After a very successful tour opening for Geese, Racing Mount Pleasant (RMP) hit the road again for a January trip where they were the main attraction. Tickets sold out for their recent show at Songbyrd Music House over a month before the concert date, so it was no surprise seeing scavengers asking people in line if they had an extra ticket they were willing to sell them. On that note, it was shocking how many people were waiting in line before doors opened for such a small venue. Even one of the biggest snowstorms DC has seen in years could not overcome the buzz that RMP came to town with.
Once inside, the excitement became even more apparent. Several people were jumping for joy, nearly everyone who was in there was running to the merch stand to buy shirts and vinyls, and so many were discussing Zane Lowe’s 26 for ‘26 list with pride. Having Apple Music’s global creative director, Zane Lowe, add you to a playlist of artists to keep an eye out for this year will have that effect on a fanbase.
The pressure was on for Charlie Martin to warm up the relatively young crowd that were shivering with anticipation that night, Jan. 29. I later found that Martin is part of a bigger duo, Hovvdy, which explains why he seemed so comfortable on stage in front of the sold-out crowd. His solo acoustic act was a stripped down version of his recorded tracks and I really enjoyed how much more intimate the live renditions sounded. Towards the second half of his act, Martin brought out one of RMP’s band members Kaysen Chown for a couple songs and quite a significant buzz of anticipation started to brew. As someone who’d love to hear more violin in music, Chown’s addition to Martin’s act was more than welcomed.
Watch the official music video for “Forever” by Hovvdy on YouTube:
RMP took to the stage with a generous roar from the tightly packed crowd. All seven members packed themselves neatly onto the red velvet backed stage. As the band started to perform, it became very apparent that these guys love playing live. From Chown’s animated violin playing, Callum Roberts’ face of anger while enthusiastically strumming his guitar, or even the constant smirks the band members would make to each other when they’d catch each other’s gaze. Maybe it’s just me, but it helps me have fun in the crowd when I know the band is also in on it.
A lot of praise has to be given to Sam DuBose’s vocal performance on each of these tracks. Having to fight off the other six members of the band and still stand out is a tall task that DuBose nails. The way I see it, RMP’s claim to fame is their masterful ability to swell and shrink in sound throughout a song’s 5-7 minute lifespan. In turn, DuBose’s ability to match the band and deliver soft, intimate vocals and then suddenly roaring, emotive ones is what completes the band. Tracks like “Your New Place” which goes through several of these tonal shifts really exemplifies this dance between the two parties.
Watch the official music video for “Your New Place” by Racing Mount Pleasant on YouTube:
As the show wrapped up, Chown took to the mic to announce a raffle they were doing for a sweater they’d knit during their tour with Geese. 75% of all proceeds of said raffle would be going to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. A huge round of applause came from the crowd and suddenly the show was over. Except it wasn’t, as each member of the band stuck around and talked to everyone who was left in the venue. You could tell the band was grateful for all their fans, but seeing how they interacted with everyone with delight in their eyes made me appreciate them even more. As things slowed down, I asked if I could take a group photo of them and every single one of them was so sweet about it.
Something I’d love to see the band do is expand into different emotions. A lot of the sound that the band puts out has a very hopeful and bright feel to it. I suppose that’s inevitable with the addition of horns, but seeing them do something a bit darker and harsh could be a fun twist that I do feel they could pull off. The song “System” by Prewn has the exact vibe I’m talking about. Outside of that, I have to agree with Zane Lowe, these guys are definitely a band to keep an eye on. They announced at the show that they have a bunch of new songs already written so it may not be too long before a new album cycle.
Here are some photos of Racing Mount Pleasant performing live at Songbyrd Music House on Jan. 29. 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Roman Meerzaman.
Here are some photos of Charlie Martin opening Racing Mount Pleasant at Songbyrd Music House on Jan. 29. 2026. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Roman Meerzaman.
