Be Steadwell: Steady as She Goes
D.C.-based musician-filmmaker Be Steadwell discusses her journey as a Black queer creative and how she has stayed the course.
Like a great many artists, Be Steadwell has faced down that nagging ghost of self-doubt. For Steadwell, however, the voice that likes to decree “you are not good enough” is actually much more a societal product premised on an inherent history of racism and systemic inequality.
“Imposter syndrome, I think, is really sexism, white supremacy, homophobia in your body manifesting,” she said. “There are systems that tell us we’re not supposed to be in places. We’re not supposed to play instruments.
“All of that feels intentional; it’s not some [innocuous] thing that just happens to us.”
As a Black queer musician and filmmaker, Steadwell knows this issue well, which is why she has worked so hard to dull its sting by pressing on—and telling that naysaying gremlin that she is not only deserving but thriving.
As a teenager, Steadwell joined the jazz band at D.C.’s Field School. The band leader was flabbergasted at her audition when she sang a standard called “Solitude,” made famous when performed by, among others, Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday.
D.C.-Based Band Pretty Bitter: “Do You as Loudly as You Can”
D.C.-based alternative dream pop/rock band Pretty Bitter is one of the area’s multi-dimensional musical treasures. With three out of five members identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, much of their lyrical content is heavily informed by topics surrounding life as a Queer person, so it was only fitting to catch up with these talented musicians – Miri Tyler (she/they), Mel Bleker (they/them), and Zack Be (he/him) – to discuss the band’s inspiring music and the importance of being a visible Queer person, not just during Pride Month.
Pretty Bitter was born in 2017 by Miri Tyler (bassist & songwriter) and Mel Bleker (vocalist & lyricist) after meeting on Tinder. When sharing creative ideas, a connection was formed as they realized their artistic visions were synced. Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Zack Be joined later down the line, as well as the other two members, guitarist Chris Smith and drummer Jason Hayes.
Zach Renovátes, Kinetic Presents: In the Name of Love For All
As a producer bringing some major events to Capital Pride this year, Zach Renovátes admits that he was keen to get Betty Who on the lineup. After having seen several of her live performances already, Renovátes knew the Australian would make a fine marquee addition to the “Kinetic Presents Candyland” event at Echostage June 10.
Fortunately, she was both available and interested.
“Something that I personally saw was that [Betty Who] is one of the most pro-LGBT singer-songwriters I’ve ever ever seen perform live,” Renovátes said, adding that the D.C. audiences at her concerts come largely from within the gay community. “So she absolutely knows that we as queer people make up a huge percentage of her fan base.”
The June 10 event is the main draw of a weekend of collaborations between Kinetic Presents and the Capital Pride Alliance in celebration of D.C. Pride 2023. Other big names who will play at various venues around the District include DJs Abel and Cindel, Dan Slater, as well as Jerac and Paulo Fragoso. It’ll be a pride-filled musical weekend indeed, with Echostage, Sax, Bunker and Bliss Nightclub hosting the pulsing sounds of revelry. And there’s also the big parade on June 10.
Indie-Pop Artist Zola Simone: “Pride Means…Existing.”
Unapologetic singer-songwriter Zola Simone, 20, is dedicated to her passion of storytelling while staying true to her identity, navigating the world and its challenges through the lens of music. Read more to learn about Simone, who identifies as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and what Pride means to her not only this month, but every day.
Zola Simone would describe her music as a “consistently inconsistent, diverse and versatile” blend of indie pop and R&B – “Queer pop with an edge to it,” she says. Her honest lyrics reflect her vulnerability, as well as individuality, while still touching the hearts of many with their relatability. Since releasing her first single “Real to You” at thirteen years old, Simone has released ten singles, two EPs, and one album titled Now You See Me, which has surpassed well over one million streams. That album opens with her song “Easy”, which was featured in the series finale of the acclaimed Netflix original series, Atypical. “Easy” won Song of the Year at the 2021 Boston Music Awards, where Simone, nominated in four categories including Pop Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, also took home the prize for New Artist of the Year.
Getting into the Fast-Paced Workflow of LG (Team Genius)
There are many musicians in the world who take an enormous of time to write and develop music between big releases. Meanwhile, there are other artists like LG (Team Genius) who have constant flow that seems never-ending. The insatiable drive of the Black, queer, Philadelphia-based rapper is undeniable, and she has worked hard to channel that flow into a seamless string of singles, EPs, and albums over the last several years, never failing to put her best foot forward. In recognition of Pride Month and Black Music Month, learn more about LG’s exciting journey with contributing writer Charlie Maybee.
All the Colors of the Human Voice: This D.C. Conductor Rounded Up a Stellar Cast for PBS Pride Month Special
The programmers and artists involved in PBS special, “True Colors: LGBTQ+ Our Stories, Our Songs,” had a novel idea: Music could be the ultimate leveler. In celebration of Pride Month, join contributing writer Eric Althoff as he goes behind the scenes to explore the songs and stories of “True Colors” with members of the star-studded cast, including Founder and Artistic Director of the American Pops Orchestra, Luke Frazier; Grammy Award winner and Broadway veteran André De Shields; and Black trans operatic vocalist Breanna Sinclairé.
Lenny Zenith Seeks Sanctuary for Trans Youth in “Where Is Safe”
More to Watch By Charlie Maybee “Where Is Safe”, the latest single by indie rocker, Lenny Zenith, is fully embracing Pride Month with an ode to trans youth. Launched with a brand-new music video, 100% of all proceeds collected from the song will go to various organizations fighting anti-trans legislation like Southern Equality, Support Alabama […]
Rising Bronx-Based Rapper $avannah Hannah: ‘I Have No Urge to Be Anything Other than Myself’
A proud product of “the hood,” Bronx-based artist $avannah Hannah is one of the hottest rising talents in the area rap scene, captivating the attention of a growing list of industry heavyweights, including Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. Learn more about $avannah Hannah’s exciting journey with contributing writer Cynthia Gross, including the heartbreaking circumstances that led to her starts as a full-time musician; the most important thing she learned as a featured artist on Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow; and her special message in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month.
Alchemical Records Playlist Updates: Week of May 28, 2022
Recent Articles By Daniel Warren Hill Happy Saturday, and I hope wherever you find yourself this Memorial Day weekend that you are able to appreciate the significance of the holiday and able to enjoy time with those you love! There are so many tracks below hinting at even larger bodies of content. With this many […]
