Amulet – Darkly Inclined
Stephanie Stryker and MJ Phoenix join Andy Reed on the Alchemicast to discuss writing, recording, and releasing their 16 track dark alternative rock debut album, “House of Black + White”. Their debut single, “Vampire” expresses some of their gothic-centric themes, but only scratches the surface. Stephanie and MJ discuss their shared passion for glam-rock and artists like David Bowie who use the stage theatrically and not just musically. They share their songwriting process and how they come together to write new material and sharing production with Devin Spear of Exhale Recording Studio in Northern Virginia, with session musician duties from contributors in Nashville and elsewhere around the U.S. Amulet is working on onboarding and practicing with DC, MD, VA musicians in anticipation of their first official live public performance scheduled for early 2022.
Aristotle – Music Philosophy
Southern Maryland Hip-Hip artist and CEO of Prosperity Entertainment, Aristotle joins Andy Reed on the Alchemicast to talk about the weight of responsibility he feels as a rapper from the DMV (DC, MD, VA). Aristotle talks about Go-go’s significant influence on the region and within the hip-hop community. He shares his influences, songwriting process, and collaborations; all continually evolving as he explores his craft as an artist and developing strategies with artists on his label. Aristotle believes putting in the work is the only way of achieving results, that everyone should benefit from those efforts, and is actively setting the example.
Marc 2Ray – Educate and Empower
Musician, educator, and activist Marc 2Ray joins the Alchemicast: with Andy Reed talking about how your wordplay, delivery, timing, and cadence are your instrument as a hip-hop artist. Marc uses his music to educate and empower listeners about everyday issues such as social justice, inequality, drug abuse, and tracks like “1915” about the Armenian genocide (of which his grandfather is a survivor) are being used as an educational tool in high school and college curriculums. Marc discusses his songwriting and recording process and his extensive collaboration efforts. He discusses how 9:30 Club holds a special place in his heart through personal experiences with DJ Tommy B, and how his 2020 album, Fresh Air, transformed from being supported through live events to a more digital experience for fans.
Rachel Levitin – Embrace The Scene
Rachel Levitin carves out time amidst the release of her latest single, “Off My Mind”, to join the Alchemicast with Andy Reed. Rachel describes how she began pursuing her calling in music in earnest around 2012 around her college graduation and about finding community within the Washington DC metropolitan music scene. She loves attending, working, or performing concerts – finding any way she can to be around music; even hosting open-mics at various DMV venues, including Union Stage, Jammin’ Java, and Songbyrd Music House, and as a voice for 501c(3) nonprofit ProjectHERA. Rachel talks about the songwriting process and collaborating with Tony Lucca for “HEAVY” which was released in February of 2021. Rachel is extremely loyal, which we attribute to her being a long-time Chicago Cubs fan, though she points out The Mighty Ducks as an influence and inspiration.
1Identity – Collective Consciousness
Alena Ciera, Hailey Muzic, and Kurt of Pop/Rock/R&B band 1Identity have made a name for themselves in their hometown of Washington D.C., having appeared on WUSA 9 and performing at The Cherry Blossom Festival and DC Funk Fest. Now they join the Alchemicast: with Andy Reed to talk about how they came to become known as 1Identity, overcoming obstacles together, and of course what it means to be artists representing the DC, MD, VA music scene.
Sub-Radio – Do Your Own Thing
Adam, Matt, Michael, Kyle, John, and Barry make the time for the entire Sub-Radio band to join the Alchemicast: with Andy Reed to talk about the writing process for their latest single “Out Of My Mind” and “King Of My Heart” how the band transitioned from hardly workin’ to workin’ throughout the various stages of the pandemic; the inspiration from NBC Unversal’s “The Office” theme song or just finding the feel from your inspirations; and the joy of playing at local venues in the Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia region. Fans are encouraged to send a DM (direct message) as free way of personally showing your support for the artists they love.
Honest Lee – A Joint Effort
Honest Lee of Growroom Productions joins the Alchemicast with Andy Reed to talk about why being a homebody has come in handy during the pandemic. Lee describes how his indie label from Hyattsville, MD has connected with artists around the country and the DMV like Slanigiro Renguez and Well, Bunuel. through performances and releases by Lee’s own creative projects which include 3 Man Soul Machine and igloo two. Lee talks about what fans can expect as the rest of 2021 unfolds.
Jon Tyler Wiley – Somebody Else’s Songs
Jon Tyler Wiley joins the Alchemicast with Andy Reed to discuss the music he’s made with Jon Tyler Wiley & His Virginia Choir. The band announced their existence to the world just two weeks before the pandemic changed the plans of this five-piece Alternative/Americana act from Fredericksburg, VA. Jon discusses how it took some time for him to realize how good he had it as DMV artist, but reflects on what an incredible experience he’s had growing up as a musician in the region and as a member of Melodime. Jon discusses the songwriting process for their latest singles, “Laura Lee” and “Strong” (both of which are available now).
DuPont Brass – Once In A Lifetime
Aye Ant (Anthony), Deacon Izzy (Isaac), and MK Zulu (Jared) of DuPont Brass join the Alchemicast: with Andy Reed to talk about how busking (performing in the streets for tip money) became the catalyst for paying the band’s tuition as students at Howard University. We caught up with them before they received the win in four Wammie Award categories in 2021, but the band is heating up for their Rhythm & Grills livestream event happening Memorial Day weekend on May 31st, providing some flavor for your cookout. The guys discusses their influences and contributions to the sound of the band, and why each members’ projects outside of the band lend to their supergroup sound.
Overthoughts – Trust Me
Will, Alec, and Kevin of Overthoughts (based in Maryland), join the Alchemicast with Andy Reed from their various remote locations to discuss their latest release on March 19 , “Trust Me”, and to talk about how members of the band (all professional musicians) had to come up with interesting ways to sustain income generating opportunities over the last year. They talk about their lives as the band Stacked Like Pancakes and their need to create a whole new project around the songs presented by Overthoughts. The band talks about the importance of maintaining a connection with fans and other artists within the DMV, and how the band has been collaborating to bring new music to life during strange times.
