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

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‘Motivate and Inspire’: Laura Luv Celebrates Women’s History Month with Alchemical Records

March is Women’s History Month, and this comes with a reflection and appreciation of women contributing to the music industry. From producers to writers, women have been the arbiters of some of the most influential pieces of art. D.C.-based Colombian singer, songwriter, and first-time Wammie nominee Laura Luv talks to contributing writer Margaret Adams about her background, as well as how her Colombian heritage and women have inspired her music, especially through her newest self-titled EP, Laura Luv, and why the presence of women and female representation is important in the music industry.

Margaret Adams March 30, 2023

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Marilyn Hucek: ‘I Think the Biggest Superpower You Have Is to Be Yourself Wholeheartedly’

D.C.-based pop artist and fashion influencer Marilyn Hucek is the epitome of style, effortless chic, and impressive talent. The American-Chilean rising star continues to amass a loyal following, with more than 1 million Spotify streams to her credit. Hucek’s anthems move individuals to never settle for less than what they deserve. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she connects with Marilyn Hucek in recognition of Women’s History Month. Learn why Hucek is “not afraid to fail,” how her multicultural background influences her art, her favorite clothing item in her collection, and her advice for emerging artists.

Cynthia Gross March 29, 2023

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers - Kathleen Harrison

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Crusin’ for Some Bluesin’: California’s Tommy Castro Set to Return to Annapolis—and the High Seas—with You!

Tommy Castro believes that what is considered “blues” music has shifted over the decades. Thus, what you might hear played on B.B. King’s Bluesville on SiriusXM falls under a rather broad catchall of various influences. Tommy Castro & the Painkillers will bring their swinging’ West Coast sound to the Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis April 2. It’ll be a rocking and rolling return for the ensemble that is not to be missed. Learn more with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including details on a special offer available to fans who purchase a ticket to the show.

Eric Althoff March 27, 2023

Cat Doersch performs at Bush Gardens as a cave woman - Photo courtesy of Lynn Hales

DMV

Celtic Rock Drummer Cat Doersch: ‘That Is How I Measure Success…By What Brings Me Joy’

Celtic rock artist Cat Doersch says one of the few things she has ever been so sure of is her lifelong love affair with the drums. Take a look at her passionate, riveting performances, where she becomes one with the instrument, and it becomes clear that they were made for each other. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she connects with Cat Doersch to learn Doersch’s favorite song to perform with The American Rogues, the most important lesson she learned in order to be successful as a female drummer, and the story behind her affectionate nickname, “Hammer of God.”

Cynthia Gross March 23, 2023

Marcia Ball - Press Photo by Mary Bruton

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Texas Royalty Marcia Ball Brings Acoustic Tour to the DMV on Double Bill with Tinsley Ellis

If there’s one person who can blend the sounds of Southern soul with Texas blues, it’s Marcia Ball. Ball will be co-headlining two area shows of acoustic songs alongside Tinsley Ellis, first at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis March 28 and then the Pearl Street Warehouse in D.C. March 29. Each artist will perform a set and then jam together for the finale. Ball says the artists will share stories about the songs’ gestation, making the evening not just a concert but a conversation. Join contributing writer Eric Althoff, as he connects with Marcia Ball to learn more about what audiences can expect from her upcoming shows.

Eric Althoff March 22, 2023

Natalie Brooke playing keytar at a gig, backlit in blue

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DMV Funk Musician Natalie Brooke Talks Authentic Women in Music

Funk/jazz fusion powerhouse Natalie Brooke is one-of-a-kind. You may have caught her solo act, as well as her two band projects – funk rock band Natalie Brooke, in which she sings, and instrumental jazz fusion band The Infinity Tribe. Another side of Brooke is that she is not only a performer, but a teacher. “I love teaching,” she says. “I think it’s the easiest job in the whole world. I just love working with people who are on their own journey with music, and I can help them.” Learn more about Brooke’s journey with contributing writer Emma Page, including her thoughts on authentic women in music and how she found her own unique sound from her classical music roots.

Emma Page March 21, 2023

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Janae Daniels is Staying Ready and Versatile with ‘4FOR4’

Beneath the sensual attack of her pop melodies and rapping, Janae Daniels is a DC baby born-and-raised in some of the city’s hallmark musical cultures. With equal roots singing in church choirs and go-go bands, she began developing a distinct personality and rhythm to her musical expression from an early age. And as her prowess began to earn her acclaim, she dug in deeper. Between her go-go roots, the inspiring voices of women in her church choir, and some external influences, Janae has shown up continually with unshakeable presence. Learn more about her latest EP, 4FOR4, with contributing writer Charlie Maybee.

Charlie Maybee March 17, 2023

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Jeania Stewart: ‘We All Love, Wonder, and Ponder Life As We Wish Upon the Same Moon and Stars’

Pianist, percussionist, seamstress, world traveler, antique collector, art framer, wife, mother, Elvis enthusiast – just a few of the many roles balanced with grace by Jeania Stewart of The American Rogues – for whom the journey is the destination. Since joining The American Rogues officially in 2006, Stewart has become a secret ingredient to the award-winning Celtic rock collective’s successes. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she connects with Jeania Stewart in recognition of Irish American Heritage Month to discuss her starts, proud DMV roots, and exciting plans for the future.

Cynthia Gross March 17, 2023

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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.

Jaci Jedrych March 15, 2023

The Smithereens - Press Photo - Neil Seiffer

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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.

Eric Althoff March 7, 2023

DMV

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.

Jaci Jedrych March 6, 2023

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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.”

Cynthia Gross February 28, 2023

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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.

Charlie Maybee February 24, 2023

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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.

Emma Page February 22, 2023

Steel Panther 80's hair metal rockers posing for the camera

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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.

Eric Althoff February 22, 2023

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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.

‘Motivate and Inspire’: Laura Luv Celebrates Women’s History Month with Alchemical Records

Marilyn Hucek: ‘I Think the Biggest Superpower You Have Is to Be Yourself Wholeheartedly’

Crusin’ for Some Bluesin’: California’s Tommy Castro Set to Return to Annapolis—and the High Seas—with You!

Celtic Rock Drummer Cat Doersch: ‘That Is How I Measure Success…By What Brings Me Joy’

Texas Royalty Marcia Ball Brings Acoustic Tour to the DMV on Double Bill with Tinsley Ellis

DMV Funk Musician Natalie Brooke Talks Authentic Women in Music

Janae Daniels is Staying Ready and Versatile with ‘4FOR4’

Jeania Stewart: ‘We All Love, Wonder, and Ponder Life As We Wish Upon the Same Moon and Stars’

Grimalkin Records is Standing Up for Marginalized Voices in the Music Industry

The Smithereens Are Due to Retake the Birchmere Post-Covid

Keep Your Secrets Uses Their Lyrics to Say What Words Can’t

Jay Americana: ‘Making Music from My Perspective Is a Revolutionary Act’

A New Fixation on Now After Nothing

Sharon Rae North Shares How Jazz is Generational: “We’re Still Here”

Steel Panther is back with more hilarious metal music—and a rockin’ tour

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