Micah Ariss: Fall Tour 2026
October 14th , 2026, Funhouse – Seattle, WA.
I think the best discoveries in live music happen when you walk into a venue without knowing what to expect. That was exactly my experience on October 14, 2026, at Funhouse in Seattle, where Micah Ariss brought his Fall Tour to town with support from Becoming Bristol and The Passed.
I must admit, I wasn't very familiar with any of these bands before the show. Sorry, guys! But what happened that night quickly changed that. From aggressive, fun-filled rock to melodic alternative sounds and a headlining performance packed with powerful vocals, cinematic lighting, and incredible energy, this was one of those nights that reminded me why I love discovering new artists through live music.
The Passed: Kicking Off the Night with Attitude
The Passed got the night moving with a combination of heavy riffs, punk attitude, and an aggressive sound that was impossible to ignore. Their performance had the kind of energy that makes you want to get closer to the stage and become part of the action rather than simply watch from a distance.
Their interaction with the audience was one of the highlights. The band made the room feel involved, bringing a playful, unpredictable spirit to the performance. Guitarist Ryan Summers was particularly entertaining, making the most of his time onstage and sharing that energy directly with the crowd. Watching him play and engage with the audience made for some genuinely fun moments.
The Passed didn't just warm up the room; they got everyone ready for what was still to come. If you haven't had the chance to see them live, put them on your list. Their combination of intensity, personality, and crowd interaction makes for a great time.
Becoming Bristol: Alternative Rock with a Melodic Touch
Following that explosive opening, Becoming Bristol brought a different flavor to the evening. The Seattle-based band blended alternative rock with indie and pop influences, delivering an energetic performance with a more melodic and atmospheric character.
Their ability to draw the audience into the music stood out. One particularly memorable moment came when the band invited the room into a quieter, more emotional atmosphere during a ballad, with cellphone lights illuminating the venue. It was a beautiful contrast to the heavier energy that had opened the night, showing how a single performance can move between intensity and intimacy.
By the time Becoming Bristol finished, the room was ready for the headliner. The energy had been building from the beginning, and there was a clear sense of anticipation for Micah Ariss.
Micah Ariss: A Powerful Voice, Cinematic Lights, and a Connection with the Crowd
When Micah Ariss took the stage, the atmosphere shifted into another gear. The stage at Funhouse was already prepared for the performance, including a lighting setup that transformed the relatively small space into something that felt much bigger.
Before even getting into the music, one thing stood out to me about Micah: he came across as a genuinely kind and down-to-earth person. That same openness seemed to carry into his performance. His charisma and connection with the audience felt natural, making the crowd part of the experience rather than simply spectators looking up at a stage.
Musically, I immediately heard something that reminded me of the intensity and emotional weight associated with bands like Linkin Park, Rise Against, riffs and Drums beat that reminds me Lacuna Coil and hit hard in our chest. I'm not suggesting those are necessarily his influences, but the comparison came to mind because of the combination of powerful rock energy, emotional delivery, and a sense of urgency in the music. Micah nevertheless has an identity of his own, particularly through a distinctive voice that gives the band's sound a recognizable character.
His vocal performance was one of the biggest surprises of the night. There's a strength and personality in his voice that makes the music stand out, and it didn't take long for me to understand why his audience continues to grow. The band behind him brought the songs to life with the kind of energy and confidence that made the entire performance feel cohesive and powerful.
As a live music photographer, I'm always paying attention to how lighting shapes a performance. Funhouse may have an intimate stage, but Micah's lighting setup created a cinematic atmosphere, with striking colors, dramatic shadows, and beautifully balanced moments that made the performance feel larger than the room itself. The lights weren't just decoration; they became part of the show's visual identity.
For photography, it was fantastic. The combination of lighting, movement, and the intimacy of the stage offered plenty of opportunities to capture the emotion and energy of the performance. Micah looked comfortable in that environment, moving naturally through the show and making the most of the space available.
One of the most entertaining moments came when he launched himself backward off the stage and into the audience, performing a backflip that made the crowd part of the action. It was the kind of unexpected move that brings the audience even closer to the performance and gives a concert its own memorable story. Between moments like that, the lighting, and the band's performance, there was never a shortage of things to capture through the lens.
The merchandise stood out, adding to the personality and presentation surrounding the show. Everything felt connected to the artist's vision, from the stage atmosphere to the way Micah interacted with his audience.
What impressed me most, however, was the sense that Micah has a clear vision for what he wants to build. There's talent, confidence, and an understanding of how to create an experience that goes beyond simply playing songs onstage. His music, voice, stage presence, and connection with the crowd all point toward an artist with plenty of room to grow.
Looking back, October 14 was a reminder of one of the best things about live music: you don't have to know the bands before you arrive to leave with a new favourite.
The Passed brought the fun and aggression, Becoming Bristol added melody and atmosphere, and Micah Ariss delivered a headlining performance that combined powerful rock, cinematic production, and genuine connection with the audience.
I walked into Funhouse unfamiliar with these artists. I walked out a fan of Micah Ariss, with two more bands on my radar and a camera full of memories from a night that was far more exciting than I had anticipated.
If you haven't discovered Micah Ariss yet, take the time to listen to his music, check out his videos, follow him on social media, and catch him when he comes to your area. I came away from this show convinced that he's an artist worth watching.
And that is what this Throwback Thursday is all about: discovering new music, experiencing it firsthand, and sharing those moments through Knight's Photography.
