Shanine Yngvason grew up surrounded by music in Kenmore.

Her grandfather was a Flamenco guitar player from Chile, her parents always had music playing in her home and she formed a rock/pop band with her siblings called Zero Ambition.

“We used to rehearse in my parents’ basement and play local shows in the area,” Yngvason said. “We always had support from the locals, with the exception of mom’s neighbor; he would call and complain about the noise and call the cops on us.”

Yngvason got her first guitar at age 12.

“Me and my grandfather would jam to Ritchie Valens songs and practice playing ‘Malagueña,’ which is a Spanish Flamenco song,” she said.

Yngvason used her long-time musical talent to play a benefit concert to raise money for the children of Gambia with members from her band Rebel Rising. The event raised $3,200 to be used for educational funds, food and medical supplies.

“This was a thrill to be a part of as there were many great bands in attendance and we were able to support such a great cause,” Yngvason said.

Yngvason formed the band Rebels Rising three years ago.

“I got introduced to Daniel Travanti, a member of the band The Briefs and Reto Peter, an amazing producer/engineer who worked on Green Day’s records,” Yngvason recalled. “We collaborated on a load of songs that are basically the first half of the new record. Daniel and Reto are based out of Oakland so I’ve got a different live band but they’re rippers too; I’m pretty fortunate to have such a ridiculous team.”

Yngvason was half way through the record when her dad got diagnosed with cancer and passed two years ago. She decided to put things on hold and spend time with her family before moving foreword again.

“I’m feeling good about things now and am finally picking up where I left off,” said Yngvason, who graduated from Inglemoor High School. “The benefit concert last month was a kickoff to many shows to come. I’ve been itching to get out and unleash a lot of pent up energy.”

Rebels Rising just finished filming their first music video last month. It was produced by Voda, a Seattle based Production company that filmed Macklemore’s last music video for ‘White Walls.’

“Our video is for a track off the record called ‘Show Me,'” Yngvason said. “We filmed it out in Eastern Washington in Desert Aire with badass muscle cars and tough chicks.”

Those interested in Yngvason’s cause in Gambia can still make donations by visiting www.gambiahelp.org.