are. And I think art and music is such a powerful way to…so intimately ask someone to know you” - Mirabai Kukathas
King Street Studio: A Space for Artists to Grow
“In 2019, Pak was introduced to the idea of becoming an anchor tenant at King Street Station with the help of the Department of Arts & Culture. When artists were surveyed on where they would like a new recording space to be located, the International District and Pioneer Square were top choices. Construction of the studio space started on May 1, 2023, and on Nov. 11, the studio opened its doors for the first time. As of January, the studio is now open for young artists to book sessions Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Pak is enthusiastic about the expansion.”
Click here to read more from our Seattle Collegian feature!
98.9 KPNW December Artist of the Month Session: Zoser
Next Stop: King Street Station
“In 2019, Pak was introduced to the idea of becoming an anchor tenant at King Street Station with the help of the Department of Arts & Culture. When artists were surveyed on where they would like a new recording space to be located, the International District and Pioneer Square were top choices. Construction of the studio space started on May 1, 2023, and on Nov. 11, the studio opened its doors for the first time. As of January, the studio is now open for young artists to book sessions Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Pak is enthusiastic about the expansion.”
Click here to read more from our Seattle Collegian feature!
KNKX Radio: Station Space opens, marking new chapter for Seattle arts nonprofits
"We tell people this is the people's studio, where young people will never again have to ask permission to make their music a reality," Pak said.
The new space includes three recording rooms with state-of-the-art equipment. Pak said some of the equipment was donated by Sir Mix-a-Lot, who made remarks at the grand opening.
Click here to read more from our KNKX feature!
FOX 13: Totem Star Opens New Recording Studio for Youth
“Totem Star Co-Founder/Executive Director Daniel Pak and Artist/Program Coordinator Kid Cobb joined Studio 13 Live to talk about their community-based organization that champions youth voice.”
Historic South Downtown invests in the living legacy of music and arts through Totem Star and The Rhapsody Project
“Meanwhile, Totem Star started as a mobile recording studio out of South Seattle in 2010. Since then, Totem Star grew into their space at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, a 225-square-foot-space in West Seattle. Now, they continue to grow and thrive, moving into a 2,000-square-foot-space. Totem Star “brings people together from across the city, across invisible boarders and across cultural lines,” said co-founder Daniel Pak in a video featured on their “new home” landing page. “The kind of collaboration that happens at Totem Star… is hard to find anywhere else.”
Click here to read more from our International Examiner feature!
Station Space Breaks Ground at King Street Station
“Totem Star is currently working on securing funding to add to the $2.3M already raised. The funds will go primarily towards building Station Space since the City of Seattle will not be charging rent. The new studio will become the main destination for Totem Star members looking to set their musical ideas to tape.”
Arts groups break ground on new home in Seattle’s King Street Station | The Seattle Times
“For much of the past decade, Totem Star has helped thousands of young artists develop their music from a 225-square-foot recording studio in West Seattle. Now, in a major upgrade, the nonprofit has broken ground on a 2,000-square-foot facility, this time in the heart of the city.”
Click here to read more from our Seattle Times feature!
Conversations Podcast: Totem Star ft. Daniel Pak and Mirabai Kukathas
“Pak and Mirabai talk about the work being done at Totem Star, how being involved in music and community affects the personal wellbeing and confidence of the youth involved, as well as their new facility coming to King Street Station and the future of the program.”
Teens Find Their Voice — and Family — at Totem Star
“Working with individual artists has been our framework from the very beginning. We meet each artist where they’re at,” says Pak. From basic software tutorials to promoting an album, Totem Star is there to give each young artist whatever it is they need, regardless of their experience level.” - Daniel Pak
Our 2020 Annual Report is out!
Totem Star Wins Create Action Grant
“With the Sony Create Action grant, Totem Star will support their Studio, Stage and Story programs. The Totem Star Studio program empowers artists to compose and record original songs. The Stage program gives artists an opportunity to perform at open mics that they plan, promote and produce. The Story program is a unique monthly program where youth can attend panels and connect with culturally relevant guest artists and other industry professionals.”
Wavelengths Podcast
Grae Violett Speaks to the Importance of Community
“As an example of Totem Star’s tight-knit culture, Violett cited the organization’s COVID-19 response: an example of Totem Star’s tight-knit culture, Violett cited the organization’s COVID-19 response: Totem Star’s co-Co-founders, Daniel Pak and Thaddeus Turner, immediately checked in on her after the stay-at-home order passed. “They’re calling you—your phone—personally and asking ‘How are you doing? How are you doing, not just as an artist, but as a person? And what can we do to help?’” she said. When she’s older, she noted, “I want to be like that. I never want to be so successful in my career that I forget to give back—and not in a facetious way, but genuinely give back to people.”
Totem Star offers online music programs to youth in response to COVID-19
“With all sessions becoming digital, it has become easier for artists outside of the Greater Seattle area to participate in programs. Since closing their doors in March, Pak has brought in a singer/song writer from Auburn and reconnected with an alumni who is currently studying abroad in Holland.”
