Rams Head on Stage in Annapolis, Maryland, recently hosted two Wammie-winning DC bands on a bill soon after their Wammie wins! DC soul greats Oh He Dead took top prize for 2023 Best Pop Artist, Group, in the latest Washington Area Area Music Association Awards — or Wammies — hosted by The MusicianShip.
At Rams Head on Stage, Oh He Dead were joined by openers Flowerbomb, after that DC band’s recognition as the 2023 Best Rock Artist, Group, in the Wammies.
Steve Satzberg photographed both bands in performance.
On May 2, at Rams Head on Stage, Oh He Dead and Flowerbomb joined forces for an exciting show for Annapolis locals.
Editor’s note: The following is adapted from band biographies.
Oh He Dead are committed to making new music this year. As announced on their website, the band is releasing a new single every six weeks through Sept. 15. Most recently, they dropped a new single, “More Time,” via Spotify on April 7.
Stream “More Time” by Oh He Dead on Spotify:
Oh He Dead’s lead singer CJ Johnson, “maneuvers her powerful voice — a combination of Stevie Nicks and Tracy Chapman” (NPR) in rhythm with the band’s “infectiously groovy” and “sublime instrumentation” (NPR) to create an “infectious and soulful sound” (Washington Post).
Founded in 2015 by Johnson and Andy Valenti, the now five-piece group includes lead guitarist Alex Salser, Richard Smith on bass, Adam Ashforth on drums, and Piano Whitman (yes that’s her real name) on keys. The close-knit band weaves in and out of genres ranging from soul to funk to folk to rock, all tied together by the stirring harmonies of Johnson and Valenti.
With saturated guitars, ornate rhythms, and delicately raw lyrics, Flowerbomb creates a soundscape for nostalgia and heavy feelings accompanied by lush layers and dynamic sounds. Flowerbomb combines elements of alternative, ’90s indie rock, bubblegrunge, shoegaze, punk, and emo to create their signature sound.
Formed in 2017, the band consists of vocalist Rachel Kline, drummer Dan ABH, guitarist Connor White, and bassist Abby Rasheed. In 2020, the band released its first full-length album, Pretty Dark. And in 2022, they dropped a new single, “One of Three.”
Stream “One of Three” by Flowerbomb on Spotify:
Here are photos of Flowerbomb performing at Rams Head on Stage on May 2. All photos copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
And here are photos of Oh He Dead performing at Rams Head on Stage on May 2. All photos copyright and courtesy of Steve Satzberg.
