Music News & Interviews for the Baltimore, DC & Richmond Music Scenes

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BRASSIE Performing at DMV Music Alliance’s “DMV Music Benefits All” Inaugural Benefit Concert

“DMV Music Benefits All,” on Dec. 8 at Songbyrd Music House in Washington D.C. will include performances by local artists, including BRASSIE.

It is no secret to those within its scope that the DMV’s music scene is one of the most uplifting communities to be a part of. One organization that is striving to highlight this value of connection is the DMV Music Alliance, “a Washington D.C.-based grassroots non-profit committed to uniting and serving the needs of the thousands of artists and industry professionals across Suburban Maryland,

Emma Page November 18, 2022

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Getting to Know DC’s Queen of Blues: Carly Harvey

It is always a pleasure to sit down and chat with artists who understand how to contextualize themselves, which was my experience with D.C.’s proclaimed Queen of the Blues, Carly Harvey. When I heard her talk about her musical upbringing, there was a clear, deep love and reverence for the cultural roots of all the genres that she has employed over the course of her career to date. As a representative of D.C.’s blues scene (and music scene in general), she recognizes that her music is not just about her as an artist in an isolated moment of time, but that she contributes to, and stands upon, a historical foundation that is rich with potential.

Charlie Maybee November 17, 2022

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Transitions Abound: Lauren Calve Hinges on the Edge of Something New

When it comes to singer-songwriter, Lauren Calve, there is a calm, yet electric essence that feels ready for every and anything that comes her way. She has been singing throughout her life, but it wasn’t until her late 20’s that she found her niche within the sounds of Americana blues. Since finding her home base, her late-bloomer energy has spun a nice flow of momentum that has taken her far in a short amount of time.

While her early inspirations ran the gambit of singing women with raw, acrobatic voices like Mariah Carrey and Sheryl Crow, it was a CD of voice instructor Brett Manning (who famously coached Hayley Williams of Paramore)

Charlie Maybee November 16, 2022

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DJ O Show: ‘The Story I Am Telling… Rarely Gets Told’

DJ O Show, also known as Orene Askew, has been in the music game for over 15 years. Her professional musical roots are in DJ-ing, but she recently entered the hip-hop game with the release of her first single. Askew’s passion and driving force in music comes from her being an Afro-Indigenous, Two-Spirit female, and former member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, learn more about Askew’s story with contributing writer Jaci Jedrych, including her influences, why she believes it’s important to acknowledge intersections, and the tragic event early in her career that gave her a renewed perspective on life.

Jaci Jedrych November 10, 2022

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RIVALS: Blurring the Line Between Dark Pop and Rock

RIVALS is an alternative band from Los Angeles that is not afraid to merge scintillating dark pop-rock with post-hardcore, resulting in their unique sound that is sure to hook you in at first listen. The band, formed in 2014, consists of vocals by Kalie Wolfe, guitar by Micket Woodle, bass by Sebastian Clarke, and drums by Josh Alves. Vocalist Wolfe started out in the pop world while “the guys” started in the metal realm, and the band continues to experiment in their style. Learn more about RIVALS with contributing writer Emma Page, including the band’s influences, songwriting process, dream gig, and what’s on the horizon for the rising talent.

Emma Page November 9, 2022

Rachel Burns - Press Photo by Libby Danforth

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Rachel Burns: ‘Live for the Day and Be in the Now Because That’s Really the Only Way We Can Expand Time’

A conversation with D.C.-based pop/soul artist Rachel Burns oscillates between joy, laughter (lots of it), and shedding of tears similar to the continuum of life and living. Burns is a classically trained musician, wife and mother, and breast cancer survivor. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross, as she sits down with Rachel Burns to discuss her debut solo EP, “Living My Breast Life,” why she is proud to be a DMV artist, the turning point from despair to hope in her breast cancer journey, and why she believes humor is still the best medicine.

Cynthia Gross November 2, 2022

Photo Courtesy of Duke Ellington School of the Arts

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Reflecting on the 5th Annual DC Music Summit

The 5th Annual DC Music Summit wrapped up on October 16, with a flurry of fantastic panels, a keynote speech by Anwan “Big G” Glover, performances, art installations, and more. Held at the Duke Ellington School for the Arts, the Summit’s core values of diversity, community, mastery, and service were all on full display, as music workers gathered to share their experiences and insight from the ever-growing music industry. Join contributing writer Charlie Maybee, as he reflects on the Summit with two key participants, major label mix engineer Chris Carter and hip-hop artist and educator, Marc 2 Ray.

Charlie Maybee November 2, 2022

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David Libert Speaks Candidly about His Rock-and-Roll Life in New Memoir

David Libert has seen—and done—it all. From humble beginnings, Libert has become a music industry expert, shepherding the careers of artists such as Alice Cooper and George Clinton, and working with everyone from Prince to Guns N’ Roses. Join contributing writer Eric Althoff, as he sits down with David Libert to discuss the star’s immensely entertaining memoir of his life, “Rock and Roll Warrior,” in which he recounts the lessons he picked up from his parents as a young man, running with so many angels and devils in the music biz, and, of course, his ongoing friendship with Cooper.

Eric Althoff October 27, 2022

Tiny Ghosts - Press Photo - Graham Morrison

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Tiny Ghosts on their Unbreakable Bond, Creative Chemistry, and Defying Expectations

Friends have an infamous reputation for being less than ideal business partners. Indie pop duo Tiny Ghosts, comprised of guitarist Eric Morgan and lead singer Dayan Marquina, are a testament to the fact that one size does not fit all. Defying expectations, the duo entered the music scene in 2020 and has not looked back. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross and learn more about Tiny Ghosts, including the curious story behind the duo’s name, how the band’s broad musical influences inspire their sound, and the impact of Marquina’s Hispanic heritage on her songwriting.

