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

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Where Punk Meets High Fashion: Inside the ‘Mind’s Eye’ of Karen Culi

It is not uncommon to hear about artists who wear multiple professional hats, and Karen Culi personifies the perennial jack-of-all-trades archetype when it comes to her involvement with the D.C. music scene. Culi is a musician, producer, model, actor, executive producer who wields complete control over her every aspect of her artistry with a millennial flare. Learn more about Karen Culi’s exciting journey with contributing writer Charlie Maybee, including her creative process, her perception of the area rock scene as a Filipino-American artist, and an exclusive preview of her upcoming release.

Charlie Maybee May 12, 2022

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Acclaimed Indian Classical Fusion Artist and Educator Nistha Raj: ‘There Is Light at the End of the Tunnel’

Acclaimed Indian classical violinist and educator Nistha Raj is an overcomer. After surviving a difficult childhood, the 2013-2014 Strathmore Artist in Residence discovered her niche in the D.C. music scene and has never looked back. Learn more about Nistha Raj’s inspiring story with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including what attracted her to the nation’s capital, how family has played an integral role in her journey, and her recommended Indian classical music starter kit in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Cynthia Gross May 5, 2022

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Sustainability and Accessibility with LEXIS YELÏS

As Earth Month and Autism Month come to a close, Maura Marcellino chatted with her mentor, LEXIS YELÏS about their favorite DMV spots, stigma around neurodivergence and college time, and of course, sustainability. April is a very eventful month to say the least. Not only is it Autism Awareness/Appreciation/Acceptance Month, but it is also Earth Month. I had the chance to catch up with the person who not only showed me how to combine my love for the environment and working in the entertainment industry, but how much of a color wheel spectrum autism is, LEXIS YELÏS.

Maura Marcellino April 28, 2022

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Activism and Autism with Gabrielle Zwi

Autism can be seen as more of a children’s issue, or a cis white man’s issue. What about autistic adults? Autistic people of color? Autistic women? Autistic LGBTQ+? Learn more about activism, autism, media portrayal, music, and more with Maura Marcellino as she chats with Gabrielle Zwi.

This month can be a tough month for autistic people. Some people tell us we are not normal or complete human beings, while other people are telling us we are superheroes and autism is a superpower when it is not. Autism is not a bad word. Yes it is a disability, but it does not make us any less of a person.

Maura Marcellino April 21, 2022

Maura Marcellino - 2022 Wammie Awards - Louis Tinsley

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Rising Industry Professional Maura Marcellino: ‘I Always Have to Prove that I Deserve a Spot at the Table’

Rising industry professional Maura Marcellino discovered Alchemical Records by chance. The Fairfax native and George Mason University senior has an impressive portfolio that demonstrates her commitment to elevating the music scene, and she’s just getting started. Learn more about Maura Marcellino’s exciting journey with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including her all-time favorite concert experience, her advocacy role in concert sustainability for Live Nation venues, and her special message in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.

Cynthia Gross April 14, 2022

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Kevin Whelan Reflects on the Past and Future: ‘Do Not Let Fear Win or Waste Your Time’

Born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey and growing up in Ocean City, Kevin Whelan has always had music in the forefront of his life. His biggest most formal gig came in the form of one of the catchiest and most thoughtful indie rock groups of the ’90s, The Wrens. Last year, Whelan released the debut album from his new project, Aeon Station. Learn more about Kevin Whelan’s journey with contributing writer Jaci Jedrych, including his most indispensable artist tool, best advice for aspiring musicians, and his special message in recognition of Autism Awareness Month.

Jaci Jedrych April 7, 2022

Mal Gamblin of Keep Your Secrets- Press Photo

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Discover Mal’s Secrets

To close out Women’s History Month this year at Alchemical Records we talked with someone who is breaking barriers in the pop-punk genre, Malerie Gamblin (Mal), the lead singer of a pop-punk band from the DMV, Keep Your Secrets. Learn more with our social media director and contributing writer, Maura Marcellino, including her favorite types of venues to play and attend shows. Growing up, Mal always wanted to be in the music industry, but did not know it was something that she could do. Before the pandemic started, Mal messaged her friend from college, Matt, to maybe try being in a pop-punk band since he was in a couple other bands like metal bands.

Maura Marcellino March 31, 2022

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Electro Pop Artist MIZZI: ‘Sometimes You Have to Break a Rule to Create Something Special and Unique’

RIAA Certified Multi-Platinum songwriter and producer Heather Jeanette Miley, who performs under the stage name MIZZI, knows the secret to writing a hit pop song. The Virginia Beach-born and Los Angeles-based artist has penned songs for some of the most popular artists of our generation. Learn more about MIZZI’s journey with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including the top three things she misses about Virginia, her favorite celebrity collaboration, and her special message in honor of Women’s History Month.

