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

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From the D.C. Live Music Scene to Lollapalooza: How Marc Capponi Makes the Most Out of Music’s Endless Possibilities

Within the realm of D.C.-based music, few artists have such an evolutionary history and diverse range of both studio-based and live performance projects as Marc Capponi. “I’ve been playing around town for a long time,” he says, “and I’m still doing it, decades later!” Marc Capponi delves into his personal journey as a composer, performer, and music educator in conversation with contributing writer Emma Downes. Read on to learn more about his early presence in the city’s most widely-loved live venues, his work in the studio and on the road with Rocknoceros, and exciting upcoming projects.

Emma Downes February 2, 2023

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Brandon Camphor: ‘I Haven’t Given Up Because I Know the Promise Looks Different Than the Present’

Christian pop and urban gospel artist Brandon Camphor defines his calling by one word: purpose. The Gospel Billboard-charting songwriter won his first music competition at age 10 and has since continued to build on his successes. This Black History Month, join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she sits down with Brandon Camphor to discuss his band, Brandon Camphor & One Way; the opportunities and challenges of being an independent artist; what he believes is the secret to his band’s longevity; how he emerged from a dark season of depression; the role of faith in his journey; and details on his new single, “Forever.”

Cynthia Gross February 1, 2023

Adam Levin of Chuck Levin's Music shows pictures of Stevie Wonder visiting the historic Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center.

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Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center Celebrates 65 Years of Music Retail

Go Beyond the Artist in this week’s feature with Adam Levin of Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center, exploring the essential role of the local music store, in this series highlighting the individuals and organizations that are amplifying the DMV music community, often from behind the scenes.
“Everyone loves a star!” Or, so I’ve heard the saying.

In past times, the complete view of the team of people that worked to bring an artist to the national or internation stage was mostly obscured; the wizards behind the curtain that you need “pay no attention to.” With the rise of the DIY music industry came the global stardom of Taylor Swift.

Daniel Warren Hill January 30, 2023

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Family, Music, and Mythology: An Interview with HØVDING

The music industry is full of acts that were born from family ties: from the pop stylings of The Jackson 5 to the grungy sci-fi epics of Chevelle. One of the latest to hit the scene has been HØVDING, a Nashville-based project formed by singer and violinist, Nika Jane, and her father and producer, Geoff Duncan. The duo finds their inspiration from Nordic history and mythology, and you can feel the mystic undercurrent and palpable heartbeat that runs through each of their songs with urgency. Join contributing writer Charlie Maybee, as he sits down with Jane and Duncan to discuss their music catalogue to-date, songwriting influences, and what the future holds for the band.

Charlie Maybee January 26, 2023

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Ben DeHan Looks Back, Writes Personal Letter to Himself with ‘Broken Bones’

There are times when a band’s songwriter comes up with music so personal, it defies categorization to the point that it doesn’t quite fit under the band’s moniker. This is the way Ben DeHan, approaches all of his songwriting, and it’s the reason that he releases music under his own name. After a stretch playing with American Diary and a subsequent hiatus, DeHan returned with a newfound energy as a solo artist. Since then, he and his wife, collaborator and cellist, Lauren have worked hard to establish the authenticity and versatility of their pop-punk act. Learn more about the duo’s journey and new EP with contributing writer Charlie Maybee.

Charlie Maybee January 25, 2023

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Violinist Mazz Swift Will Join the Multicultural Silkroad Ensemble at George Mason

History’s Silk Road was a loose network of trade routes between Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Traveling such distances required not only understanding different cultures and languages, but also learning about those peoples’ music along the way. The Silkroad Ensemble, the brainchild of Yo-Yo Ma, brings together musical styles from around the world. The Grammy-winning group will perform “Uplifted Voices” at George Mason University Jan. 29. Join contributing writer Eric Althoff as he sits down with violinist Mazz Swift who shares details on the show, comprised entirely of women and nonbinary artists, as well as their own journey.

Eric Althoff January 24, 2023

Kimberly Shires, Female Producer and Owner of Hear Me Roar Studios

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Kimberly Shires of Hear Me Roar Studio: “It’s Not a Dude’s Thing”

A continuing conversation in the music industry is the role of female music producers; today, about 4% of the music producers are women. Kimberly Shires, music producer and owner of Hear Me Roar Studio, is looking to change that statistic. Join contributing writer, Margaret Adams, as she and Shires discuss the industry and how producing music isn’t as hard as it looks. Shires’ deep background with music informed her journey to being a studio owner. She played in an orchestra as a kid, leaning on a classical side for most of her life. After graduating college with a degree in Clarinet, she felt burnt out from music and took a hiatus. “I just pivoted, I changed directions completely and put it away,” Shires said.

Margaret Adams January 23, 2023

The McCartney Experience - L-R: Danny Lough, Kevin Driscoll, Jed Duvall “Paul,” Mark St. Pierre, Charlie Hamilton

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Becoming Paul: This Baltimore Musician Will Give You the McCartney Show You Always Wanted to See

As someone who makes his musical living impersonating Paul McCartney, Jed Duvall is keenly aware that, while he isn’t the true article, what he can deliver to those who attend his shows is perhaps more important: memories. “The way the Beatles and Wings and Paul McCartney kind of built into people’s childhood and the way they grew up, I hope to touch the audience with some of that,” said Duvall. “I hope the audience says, ‘Wow, I haven’t heard this song in a long time.’” Learn more about Duvall’s journey from Elvis to McCartney, as well as details on his Jan. 24 show, The McCartney Experience, with contributing writer Eric Althoff.