Cynthia Gross October 20, 2022

DMV

D.C. Blues Artist Jenny Langer: This Cancer Survivor Sure Does Rock

Considering the rocky road she has traveled, award-winning D.C. blues artist Jenny Langer is remarkably upbeat in conversation. She laughs often and is extremely frank, even when relating the routine health checkup that likely saved her life. Langer’s cancer scare lit a fire under her and pushed her to make some necessary changes in her life, including dedicating herself fully to music, no longer content to wait to be discovered. Join contributing writer Eric Althoff as he learns more about Langer’s journey, including her roots and work as a solo artist, and as a member of Honey Larks and the Boneshakers.

Eric Althoff October 19, 2022

DMV

Meet Some of This Year’s Performers at The 5th Annual DC Music Summit

This upcoming weekend, October 14-16, is the 5th Annual DC Music Summit(DCMS), “a 501(c)3 nonprofit that supports local musicians and the DC music industry by fostering inclusion, community engagement, professional development, and networking. Its annual full day event, The DC Music Summit, is an exchange hub of education, inspiration, and solutions in support of the health and growth of the DC music industry.”

To prepare for this weekend, Alchemical Records would like to introduce you to some of this year’s performers:

Emma Page October 13, 2022

DMV

Classical Crossover Duo Amor y Luz Spreads Love and Light to Both Sides of the Atlantic

The music of Latin American classical crossover duo, Amor y Luz, is beauty personified. Using their diverse cultural backgrounds as a rich lens, Amy Vitro and Kutasha Silva are on a mission to spread well-being, joy, and inspiration. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross, as she sits down with Kutasha Silva, the group’s cellist and lead vocalist. Learn why Silva decided to leave her homeland and plant roots in the D.C. area; the intentional criteria that each Amor y Luz composition must meet; and how music unintentionally created a breakthrough in Silva’s ability to conduct research as a Fulbright scholar.

Cynthia Gross October 13, 2022

DC Music Summit 2022 Broadcast thumbnail

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DC Music Summit Uplifts Creatives and Develops Personal Connections

Don’t miss out on the uplifting experience for artists and music industry professionals that is DC Music Summit, taking place Oct 14-16 at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Join Daniel Warren Hill as he dives into the personal impact of DCMS with creative consultant Malachi Robinson and DCMS founder Dior Ashley Brown. Malachi Robinson is the founder of Point Black Creative, a creative agency with a focus on artist development and media production. He also brings his experience to Creative Suitland, and DC Music Summit, and contributes to DC Music Summit founder Dior Ashley Brown’s own creative team.

Daniel Warren Hill October 12, 2022

Stephanie Mathias "Hispanic Heritage Month" Press Photo

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Stephanie Mathias Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: Daring, Vulnerable, and Pushing the Boundaries

For Stephanie Mathias, music is an integral part of life. The pop singer-songwriter has gone from playing violin in orchestras in Mexico to running a music podcast (DC Music Rocks) to collaborating with local DMV artists on her own songs. As an award-winning violinist, singer, songwriter, and pianist, her diverse repertoire in the music industry speaks for itself, but Mathias has much more up her sleeve.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrate with Stephanie Mathias as she and contributing writer, Margaret Adams, explore the ways in which Mathias’s own Hispanic…

Margaret Adams October 4, 2022

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Down In The Reeds Festival in Washington DC Highlights The Healing Power of Music

Down In The Reeds Festival returns to The Parks at Walter Reed in Washington D.C. on Saturday, October 8, 2022. The day-long Fall celebration brings together a mosaic of entertainment and activations reflective of DC’s cultural diversity. This year the universal power of drumming and rhythm will resonate throughout the festival with the inclusion of Bhangra, Eastern Indigenous Powwow Drumming, Go Go, Funk, West African Drumming, Traditional Bolivian Dance, Jazz, and World Folk. A combination of performances and workshops will be led by…

Daniel Warren Hill October 3, 2022

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Get all the latest music news and reviews in the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA areas.Visit us daily and stay up-to-date on your favorite local and national acts.

BRASSIE Performing at DMV Music Alliance’s “DMV Music Benefits All” Inaugural Benefit Concert

Getting to Know DC’s Queen of Blues: Carly Harvey

Transitions Abound: Lauren Calve Hinges on the Edge of Something New

DJ O Show: ‘The Story I Am Telling… Rarely Gets Told’

RIVALS: Blurring the Line Between Dark Pop and Rock

Rachel Burns: ‘Live for the Day and Be in the Now Because That’s Really the Only Way We Can Expand Time’

Reflecting on the 5th Annual DC Music Summit

David Libert Speaks Candidly about His Rock-and-Roll Life in New Memoir

Tiny Ghosts on their Unbreakable Bond, Creative Chemistry, and Defying Expectations

D.C. Blues Artist Jenny Langer: This Cancer Survivor Sure Does Rock

Meet Some of This Year’s Performers at The 5th Annual DC Music Summit

Classical Crossover Duo Amor y Luz Spreads Love and Light to Both Sides of the Atlantic

DC Music Summit Uplifts Creatives and Develops Personal Connections

Stephanie Mathias Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month: Daring, Vulnerable, and Pushing the Boundaries

Down In The Reeds Festival in Washington DC Highlights The Healing Power of Music

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