Cynthia Gross March 24, 2022

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No Bull: Cathy DiToro Plans to Take 2022 by the Horns

Cathy DiToro is a staple of the DMV music scene. In addition to performing as part of fan favorite cover ensembles, including The Legwarmers, she manages ProjectHERA, a nonprofit she founded to push more visibility for female musicians, as well as HERAFest, which aims to “showcase women being badass musicians at any age in all genres.” This year, DiToro is embracing a major personal transition: releasing more of her own solo work and building her own brand. Learn more with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including the reason why DiToro is approaching the new year boldly with a “now or never” attitude.

Eric Althoff March 17, 2022

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West African Griot and Trailblazer Sona Jobarteh Brings the Sounds of Her Culture to D.C.

The West African griot, a traveling poet-musician who shares stories in song, goes back many centuries—but until now, it has largely been the provenance of male artists. Sona Jobarteh, a native of The Gambia, was born into a family of griots, and she travels the world spreading the joy of this ancient tradition from the Manding region. Learn more about Jobarteh’s upcoming show at City Winery with contributing writer Eric Althoff, where she will present a one-of-a-kind experience – keeping alive a legacy that goes back nearly a thousand years.

Eric Althoff March 11, 2022

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Singer-Songwriter Tom Rush, after a Frightening Run-in with COVID-19, Returns to the Birchmere

Credited with ushering in the era of the singer-songwriter, acclaimed artist Tom Rush continues to have a profound impact on the American music scene. Throughout his successful career, he has championed a number of emerging musicians, including well-known female artists such as Joni Mitchell, Nancy Griffith, and Shawn Colvin. Learn more about Rush’s journey with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including his reflections on the evolution of music in the 21st century and details on his upcoming show at the Birchmere.

Eric Althoff March 10, 2022

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Latin Folk Rock Artist Elena Lacayo: ‘When Women Give Other Women Opportunities, It Allows Us to Step Up’

Elena Lacayo, frontwoman of Latin folk rock band Elena y Los Fulanos, is living her dream. Learn about her inspiring story with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including the unexpected circumstances that led to her pursuing a career in music, highlights from her recent tour with Latin Grammy-winning female mariachi band Flor de Toloache (she got to hang out with John Legend and Miguel among other things), and her special message in honor of Women’s History Month.

Cynthia Gross March 3, 2022

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On the Corner of the Mundane and the Magical: The Baltimore Inspired Jazz of Kris Funn

Baltimore is a city that can produce a variety of responses when brought up in conversation depending on who you are talking to. Outsiders will likely bring up the hit television show The Wire and subsequently get on a tangent about the city’s crime rates. But for insiders like Kris Funn, a jazz musician, composer, and teacher (as well as a Baltimore native), the city’s cultural offerings are rich and full of life. Learn more about Funn’s exciting journey with contributing writer Charlie Maybee.

Charlie Maybee February 24, 2022

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Debórah Bond: Creator, Educator, Inspiration

Debórah Bond’s origins are anything but typical. Bond was introduced to the performance arena by competing in public speaking and debate competitions. After not just competing, but often winning, she decided to use her voice to tell a story through music, and the rest is history. Learn more about Debórah Bond’s story with contributing writer Jaci Jedrych, including why Bond, a New Haven native, considers D.C. her true home, what gives her staying power in the industry, her advice to aspiring musicians, and the role outside of music performance that informs and inspires her art.

Jaci Jedrych February 17, 2022

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LaVance Colley: ‘Continue to Grow and Evolve No Matter How Much People Try to Make You Feel Like You Don’t Matter’

Los Angeles-based artist LaVance Colley is gifted with a voice that has the power to immediately stop listeners in their tracks. His sound is best described as “the fervor of a gospel vocalist with the versatility of jazz and the heart of rhythm and blues.” Learn more with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including Colley’s favorite celebrity moment, advice for aspiring musicians, and the special message he would like to share in honor of Black History Month.

Cynthia Gross February 10, 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.

Where Punk Meets High Fashion: Inside the ‘Mind’s Eye’ of Karen Culi

Acclaimed Indian Classical Fusion Artist and Educator Nistha Raj: ‘There Is Light at the End of the Tunnel’

Sustainability and Accessibility with LEXIS YELÏS

Activism and Autism with Gabrielle Zwi

Kevin Whelan Reflects on the Past and Future: ‘Do Not Let Fear Win or Waste Your Time’

Discover Mal’s Secrets

Electro Pop Artist MIZZI: ‘Sometimes You Have to Break a Rule to Create Something Special and Unique’

No Bull: Cathy DiToro Plans to Take 2022 by the Horns

Singer-Songwriter Tom Rush, after a Frightening Run-in with COVID-19, Returns to the Birchmere

Latin Folk Rock Artist Elena Lacayo: ‘When Women Give Other Women Opportunities, It Allows Us to Step Up’

On the Corner of the Mundane and the Magical: The Baltimore Inspired Jazz of Kris Funn

Debórah Bond: Creator, Educator, Inspiration

LaVance Colley: ‘Continue to Grow and Evolve No Matter How Much People Try to Make You Feel Like You Don’t Matter’

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