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

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Hayley Fahey Takes Us Back to the ‘Good Old Days’

Toward the end of the summer, DMV-raised and now Nashville-based soul-infused pop and sometimes blues singer-songwriter Hayley Fahey released a beautiful three-track EP that she began the process for during quarantine. The EP, “Good Old Days,” includes “Halfhearted Love Song,” “Melting,” and the title track. Contributing writer Maura Marcellino had the pleasure of chatting with Hayley about her influences, upbringing, creative process, fashion, and the ever so confusing topic of work-life balance, including Hayley’s secret for finding the right balance.

Maura Marcellino November 18, 2021

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Emily Hall: ‘I’m Getting Ready to Share All On My Own Terms Rather than Waiting for Others to Come to Me’

Singer-songwriter Emily Hall’s journey didn’t start in Nepal, but that’s where it took hold. Emily Hall’s journey with music has been one of healing, of compassion, of shadow, and of triumph. A 2014 Fulbright grant recipient, Emily journeyed to Nepal that same year, after many years of musical disillusionment. Once she reached Nepal, however, that all changed. Learn more about Emily Hall’s inspiring story with contributing writer Linc Bradham, including a sneak peek of her upcoming collaborative project with Rav Situla.

Linc Bradham November 11, 2021

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Pop Rock Artist LJR: ‘I No Longer Try to Pretend to Be Somebody I’m Not’

Maryland-based pop rock artist LJR is one of a kind. His journey to a full-time music career is at times heartbreaking, exhilarating, and ultimately, life-affirming. LJR reminds audiences that ends serve as beginnings, offering new opportunities to become the person you were always meant to be. Learn more about LJR’s inspiring story with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including the one thing he needed to unlearn during his growth process, how his background in engineering affects the way he approaches art, and the surprising story behind the title of his upcoming album.

Cynthia Gross November 4, 2021

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Shacara Rogers: ‘There Is a Special Blessing on Black Women. We Are Survivors, and We Make a Way.’

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-born jazz artist Shacara Rogers is one of those rare talents whose passionate, soul-stirring performances have the ability to conjure up the deepest of feelings, reminding you of the unparalleled power of Black American music. She has performed with greats like Patti LaBelle and as part of Howard University’s Afro Blue. Learn more about Shacara Rogers’ journey, including what inspired her return to Christ-centered music, why “there is a special blessing on Black women,” and the surprising thing she needed to unlearn during her growth process.

Cynthia Gross October 28, 2021

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Flo Anito: ‘Music Has Sat Beside Me On the Floor, My Best Friend, Holding My Hand, Offering Tissues, Reminding Me To Breathe’

“Music saved my life,” explains D.C.-based artist Flo Anito. “In my hardest times, music has sat beside me on the floor, my best friend, holding my hand, offering tissues, reminding me to breathe. Singer-songwriters like Ani DiFranco, Fiona Apple, and Jewel and artists like Nina Simone let me know I wasn’t alone in my pain or loneliness. Composers like Chopin, Ellington, and Gershwin were able to bear their souls through music in ways the spoken word could not convey, bending time and space to mirror the shape of emotion.” Learn more about Flo Anito’s exciting journey with contributing writer Linc Bradham.

Linc Bradham October 21, 2021

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Collective Musical Activism: Son La Lucha Uses Traditional Mexican Music as Catalyst for Social Justice

Combining a grassroots approach to social justice issues with a traditional style of Mexican music, Son La Lucha is a collective of activists who amass community gatherings and political protests through their music. The collective, which can span from 5-30 people at any given time, specializes in a specific regional style of folk music and dance called son jarocho. Learn more with contributing writer Charlie Maybee, including the distinct approach Son La Lucha uses to get their message across without releasing music for profit.

Charlie Maybee October 14, 2021

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Brazilian Artist Rafael Pondé: ‘Don’t Try to Live According to What or Who Other People Believe that You Are’

Salvador, Brazil-born and Washington, D.C.-based artist Rafael Pondé is a visionary. Engaging in conversation with him feels like reconnecting with a dear friend. You leave inspired by his depth of perspective and sensitivity to the people and places that surround him. Learn more about Rafael Pondé’s fascinating journey with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including what identity means to him as a Brazilian artist, the best piece of advice he’s been given, and the one thing he’s never shared about his great uncle, legendary composer Humberto Porto.

Cynthia Gross October 7, 2021

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Great Wide Nothing Stretches From Atlanta to Washington D.C. to Perform with Flowerbomb and Brave

That’s a great title, isn’t it? It’s punny and conveys most of the pertinent information. Unfortunately, just a ghost of its former self. Let me explain.

We received an email from Daniel Graham, bassist and vocalist of Great Wide Nothing, an indie-prog rock trio from Atlanta, Georgia about an upcoming show happening October 5, 2021, with Brave and Flowerbomb at DC9. I was excited to be learning about a local gig via the touring artist. I think it says a lot for the kind of reach and community building…

Daniel Warren Hill September 30, 2021

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Latin Rock Folk Band Sonic Castaways Found What They Were Looking For

Sonic Castaways (in Spanish, Naufragos del Sonido) fuse multiple influences, genres, and sonic ideas with a volition and daring that respects the masters whom they emulate while still sounding fresh and exciting. For Hispanic Heritage Month, as part of Alchemical Records’ continuing coverage on groups and artists who touch Hispanic culture in some way, we present to you: Sonic Castaways. Join contributing writer Linc Bradham as he explores the band’s journey.

