Judah, a respected DC-based producer, who’s latest mix was featured here last week, is bringing unity and camaraderie to the district. He combines music with a message, simultaneously inspiring, beat-making, and supporting local talent. Judah was nice enough to take time out of his schedule and answer a few key questions about hip-hop in the DMV.

“There’s no telling what can happen when you put a woman and a beat together.” So says the lead-in line announcing Judah’s Amber Rose-inspired mixtape release. Monday’s launch marks a muse/producer relationship of sensual proportions.
In “The Amber Rose Instrumentals,” Judah links up with Dub MD (UK) to yield thirteen short tracks. It is quite different [...]

I didn’t quite know what to expect from a Saturday night celebrating Stewart Lupton’s rich musical and poetic history. I’d been meaning to make it to a Child Ballads show for some time, but there were always schedule conflicts. With a full entourage expected to perform, I was anticipating fireworks, and I got them.
Everyone came [...]

This Wednesday, Sean Gone’s weekly Mechanix party will feature classically trained violinist and guitarist Matthew Hemerlein performing alongside DJ Chris Klang. Fusing elements of classical music, jazz improvization and underground electronic music, the duo’s live ‘musican vs. DJ’ aural hybrid is both organic and original. For music lovers, this is an event not to be [...]

I love seeing shows at Rock & Roll Hotel because it is literally a block away from my house. I sauntered in just as opening band, Baywa (NYC), finished up. What I heard was good, and I was kind of disappointed that I didn’t get there earlier to see their set. Laughing Man was next [...]

Photos by Paul Frederiksen
Saturday night I had the privilege of catching Tabi Bonney at DC9 for Feedback. Stereofaith was supremely backing him on the decks and Lil El & Jackie O also contributed good sets. By the time Tabi went on it was late, liquor was flowing freely, and the hype was massive. Everyone just [...]

DMV hip-hop artist Wale’s long-awaited full-length album has finally debuted. Although it was delayed many times, Attention Deficit was worth the wait. From the time I heard him on Mark Ronson’s DC remix of “Smile” by Lily Allen, Wale was on my radar. When “Nike Boots” dropped it peaked my interest even more. Two years [...]

I would describe Exactly! as the most bloody energetic band I’ve ever seen. Literally bloody. And Halloween is the perfect time to catch them in their element. This year’s show at the Velvet Lounge was no exception, with the usual Christmas lights setting the scene and a “Hall-O-Ween” intro song. I liked 2008’s blood and [...]

Burgeoning DC band, Tennis System, put on an epic show Wednesday night at the Velvet Lounge. I liked the psychedelic recordings queued before each song and the strobe lighting to set the atmosphere. Elements like extreme energy, noise, and volume made for a lasting impression, as it was my first time seeing them perform. It [...]

It is hard for me to know where to start when I know that a night has been one of the most fun I’ve had in a while. Ringo Deathstarr are one of my favorite bands, and whenever they come to town it makes for a great show and a wild party. I knew to [...]

Bands like Last Tide revive my faith in the DC music scene. It was packed at DC9 for a Monday night, and the bill was quirky with an indie band opening for an afro-beat outfit (NOMO).
photo credit: Patrick Kigongo
As Last Tide took the stage, I first noticed guitarist/vocalist Nate Frey’s pink sparkly Di Pinto and [...]

DC’s BOTTLES/CANS is a group that packs a powerful punch with a bit of a soft edge. With the official CD Release, on Thursday, August 6 at Rock & Roll Hotel, I wanted to talk a bit about their debut album Only, Please.
Recorded at The Bastille, part of the Inner Ear Studios in Arlington, the [...]

M3: MCs, Mics and Metaphors
Curated by Tewodross Melchishua
@ Flashpoint Gallery 916 G St NW, Washington DC 20001
July 23 – August 29
Opening reception: Thursday, July 23, 6 – 8 p.m.
Live performances & Artist Talk: Saturday, August 8, 5 – 8 p.m.

M3: MCs, Mics & Metaphors (M3) explores the creative power of the lyricism and poetry of [...]

With the help of local artists, Dissident Display’s Adrian Loving is the spearhead of an alliance to bring recognition and respect to career-DJs. The Deejay’s Coalition is an organization formed to create an awareness and understanding of social and professional issues within DJ culture. This collective hopes that the “Deejays Are Not Jukeboxes” Campaign can [...]

I’ve always liked the atmosphere at Solly’s Tavern. I enjoy small and intimate shows, plus when I played there it served as a relaxing environment. As I watched Honey House set up on Monday night, I waited in anticipation for what I would hear. Because this was their first show I wasn’t sure what to [...]

After their show at DC9, I spoke with the 3 members of Laughing Man in order to get a feel for what they’re about. Here are the results.

Laura: Where did the name “The Laughing Man” come from?

Brandon: Kids use to make fun of me in school they thought I was off because I laughed [...]

(Ed. Note: This is the first of many music reviews from our newest contributor Laura! An interview with The Laughing Man will be up shortly.)

Emotion is what I notice right off the bat about The Laughing Man. This DC-based group puts feeling into everything they do and exude an air of living in the moment. Their [...]

Steve Bock and Andrew Wallace are two of the nicest guys I know. Also known as Steve Starks and Nacey, these fixtures in the District music and party circuit have put out an EP that packs the heat. The Starks & Nacey EP is an ambitious collection that manages to hit all the right [...]