In the News
Arlington Magazine’s Cathy Alter remembered the beloved music club Iota with interviews with some of its most prominent musicians, including Kevin Johnson, Eric Brace, Howard Rabach, Scott McKnight, and more.
On the flipside, Rasha Ali for WaPo profiled one of DC’s newest music venues, which isn’t really a venue at all: the front porch of rapper Noochie, hosting the wildly popular series of performance videos on his YouTube channel.
Music impresario Bob Boilen, recently retired from his prominent position hosting NPR’s All Songs Considered podcast and Tiny Desk Concert series, is taking the role the program director of Takoma’s community radio station WOWD-FM as of June 1st. WOWD is the home of Boilen’s “My Tiny Morning Show” on Wednesday mornings. Jackson Sinnenberg at CapitalBop has more details.
Also at CapitalBop, Bryan Jenkins introduces us to Sonic Lifeline’s jazz jam sessions on Tuesday nights at Whitlow’s.
Though not directly related to DC music, you must read Andrew Beaujon’s uncomfortable, baffling, lengthy and in-depth story for Washingtonian “Why Did WAMU Close DCist?” We are very much looking forward to the launch of the new worker-led news outlet, which must be called DCish.
Ekko Astral Gets Its Own Section This Week
Last week was a big week for DC’s incendiary punk band Ekko Astral. Their debut full length album pink balloons is out now on digital, cassette, and only a few remaining vinyl copies, courtesy Topshelf Records. Pitchfork’s Nina Corcoran gave it an 8.0.
Here’s the electric neon VHS music video for the single “On Brand”, produced by GIF video artist Kate the Cursed and Jael Holzman.
Two interviews dropped last week that are worth your time. Giliann Karon chatted with the whole band for Post-Trash, including my favorite detail, the band name’s origin. Taylor Ruckle at CityPaper gets deep with singer Jael Holzman on their evolution from the debut EP Quartz and their place in DC punk culture.
So Does Griefcat
Griefcat, the comedy/folk duo of Annie Nardolilli and Louisa Hall, dropped their long awaited sophomore LP Late Stage Capitalism onto the streaming services.
We also got the punk-inspired music video for “Carbon Footprint” from director Carter Louthian.
Haben Kelati at WaPo profiled the band for their album release show which was last night at Jammin’ Java. If you missed it, or you need more, Griefcat play the Petworth Porchfest next Saturday at 3 PM on the FedWell stage at 821 Upshur St. NW.
Don’t Stay Home This Week
Tuesday April 23rd
Kinda Evil’s newest song “Makes Me Wonder” is a dreamy, mellow departure from the harder 70s edge of their 2023 singles. Catch them with garage/indie/surf band gerf supporting Rickshaw Billie’s Burger Patrol from Austin Tuesday night at Quarry House Tavern.
Wednesday April 24th
It’s darkwave night at the Pie Shop Wednesday night when AL1CE’s spring tour rolls into town from LA bringing along DC bands The Neuro Farm and 2DCAT.
Honorable mentions:
Thursday April 25th
Indie rock band Dr. Horsedoctor, whose name still makes us laugh, and pop-punkers Keep Your Secrets host Chicago’s Bad Planning Thursday night at Slash Run.
Honorable mention:
Pinky Lemon, Eyefish Ink, Ultra Deluxe (NY), and Apostrophebeats (Brooklyn) at The Pocket
Friday April 26th
Emo rock band Home Remedies welcome their new record Goodnight Moon into our hearts Friday night at DC9, with support from smooth crooner Berra.
Honorable mentions:
Saturday April 27th
It’s time for Petworth Porchfest! The schedule is immense, but please consider: Griefcat, Ari Voxx, Black Masala, Roof Beams, Argo and the Violet Queens, Janel & Anthony, The Messthetics (!), Maryjo Mattea, Milo in the Doldrums, and our porch fest faves The Foggy Bottom Whomp-Stompers.
Honorable mentions:
Sunday April 28th
MC and producer Kokayi keeps one foot firmly in the world of jazz. Jazz hub CapitalBop tapped Kokayi to headline their first show of the year at Songbyrd Sunday night, along with Baltimore’s Konjur Collective.
Honorable menions:
Makeup Girl and Dylan Rockwell supporting Eric Slick (Philly) at Comet Ping Pong
Risers Fest feat. Teething Veils, Nayan and lots more at Artomatic’s last day
Whew, We Made It
We hope all you beloved readers have a magnficient week, always remember your earplugs, make a new friend, and share your new fave tunes with them. See you next week.
-PV