Vakili Band Drops The Intrinsically Organic “Honey”
On September 8th, Vakili Band released their third album, Honey. The album is a raw look at human sensuality, and all the messiness that surrounds it. It’s a forceful 9-track album that leaves the listener thrumming with the energy of the band. I had the opportunity to sit with the front-woman of the band, Lily Vakili, to discuss the album with her.
The album is filled with the nostalgic tropes of rock music that Janis Joplin, Patti Smith and Joan Jett planted into my childhood. There’s been a lot of newer music coming out that have these classic sounds to it. “I draw from a lot of different inspirations,” Vakili starts, “and sometimes it’s where the band is at. And this is where we got to for this album, this feeling we want to generate. We’re hitting on that drum, bass, guitar, and we’re, uh, we’re having a blast with it! So you know, I’m happy if that’s coming through, that’s great.”
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.
The Queen of the Blues Is Back on the Road, and Heading to D.C. – Shemekia Copeland Headlines Columbia Blues Festival
Shemekia Copeland took a necessary break to give birth to and begin raising her son. However, she had no way of knowing the furlough would be exacerbated by the pandemic. Copeland is now ready to be back in front of audiences, including at the Columbia Pike Blues Festival in West Arlington on June 18. In honor of Black Music Month, join contributing writer Eric Althoff as he sits down with Copeland to discuss the show, preview her upcoming album, and delve into topics of motherhood, America’s violence problem, and more.
Rock and Fusion Artist Linc Bradham: ‘Even If You Fail at Something Once Doesn’t Mean You Failed at It Forever’
Rising singer-songwriter with rock and fusion roots, U.S. Army Arabic linguist, and Alchemical Records contributing writer Linc Bradham understands the power of language and its ability to connect authentically with audiences. Learn more about Bradham’s exciting story with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including how Bradham’s military background informs his creative process, why he believes failure can serve as one of the greatest teachers, and the most important thing he wants audiences to take away from his debut album.
