When I had the pleasure of running into Don’t Stop Believin’ Records owner Megan Birdsall this weekend, I also received the very good news that See Me River drummer Kellie Payne has enlisted in the Telepathic Liberation Army. TLA is Lisa Orth’s new(ish) dub-punk project; Birdsall is putting out their Erik Blood-produced debut record sometime in early 2010. Payne, who has also drummed with Charming Snakes and Weirdlords, is one of Seattle’s most fascinating and powerful drummers, and I can’t wait to see what she adds to their sound. While we’re on the subject, though I’m loathe to corral musicians based on gender, it pleases me to no end to see how many preternaturally talented female percussionists are starting to make a splash on the local scene. As anyone who’s seen Hozi Matheson-Margullis careen beautifully through a crushing Helms Alee set will attest, there’s a growing place for women who hit hard and heavy. Keep it up, ladies–I’m digging this evolution.