Lower Dens performs at Songbyrd Music House on Feb. 14, 2020. (Photo by Kyle Gustafson)
Beach House. Dan Deacon. Future Islands. Animal Collective. Baltimore has been a hot music scene for a while now, but for some reason the amazing Lower Dens never seem to be mentioned in these conversations often enough. That’s a real shame because Jana Hunter’s outfit has been pumping out quality tunes for over a decade now.
Lauren Brown drums for KOLARS at 9:30 Club on Feb. 11, 2020. (Photo by Casey Vock)
KOLARS — an unforgettable and invigorating two-piece cosmic glam rock act from Los Angeles — served up a bonus to fans in attendance at Saint Motel’s recent show at the 9:30 Club.
AJ Jackson fronts Saint Motel at 9:30 Club on Feb. 11, 2020. (Photo by Casey Vock)
A band from Los Angeles whose sound has been described as indie pop but is something much more dynamic than that, Saint Motel recently made its way to DC as part of its 2020 world tour and Parklife DC was there to shoot photographs at the sold-out 9:30 Club.
Wolf Parade (Photo by Astrid Lyre)
Canadian post-punks Wolf Parade dropped Thin Mind, a highly anticipated fifth album, via Sub Pop last month. Frontman Dan Boeckner and the gents are on tour, and they perform at 9:30 Club on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Jasiah performs at Songbyrd Music House on Feb. 15, 2020. (Photo by Shedrick Pelt)
On any given day, surrounding yourself with people who love and support your art will make even your wildest dreams seem attainable. That love can nurture your creativity and make even your darkest fantasies come true.
Sierra Hull (Photo by Gina Binkley)
In her second appearance at the Strathmore Music Center, mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull and her ultra-talented band recently opened for ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro. The former child prodigy, who recorded her first album at the age of 11, packed a lot of variety into her set, with vocal and instrumental numbers, as well as solo pieces where she accompanied herself on the acoustic guitar.
EarthGang performs at The Fillmore Silver Spring on Feb. 12, 2020. (Photo by Shedrick Pelt)
The most courageous and enlightening part about the journey of life is the opportunity to understand more about yourself and more about what you’re capable of achieving. Self reflection goes beyond merely listing the positives and negatives of your daily pursuit. You have to activate change. You have to “spread love,” and one of the best examples in hip hop of activating destiny is Atlanta rap duo EarthGang and their Welcome To Mirrorland Tour.
Sammy Brue performs at the Lincoln Theatre on Feb. 12, 2020. (Photo by David LaMason)
Sammy Brue has been called an “American prodigy” by Rolling Stone and, well, that feels like an understatement. The 18-year-old Utah-based artist put out two EPs before he was 14, his first LP, I Am Nice, by 16 and is on the edge of releasing a new album on venerable New West Records, home to many artists whom he has performed with and who call themselves fans, including Justin Townes Earle.
Michael Kiwanuka performs at the Lincoln Theatre on Feb. 12, 2020. (Photo by David LaMason)
To say that the music of Michael Kiwanuka is cinematic isn’t a stretch. The British songwriter and performer has been building on his song craft since his debut LP in 2012. Often compared to Bill Withers, Kiwanuka takes pop songs and creates layers, motifs, and repetition to build mood. Listening to the popular “Cold Little Heart” or “Solid Ground” or “Hero” and it’s hard to pull yourself away.
Echosmith performs at 9:30 Club on Feb. 12, 2020. (Photo by Mickey McCarter)
A swell of youthful concertgoers crowded 9:30 Club recently to dance the night away with Echosmith, as the California trio introduced their appealing new album, Lonely Generation, to them.