Linc Bradham September 30, 2021

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La Marvela Is a D.C. Miracle: Colombian Women Honor their Heritage in their Adopted Land

D.C. Colombian band La Marvela performs cumbia, a style of music that blends the influences of Indigenous, Spanish, and African culture—all of which melded in Latin America. Learn more about La Marvela’s journey with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including how the band members found each other in a different country and their thoughts on the importance of preserving one’s history.

Eric Althoff September 23, 2021

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Perro Sombra: Not Your Average Rock Band

Some bands have experience. Some bands have a fresh sound. And then there are some very special bands who have both, the kind of bands that make music that lasts forever. One of these bands is Perro Sombra. Join contributing writer Jaci Jedrych as she explores Wammie Award-winning rock band Perro Sombra’s roots, influences, and path forward. Learn the key component the band believes is crucial to allowing their music to resonate widely with national and international audiences.

Jaci Jedrych September 16, 2021

D.C. violinist Marvillous Beats fuses hip-hop and classical music

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Marvillous Beats: ‘People Look at Me as Bridging the Gritty Roots of Hip-Hop and Fusing It with This Super Classical Instrument’

Bronx, New York-born, D.C.-based violinist Marvillous Beats is no stranger to success. He’s produced songs for Tory Lanez, performed live with Wale, appeared with GoldLink on NPR Tiny Desk, and more. After only a few minutes with Marvillous Beats, you realize one of the secrets to his growing appeal exists in his warmth, authenticity, and ability to serve as a bridge. Learn more about Marvillous Beats’ journey, including how architecture influences his creative process, the effect of fatherhood on his art, and the role his Jamaican roots play in allowing him to inspire young Black males.

Cynthia Gross September 9, 2021

D.C. jazz artist Integriti Reeves shares her story with contributing writer Eric Althoff

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Despite Difficulties of the Pandemic, D.C.’s Reeves Keeps Her Integrity

D.C. native Integriti Reeves found jazz when she was in high school, describing herself as a “late bloomer” when it came to discovering the genre. Since then, she has blossomed as an artist, collaborating with some of the biggest names in music such as Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson. Learn more about Integriti’s story with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including how she perceives the D.C. music scene, her songwriting process, and the special thing she describes as her greatest joy in life.

Eric Althoff September 2, 2021

D.C. soul artist Akua Allrich shares her story, including a special commemorative project in the works

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Soul Artist Akua Allrich: ‘If You’re Not Happy with You, You Cannot Be Happy with Anyone Else’

D.C. soul artist Akua Allrich never intended to be a musician – and yet, she has proven herself to be an artist of extraordinary talent and crowd-moving passion. Often likened to legendary talents such as Nina Simone, Allrich has inspired countless artists throughout D.C. and across the world with her brilliant artistry and commitment to equity and justice. Learn more about Allrich’s journey, including her secret superpower, what identity means to her as a Black woman, her original career pathway, and a special commemorative project in the works that pays homage to her roots.

Cynthia Gross August 26, 2021

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AZTEC SUN To Brighten DC Venues Once Again

As has been highlighted in this publication many times, musicians are some of the most adaptable and resilient people on the planet. However, in the last few years, even the most seasoned veterans of the industry have been put through what may prove to be the most trying times of their lives. The music industry is just as volatile as ever, and life is not easily navigated even without the threat of a global pandemic. For the members of AZTEC SUN, there have been major life transitions since the release of their 2018 album, “In The Name of Everyone.” Houses have been purchased, careers have been settled into, and children have been born. Still, the nine members of this Washington D.C. ‘Funk with Soul’ band continue to create, producing their forthcoming album in isolation (in stark contrast to their last endeavor), and preparing to debut many of these songs live in the coming months.

Daniel Warren Hill August 19, 2021

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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.

Hayley Fahey Takes Us Back to the ‘Good Old Days’

Emily Hall: ‘I’m Getting Ready to Share All On My Own Terms Rather than Waiting for Others to Come to Me’

Pop Rock Artist LJR: ‘I No Longer Try to Pretend to Be Somebody I’m Not’

Shacara Rogers: ‘There Is a Special Blessing on Black Women. We Are Survivors, and We Make a Way.’

Flo Anito: ‘Music Has Sat Beside Me On the Floor, My Best Friend, Holding My Hand, Offering Tissues, Reminding Me To Breathe’

Collective Musical Activism: Son La Lucha Uses Traditional Mexican Music as Catalyst for Social Justice

Great Wide Nothing Stretches From Atlanta to Washington D.C. to Perform with Flowerbomb and Brave

Latin Rock Folk Band Sonic Castaways Found What They Were Looking For

La Marvela Is a D.C. Miracle: Colombian Women Honor their Heritage in their Adopted Land

Perro Sombra: Not Your Average Rock Band

Marvillous Beats: ‘People Look at Me as Bridging the Gritty Roots of Hip-Hop and Fusing It with This Super Classical Instrument’

Despite Difficulties of the Pandemic, D.C.’s Reeves Keeps Her Integrity

AZTEC SUN To Brighten DC Venues Once Again

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