The Through the Lens series offers insight to some of the best destinations in the world from the perspective of some of our favorite artists.

Photos by Sam Horine

Portrait by Marissa Alves

From jazz and hip-hop, to rock and the icons of grunge, Seattle, Washington is, and forever will be, a music city. Ellie Barber knows that legacy well, after all, she was born into it. The indie musician known as Ollella was raised between the Cascade Range and the Puget Sound, diving into the city's rich music scene from an early age. Yet while music shaped her life for much of that time, Seattle's access to mountains, ocean, and vast natural beauty helped make it home.

We caught up with Ollella on the heels of her first performance on NPR's Tiny Desk concert series to hear why, even under the brightest lights, the road always leads back to the Emerald City. This is Ollella's Seattle, through the lens.

Best Cup of Coffee

Lighthouse Roasters. Come for the cappuccino, stay for the New York Times Magazine. Oh, and no wi-fi here, so leave your computer at home.

Favorite Cocktail

The Velvet Elk in Mt. Baker neighborhood. I went once during "negroni week" and they've had my heart ever since.

Best Sunset

Looking west towards the Olympic Mountains when they're dusted with snow. There are many great places to catch this view but to be completely honest my favorite is from I-5.

Favorite Music Venue

Don't make me choose! The Sunset Tavern on a Wednesday or Thursday is the industry's best kept secret—it's when touring bands come through and your chance to catch a "I knew them when..." kind of show. The Rabbit Box is definitely up there.

Favorite Open Mic

The Sunday night open mic at Conor Byrne Pub is historic. And they're now a co-op!

Favorite Seattle Tradition

Complaining about how wet it is after refusing to use an umbrella.

Best Quick Bite

Shawarma Prince on 15th, when you are famished.

Favorite Spot for a Night Out

Lioness—it's spendy, but unlike many spendy places, actually feels worth it. Great food, immaculate vibe.

Best Outdoor Activity

Tailgating in the Alpental ski resort parking lot from January through March. Just kidding (sort of). Plus, skiing only an hour from a major city?! Pretty cool, though I think road biking might take the cake for me.

Seattle Cheat Code

A ride on a Washington State Ferry deck will unfailingly brighten your day. On a peaceful day, you get a view of the Seattle skyline with Mt. Rainier as your backdrop. On a stormy day, you get your hair tossed by the wind. Either way, it makes you feel more alive.

Best People Watching

Lake Washington beaches in the summertime between Seward Park and I-90. The summers are so beautiful here and Seattleites soak up every ounce of it.

Fun Seattle Fact

It rains more in Boston than Seattle.

Besides Music, what Should Seattle be Known for?

The flowers! We essentially have flowers blooming year-round, which I find deeply delightful.

Favorite Tourist Trap

Pike Place Market—it's so much more than fish-tossing! In high school, I worked at a produce stand here and it was one of the hardest but best jobs. My mom's been going to the same vendors for decades.