Or worse, London. This is hardly limited to music. For instance, Seattle is the most desirable town in the United States for cinema, literature, and theater. This is and has been the fact for over 20 years. Seattle audiences have never bred Seattle artists, nor vice versa.
Mere proximity means nothing.
Even if given a clear opportunity, most Seattle artists couldn't pull their heads out long enough to take it. I'll give you an example from my own book. I once helped organize an independent film consortium. The goal was to raise the profile of local artists, of course, but more importantly, just to let everyone in the community know what great resources and talent are right here in town. And, typically, everyone in the film community showed their support by crowding 150 people into the Alibi Room, enthusiastic as could be on that first meeting.