Eric Althoff January 17, 2023

Cinema Hearts - Well Wisher - Big Cry Country - The Runway

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Cinema Hearts + Well Wisher + Big Cry Country @ The Runaway

February 11, 2023
The Runaway
Washington D.C.

Daniel Warren Hill January 15, 2023

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All About the Fun: Jarreau Williams Exudes ‘Cherry’ Flavored Charisma

There is charisma, and then there is Jarreau Williams whose showmanship is bar none when it comes to DC’s Pop R&B scene. The 4-time Wammie Award winner has been stealing shows and hearts with his catchy tunes and unstoppable charm since he was a kid coming up in Alexandria, Virginia, and he continues to keep his sights set on the future with new shows and music for 2023. Despite the accolades that he’s accumulated in his music career so far, he remains humble and grounded about his process and his role in his local music scene. Learn more about Williams’ forthcoming single, “Cherry,” with contributing writer Charlie Maybee in this exclusive preview.

Charlie Maybee January 13, 2023

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Emarosa’s Bradley Scott Discusses Upcoming ’80s Pop-Inspired Album, ‘Sting’

After a three-year hiatus since their breakthrough album Peach Club in 2019, Emarosa is back with their new ’80s inspired album Sting, and better than ever. Vocalist Bradley Scott and guitarist ER White have collaborated for nearly a decade to bring their ever-changing visions to life, and this new album combines pop, synth-wave, alternative, and ’80s hits to deliver an honest and ethereal listening experience. “Every album we outdo ourselves,” Scott says. “Sting is no exception. No reservations, no holds barred, this record is unapologetic and defiantly confident.” Learn more about Emarosa’s journey with contributing writer Emma Page.

Emma Page January 12, 2023

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ISHAN: ‘Something Beyond What We Understand Guides the Artist through this Mess that Is Life’

Melbourne-based singer-songwriter ISHAN discovered a love for music at the age of 15 during rehabilitation for spinal fusion surgery. The emerging talent and compelling lyricist has been honing his skills ever since, marking his official entrance to the music scene in late 2022 with his debut single, “Go,” which appeals to fans of Ed Sheeran. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross, as she sits down with ISHAN to discuss his musical influences; how his diverse Indian, Swiss, and Catalan roots inform his worldview; why Baltimore is on his bucket list of places to visit; and the reason he has learned to co-exist with fear.

Cynthia Gross January 11, 2023

Marley Pitch - Press Photo by Dana Verdecchio

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Marley Pitch Journeys from Darkness to Light with New Album, ‘Nocturne’

North Carolina-based alternative R&B artist Marley Pitch is a storyteller. Drawing from the realities of the human condition, Pitch creates candid, introspective compositions that allow audiences to bring their full selves to bear within a safe space, where darkness and light are not treated as opposing forces, but rather, a part of the continuum of life. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross, as she connects with Marley Pitch to discuss the most important takeaway from his latest album, Nocturne, which released on Dec. 9; why honesty and transparency are vital to the healing process; and what’s on the horizon for the rising artist in the new year.

Cynthia Gross December 19, 2022

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) tribute band Atomic Light Orchestra (ALO) pose for a group photo in a stairwell.

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Baltimore’s Atomic Light Orchestra Will Play Your Favorite ELO Hits—Just as You Remember Them

Being a tribute band is a funny thing. Your audience wants to hear the music of the artist they love played precisely as they recall it from the record—yet somehow each tribute act must be indistinguishable from its brethren. And the bill is especially tall when the original artist’s songs require so many instruments; this is certainly true of Electric Light Orchestra (ELO).

However, the Baltimore-based Atomic Light Orchestra (ALO) does the best they can with “only” six members versus ELO’s typical touring complement of 13. The tribute band has been on the scene for three years…

Eric Althoff December 17, 2022

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Nate Amor: “The Sun Will Shine Again”

Resilience is difficult to maintain, especially when it feels like life or fate keeps throwing hurdles when you’re already down. This is something singer-songwriter and musician Nate Amor knows a lot about; he opens up with contributing writer, Margaret Adams, about his experiences with fear, pain, and doubt, and how his upcoming album helps tell his story of resilience. Nate Amor has been sharing his music with the world for two decades now; debuting with “Long Five Days” in 2001, he has since released two other albums; released a multitude of singles; been a contestant on NBC’s The Voice; performed with artists like Train, Mat Kearney, and…

Margaret Adams December 14, 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.

From the D.C. Live Music Scene to Lollapalooza: How Marc Capponi Makes the Most Out of Music’s Endless Possibilities

Brandon Camphor: ‘I Haven’t Given Up Because I Know the Promise Looks Different Than the Present’

Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center Celebrates 65 Years of Music Retail

Family, Music, and Mythology: An Interview with HØVDING

Ben DeHan Looks Back, Writes Personal Letter to Himself with ‘Broken Bones’

Violinist Mazz Swift Will Join the Multicultural Silkroad Ensemble at George Mason

Kimberly Shires of Hear Me Roar Studio: “It’s Not a Dude’s Thing”

Becoming Paul: This Baltimore Musician Will Give You the McCartney Show You Always Wanted to See

Cinema Hearts + Well Wisher + Big Cry Country @ The Runaway

All About the Fun: Jarreau Williams Exudes ‘Cherry’ Flavored Charisma

Emarosa’s Bradley Scott Discusses Upcoming ’80s Pop-Inspired Album, ‘Sting’

Marley Pitch Journeys from Darkness to Light with New Album, ‘Nocturne’

Baltimore’s Atomic Light Orchestra Will Play Your Favorite ELO Hits—Just as You Remember Them

Nate Amor: “The Sun Will Shine Again”

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