Grimalkin Records is Standing Up for Marginalized Voices in the Music Industry
Grim Kells is an innovator. Nancy Grim Kells aka Grim makes music under the name Spartan Jet-Plex, as well as being the founder and Facilitator/Executive Director of Grimalkin, a nonprofit organization created “to mentor and support trans and queer musicians, particularly BIPOC and disabled artists, using an artist-centered holistic approach to break down barriers, create new systems and structures of support, and expand the reach of marginalized voices.” Learn more about Grim’s growing reach and impact with contributing writer Jaci Jedrych.
The Smithereens Are Due to Retake the Birchmere Post-Covid
If you smell something rather unusual at the Birchmere on March 17, there’s at least a chance that the Smithereens’ fans have brought them…crabs. That actually happened once at the venue back in the day when the Jersey boys played the famous Alexandria stage. “One of our fans, a longtime fan, brought me a dozen crabs,” recalls guitarist Jim Babjak. “I had them [wrapped] in newspapers, and I stunk up the back! But the band tolerates me because they know I love Maryland crabs.” The Smithereens share memories of playing the Birchmere—and their hopes for a joyful present – with contributing writer Eric Althoff.
Keep Your Secrets Uses Their Lyrics to Say What Words Can’t
From a YouTube cover channel to their recently released second EP, Keep Your Secrets has been a community effort since its inception. Malerie Gamblin and Matt Nguyen-Ngo started their band as a cover channel. The duo had attended undergrad together at William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA and started the channel in 2020. Malerie sang and Matt played the instruments. Their turning point came in April 2021, however, when musician and influencer Joseph DuBay shouted out their TikTok and funneled thousands of listeners to their page. Learn more about Keep Your Secrets’ journey with contributing writer Jaci Jedrych.
Jay Americana: ‘Making Music from My Perspective Is a Revolutionary Act’
Atlanta-based genre-bending artist Jay Americana does not fit into a box, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. The creative’s sound rests at the intersection of hip-hop, alternative, and electronic dance – all while maintaining a cohesive quality. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she connects with Americana to discuss their early starts, finding a sense of belonging as a Black queer artist, Black history, and Americana’s favorite memory of the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, as well as an exclusive preview of their forthcoming EP, which the artist describes as a “celebration of life and liberation.”
A New Fixation on Now After Nothing
If you’re looking for darker industrial vibes with a hint of shoegaze, you needn’t look any further than Now After Nothing. After sprinting out of the gate with “Sick Fix,” Matt Spatial and company keep their eyes fixed on the future with big plans and bigger sounds. What started out as a solo project has now accumulated into a darkwave duo with Michael Allen helming the echoing, doom-filled drums. With the additional expertise of sound engineers, John Davis (U2, Joan Jett) and Carl Glanville (Placebo, JAMC, Suede), filling out their brooding and ferocious sound, Now After Nothing is poised to become mainstays in the realm of electronic hard rock. Learn more with contributing writer Charlie Maybee.
Sharon Rae North Shares How Jazz is Generational: “We’re Still Here”
Northern Virginia-based jazz singer Sharon Rae North possesses an extraordinary passion for what she does, choosing to share with the world her beautiful voice and personal projects that evoke emotions for thousands of listeners. She is a strong force in not only our local jazz world, but the world as a whole, as she adds her own touch to the musical genre she fell in love with while paying homage to those who have come before her. Read more to learn about where her jazz journey has taken her so far, and what makes pursuing it worth it – the history behind the genre and its power of bringing people together.
Steel Panther is back with more hilarious metal music—and a rockin’ tour
If you’ve never been to a Steel Panther show, the group’s lead singer, who goes by the stage
name Michael Starr, wants you to know it’s long past time to do so. Fortunately, the satirical
metal band will be rolling into Rams Head Live! in Baltimore on March 14.
For the uninitiated, the Panther’s catalog contains hilariously naughty lyrics that even Tipper Gore couldn’t have imagined when she insisted on those “Parental Advisory” stickers. A select few: “Bukkake Tears,” “That’s What Girls Are For,” “Asian Hooker” and “Eatin’ Ain’t Cheatin’.”
You’ve been warned…or perhaps entreated.
Rapper Pink Moni is Unapologetically Taking the DMV by Storm: ‘I Love the Skin That I’m In’
DMV-based rapper Nia Monaé, who goes by the stage name Pink Moni, is one to watch. Monaé exudes confidence, inspiration, and natural talent. Her style is uniquely creative, and the DMV is lucky to have her as she is sure to soon blow up. Already, Monaé is a 3x Wammie Award winner and has made a name for herself as the first, youngest, and only female rapper to win a music competition in Baltimore. She has amassed thousands of views across her social media, including going viral on TikTok several times. Learn more about Pink Moni’s journey with contributing writer Emma Page in recognition of Black History Month, including why the rising talent loves the skin that she’s in.
Tina Turner ‘Salute’ Act Is Set to Rock the Birchmere with New Jersey-Based Suzette Dorsey
Suzette Dorsey doesn’t care for the term “tribute act.” Rather, her show “Forever T I N A” is a “salute” to the music and persona of the legendary Tina Turner. Dorsey grew up in a musical family in New Jersey. While in college at Pennsylvania’s Shippensburg University, she would frequently head down to the capital region to visit her brother, who was studying at the University of Maryland. One of those fateful weekends, the siblings went to see Turner perform at the Warner Theatre, an event that changed Dorsey’s life. Learn more about Dorsey’s upcoming show at the Birchmere on Feb. 23 with contributing writer Eric Althoff.
Post ‘Modern Love’: Iconic Songs About Contemporary Love
Contributing writer Charlie Maybee finds himself singing David Bowie’s famous song “Modern Love” to himself a lot without knowing why it’s in his head. “Perhaps I’m drawn to the hopeful yearning in the pre-chorus line ‘But I try / I try’ or the danceable confusion about love and sexuality that seems to permeate the song’s lyrical core,” he reflects. But that confusion also hinges upon a foundational question: what is modern love? In honor of Valentine’s Day, Maybee looks back at some iconic love songs that have changed and defined romantic values in popular culture during the age of post-modern love. If your favorite song didn’t make the list, be sure to let us know what we missed!
