Wylder May Be Tamer after the Pandemic
Indie folk band Wylder continues to build a DMV fanbase one person at a time, while taking their energetic, lyrically-driven sound out on the road. The band has performed with Jukebox the Ghost, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Vanessa Carlton, and has been featured on NPR, SiriusXM’s The Pulse, and more. Learn more about Wylder’s story with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including a sneak peek of their upcoming album and details on their show this weekend at The Hamilton.
Rachel Levitin Once Played at DC Open Mics, Now She Hosts Them
Ever since she was little, Rachel Levitin has been making songs. She composed them with her father when she was small, and hasn’t stopped. One of her favorite experiences remains seeing Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young near where she grew up in Chicago. Learn more about Rachel’s journey with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including her long-time partnership with Tony Lucca and the story behind Rachel’s song that she says is her best work to date.
Nessa Dove Wants You to ‘Stay Strong,’ No Matter the Obstacles
If there is any doubt music can bring people together, DMV native Nessa Dove has a story for you. The Montgomery County singer has found her voice, in more ways than one. She relates one particular evening busking in the New York subway when a homeless man, whom many on the subway platform felt was dangerous, began to groove to her music. Before long, this man whom people had all but stepped over was enjoying the music together with other bystanders. Learn more about Nessa’s music and movement with contributing writer Eric Althoff.
Matt Tarka’s “Good Morning, Sympathy” Born from Moving Encounter with a Stranger
Just before lockdown last year, Matt Tarka had finished tracking a few songs he’d planned on releasing throughout 2020. The shutdown proved to be a blessing in disguise for Tarka, who was able to continue fine-tuning his compositions. Among Tarka’s new songs is “Good Morning, Sympathy,” a poppy and upbeat tune absolutely baked with a certain sense of much-needed optimism.
This NOVA Music Maker Started Writing as a Helicopter Pilot
The Northern Virginia artist who goes by the handle Music Giff has spared no influences on his most recent album, “Bad Love.” The touches of gospel, blues, R&B, funk, and even country are sprinkled liberally on a compelling new album from this unique musical talent.
It’s been a long, strange trip for Music Giff, who in a former life was an Army helicopter pilot. Even while serving the nation, he knew he someday wanted to be a songwriter.
“It started in flight school as a stress relief. I didn’t play the guitar at the time, so it was all lyrics and belting out melody into a Casio mini recorder. Yes, a mini cassette recorder,” Music Giff said. “Honestly, I surprised myself.”
Getting Lost In a “Forest” Has Never Felt So Good
More to Watch by Eric Althoff Ah, it’s almost summertime, and the living is easy for the musical act known as Hyper Battle. Naturally, with a name like that, you’d expect a track called “Forest” to be about the Battle of Endor, as the Rebels and Ewoks tangle with Stormtroopers. Rather far from it, as […]
Houston, We Have A Problem – Don’t We?
Recent Articles By Eric Althoff Sometimes, you just want to kick back and groove. Look no further than Slanigiro Renguez’srather trip track, “Houston?”—and yes, the question mark is intentional. Actually, the uniqueapplication of that bit of punctuation is rather apropos given that the song is a bit of a mystery wrapped up inside a puzzle. […]
Diamond Weapon Has A New Take On Revenge
Recent Articles by Eric Althoff There’s no subtly sneaking up on you with a rather heavy song from Diamond Weapon called“Revenge Is Not a Dish, It’s a Concept.” Guitars are angry right from the outset, which is appropriate given the very dark subject matter of the song. There’s no way to sugarcoat a song that […]
Ben DeHan ‘Fades’ Into Non-Obscurity
Recent Articles by Eric Althoff While we wait anxiously for Ben DeHan’s new EP, “New Nostalgia,” to drop on July 23, the artist has offered up a peek at his first single from the EP, “The Faded Ones.” The uptempo, poppy tune blends DeHan’s optimistic vocal stylings with some unique electronic keyboard sounds. The overall […]
DC Funk Parade Will Funk U Up
U Street knows how to party. When World War II formally ended in 1945, residents of Northwest took to the street, cheering and celebrating the Allied victory. The neighborhood had also erupted in joy in 1937 when Joe Louis became boxing’s heavyweight champion.
The 21st century has seen U Street continue its merry tradition of revelry, thanks to the Funk Parade, which began in 2013 thanks to an enterprising entrepreneur named Justin Rood. He had a dream of a “low rumble” coming down U Street that was soon accompanied by a marching band and his neighbors all cheering—almost as if New Orleans had come to the capital city.
