PLU student displays talent on mic

PLU rapper makes a name for himself in local music scene

Jacob Greene

mast news intern

When Understatement steps up to the mic, people look up at him; he captures their attention as though he is a celebrity.

This is only one domain for sophomore Zach Powers, known by some as Understatement and lead singer in the band 10th and Commerce.

Powers’ growth as an artist coincides with his studies on campus, as he only began with his music as a first-year at University of Oregon in Eugene. He started free styling in high school and began recording when he moved to Eugene.

“When I first started I tried to imitate my favorite rappers, like Talib Kweli or Mos Def, but like any emcees in the beginning, the experience helped me form individuality,” Powers said. “My first song was a song for my girlfriend, it was just a corny joke, and then I just began writing, and it started to grow. My friend had a mic so it was easy to record.”

Along with his musical pursuits, Powers is a double major in communication and political science, as well as a volunteer for the Democratic party of Alaska.

Growing up, Powers had always been interested in rap music, his initial interests tended to be for bigwigs like Mos Def, but as he grew older, he began to shift his interest towards indie hip-hop.

“Once I started making music and really understanding it, I respected indie MC’s like Zion, Brother Ali and Geologic of the Blue Scholars,” Powers said.

Despite this being his first year on campus, Powers has worked to set up shows to showcase his talent as well as bring hip-hop to PLU.

These shows have brought out local artists from Seattle and Tacoma including Common Market, Can-U and EvergreenOne. With a good start, he said he hopes to help further spread the music within the university.

“I’m going to keep planning shows, it will help build a hip-hop scene on campus,” Powers said.

“The more people that we can bring to shows the bigger the budget grows and the easier we can book big name artists to come. It’s also important for people to come out to hear the music and really give it a chance.”

Students say they have been enjoying the music that Powers has brought to the campus and look for other students to come check out the shows.

“It’s great that Zach has been able to put together a few shows this year and hopefully more people will come out and we can get more shows,” sophomore Malcolm Jollie said.

This year Powers has further developed his music, even adding a band, 10th and Commerce. The band includes first-year drummer Aaron Sherman, first-year bass player Evan Blom and senior guitarist Jyri Kuokka.

The idea of the band first came together when Powers saw hip-hop group Atmosphere in 2006 live with a full band.

The members of the band met at various times this fall before everything finally fell into place in October.

“The band just really adds a whole new element to the genre,” Powers said. “It had really been a goal of mine for a while.”

Powers looks to continue to improve as an artist, both solo and with the band, and go with hip-hop as long as he is able to.

“I will continue with the music as long as I have time,” Powers said. “Anything I devote myself to I want to build and do it to the fullest. As long as I have a passion for the music, I don’t plan on stopping.”

When the music stops coming though, Powers has plans to pursue work in politics and community work.

For now, Powers will continue to focus on the music, especially a big show coming up on campus May 7. The show will feature his band 10th and Commerce, Tacoma artist Can-U, growing Seattle artist Macklemore, and will be headlined by One Be Lo.

The event will be hosted by PLU senior and Seattle rapper Grynch (also known as PLU alumnus John Overlie).

“I hope a lot of people will come check out the show. One Be Lo is one of the most respected lyricists in independent hip-hop, and Macklemore has one of the bests shows and sounds in the Northwest,” Powers said.

The 10th and Commerce EP will be released at the show, the band’s first EP.

Photo by Karli Taubeneck

A transfer student from University of Oregon, sophomore Zach Powers began rapping in the beginning of his college career. Powers’ band, 10th and Commer, will be releasing an EP May 7.