In the News
RIP to DC rapper Philip Prendergast, a.k.a. Phil Da Phuture, who was shot in a marijuana shop last week. LJ Dawson at CityPaper has the story. Over on Threads, R&B singer Raheem DeVaughn mused about leaving the city in response.
Also at CityPaper, Cat Sposato details criminal charges and convictions against members of the DC drill rap scene.
For the Washington Post’s Going Out Guide, Haben Kelati recounts the story of Ned Russin’s post-hardcore band Glitterer.
Jazz journalist Michael J. West’s monthly Swing Beat column at CityPaper focuses on trumpeter Joe Brotherton and his quartet’s new album Here to Hear.
District Fray brings the hype for the 36th Annual Wammie Music Awards coming up on Saturday April 20th.
For Stereogum, Margaret Farrell interviews buzzy punk band Ekko Astral about their upcoming album pink balloons that drops on April 17th. There’s more Ekko Astral to come below!
Finally, experimental music haven Rhizome has operated with the threat of development evicting them from their home in Takoma Park for many years. Thanks to a grant from the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the organization now has the opportunity to buy a permanent space nearby. Their next challenge is to raise the rest of the purchase price through charitable donations and community financed loans. Learn more at CapitalBop and Washingtonian, and please donate here!
DC Music Video
The comedy/folk duo of Annie Nardolilli and Louisa Hall, better known as Griefcat, released another delightful music video last week. “Love the Sinner” is inspired by Nardolilli’s work as a deputy sheriff, seeing some in her department abuse their power, and receiving a reprimand when she drew attention to it. The video from directors Carter Louthian and Jarrett Gulakowski features Griefcat and fabulous drag performers at “The Nail Salon, A Queerly Curated Cabaret” hosted by Don Burke at St. Vincent Wine Bar. Griefcat celebrate the release of their new full length album Late Stage Capitalism Sunday April 21st at Jammin Java in Vienna.
Don’t Stay Home This Week
Wednesday April 3rd
Sing along to pop-punk melodies with DC bands Abacot and Home Remedies Wednesday night at Quarry House Tavern, and make friends with Clearbody on tour from Charlotte.
Honorable mention:
Pink Lids, Sad Roach, & Hauser at Slash Run
Thursday April 4th
College Park indie rockers Foot Traffic celebrate the release of their new EP Milkshakes? at The Pocket Thursday night, and we can’t wait to hear it. Jangle indie surf-folk band Skate Stance and Meagan Griffith of Crewneck Collection help fill the 7DrumCity upstairs space with good vibes.
Honorable mention:
Tosser, Menu, & Backlash at Rhizome
Friday April 5th
This night is a tough call. Comet Ping Pong has the record release show for Continuals, featuring members of Soccer Team, The Most Secret Method, Channels, Office of Future Plans, and Alarms & Controls. That’s some Big Dischord Energy right there. Sensor Ghost and Latex Velma complete the Friday night bill, and now let’s enjoy another delicous Ryan Carroll Nelson flyer.
But also. Mascara mosh pit punks Ekko Astral, touring in advance of their debut full length album pink balloons on Topshelf Records, are taping Friday night’s show at Black Cat for a live record! Plus DC’s Bacchae and Pure Adult from Brooklyn play. Our friend Eduardo from the Discologist podcast showed us just last week that it’s entirely possible to do both shows in one night.
Honorable mention:
NAYAN, The Beanstalk Library, & Blood Family Reunion at Galactic Panther
Saturday April 6th
HarDCore metal band Darkest Hour wrap up their spring tour Saturday night with a headlining show at the Black Cat and the release of Perpetual Terminal-Ale, an Amber Ale brewed in collab with DC Brau. Dallas band I AM, Seattle’s Filth Is Eternal, and Somnuri from Brooklyn round out the brutal night.
Honorable mentions:
Sunday April 7th
Indie pop duo Prinze George made it through significant hurdles and emotional turmoil to create their new album Better Girl. Let’s party to welcome it into the world Sunday night at Songbyrd, with beloved synthrock band Mystery Friends kicking off the fun.
That’s Another Week of Music Wrapped Up For You
We hope you found something new for your streaming or Bandcamp libraries above. Human curation is a critical part of a balanced music diet. Thanks for sticking with us, see you next week.
-PV