All-Women Afro-Brazilian Ensemble Batalá Washington DC Has Rhythm and Purpose
“We like for our audience to be empowered by the beats of the drums and the energy transmitted by the women in the group”
Batalá Washington DC discuss their impact, favorite songs to perform, and how being a part of the DMV creative scene influences the collective’s approach.
Within an industry that is historically dominated by men, all-women Afro-Brazilian percussion ensemble Batalá Washington DC is here to show us what they are made of. Launched in 2007 as the newest branch of the Batalá band and the first-ever in the United States, Batalá Washington, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, brings its powerful, invigorating sounds to the nation’s capital and across the globe as a means of empowering women to be change agents in their respective communities.
Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she connects with Marly Perez, board president and musical conductor of Batalá Washington DC, to discuss the collective’s impact over the years,
Dave Mallen of Innovation Station Music: ‘I Didn’t Get Into This Line of Work to Just Set Up Mics and Hit Record’
Three-time WAMMIE Award winning producer Dave Mallen has contributed to some of the best music of the DMV, as evidenced by the 200 plus artists whose careers Innovation Station Music, his one-stop-shop studio, has advanced. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she connects with Mallen to discuss his early starts, the circumstances that led him to transition from a full-time career in IT consulting to music production, how being a Highly Sensitive Person allows him to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for clients, and what Mallen considers his “why” beyond the music. Take us back to the beginning. Where did you get your starts in music?
DAVE: From age 2, I’m told I was always running to the piano at my grandmother’s house. My grandmother was a trained opera singer and pianist and was probably my first inspiration for becoming a musician. She would always tell me to “play with feeling”, and to this day, I try to inject as much emotion into the music I play and produce.
Artists from the DMV and Beyond Reflect on Motherhood
Mothers and mother figures in our lives make an indelible impression. For many of us, these powerful women embody strength, resilience, and unconditional love – while creating a better world in the process.
In honor of Mother’s Day, Alchemical Records connected with artists from across the DMV and beyond who balance double duty in their responsibility as mothers and creatives with grace. Learn the one word the artists use to describe motherhood, how their music has been influenced by their parenting role, advice to their younger self, and what a perfect Mother’s Day looks like – well, at least as perfect as can be.
ISHAN Starts with ‘Hello’ in New Romantic Single
Recent Articles Australian, Indian, Swiss, and Spanish singer-songwriter ISHAN released his latest single, “Hello” on May 2. On May 2, Australian, Indian, Swiss, and Spanish singer-songwriter ISHAN released his latest single, “Hello,” which he describes as a “romantic, feel-good pop song about having twenty seconds of insane courage.” Characteristic of the emerging artist’s signature style, […]
Multilingual Artist Clifford: ‘The World Is a Very Large, Yet Small, Place Filled with People Who Are Just Like You and Me’
Maryland-based genre-bending artist Clifford creates music from a place of freedom. His distinct signature sound prompts audiences to live colorfully by embracing their authentic selves. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she connects with Clifford to discuss his journey. Learn how being a multilingual dual citizen influences his songwriting, the most important lesson he has learned from collaborating with Grammy Award-winning drummer Jerome Brailey, fun stories from his experiences growing up on a farm, and why he believes that “evolving is your duty as an artist.”
Color Palette Find Stillness in Motion with ‘Pacing Like a Lion’
More to Watch On April 14, D.C.-based indie dream pop band Color Palette released their latest EP, Pacing Like a Lion. The lush, shimmery 3-song collection journeys through spaces of lost and found – and back again – eventually arriving at a sense of presence. The EP begins with the rhythm-driven title track, “Pacing Like […]
Syrian-American Artist Husam: ‘If I Was Going to Quit, I Should Have Quit a Long Time Ago’
What doesn’t kill you makes you a survivor is the most fitting description of Syrian-American artist Husam’s story. The D.C.-based songwriter and producer first embraced music while in college in order to process his pain, and along the way, he discovered a sense of purpose. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross, as she connects with Husam in recognition of Arab American Heritage Month. Learn what has surprised Husam most about his career, his message to anyone who feels hampered by their trauma, and details on his forthcoming single, which was influenced by the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Syria earlier this year.
Nashville Rockers, Lost Hearts, Release Debut Single, ‘Hate Yourself’
More to Watch On March 31, Nashville-based rockers, Lost Hearts, released their debut single, “Hate Yourself.” The arena-ready banger explores a toxic love-hate relationship in which breaking free and remaining entangled both come at a cost. “Do you hate yourself for loving me as much as I loved you?” vocalist Matt Frye sings in the […]
Gothic Western Rock Duo Hematite: ‘Life Is Constant Movement, You Just Have to Decide What Direction to Go’
On March 31, gothic Western rock duo Hematite released their debut EP. The one-of-a-kind collection takes listeners across the frontier on a wild journey of discovery and redemption, ultimately arriving at the realization that the past, present, and future are interconnected and evolving. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she connects with two of the rock scene’s greatest gems, Davey Muise and Andrew Gaultier, to discuss the vision behind their new direction, the most important takeaway they want listeners to gain from their EP, and what survival and rebirth look like during challenging seasons.
Marilyn Hucek: ‘I Think the Biggest Superpower You Have Is to Be Yourself Wholeheartedly’
D.C.-based pop artist and fashion influencer Marilyn Hucek is the epitome of style, effortless chic, and impressive talent. The American-Chilean rising star continues to amass a loyal following, with more than 1 million Spotify streams to her credit. Hucek’s anthems move individuals to never settle for less than what they deserve. Join contributing writer Cynthia Gross as she connects with Marilyn Hucek in recognition of Women’s History Month. Learn why Hucek is “not afraid to fail,” how her multicultural background influences her art, her favorite clothing item in her collection, and her advice for emerging artists.
