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In a secluded corner of the Hirshhorn’s Sculpture Garden, framed by pine boughs and other living greenery, Grammy Award-winning musician and multi-media artist Laurie Anderson recently performed a four-hour drone-based sonic experience in celebration of her late husband Lou Reed’s 80th birthday.
Kraftwerk (Photo courtesy Falcon Publicity)
Electronic pioneers Kraftwerk launched their major 2022 North American 3-D concert tour recently, and they are set to perform at The Anthem in DC on Sunday, June 19.
Thundercat performs at 9:30 Club on Nov. 2, 2021. (Photo by Will Colbert)
On Tuesday, Thundercat’s red logo emblazoned a huge drape at the rear of DC’s 9:30 club stage. The repeating symbol recalled not only the ‘80s cartoon, and namesake of multi-grammy award-winning bassist/singer Stephen Bruner, but also an emblematic crest. An insignia representing a diverse family that loves music, Dragon Ball Z, and yes… cats.
Stepping into the legendary DC venue I was geeked for a night of funky synth-laced progressive R&B paired with Thundercat’s Bee Gees-like falsetto vocals. Yes, that box was checked, but the performance proved to be so much more.
The Halluci Nation performs at Union Stage in Washington DC on Oct. 28, 2021. (Photo by Casey Vock)
Like too much of the life, culture, traditions, and beliefs of those who lived on this continent long before European settlers began arriving by boat, the music of indigenous people has probably been lost on many Americans or Canadians.
But the efforts of an electronic music outfit from way up north have helped change that over the last decade.
The Halluci Nation, formerly known as A Tribe Called Red, creates mind-blowing dance music by blending what has been described as First Nations powwow-step with electronica and a variety of styles from different parts of the world.
Foreign Air (Photo by Elizabeth Miranda)
A little over a week ago, Foreign Air released debut album Good Morning Stranger, a smooth collection of 15 songs that will keep you dancing along whether in the club or more likely today in your home.
Based in Los Angeles and DC respectively, Jesse Clasen and Jacob Michael formed the band more than five years ago, and they started working on the full-length debut album three years ago. The result was clearly worth the effort, as the new music swells with dynamic melodies and towering electronics.
Both gents formed Foreign Air fresh from other acts, and their natural chemistry kept them together while working across the country. Jesse and Jacob still collaborate from across the country, perhaps making them the perfect band for the pandemic times in which we live. Parklife DC’s Mickey McCarter caught up with the duo to explore their working arrangements, the achievement of the new album, and living up to expectations.
Sylvan Esso (Photo by Shervin Lainez)
Sylvan Esso has unveiled “Rooftop Dancing,” the second single from their forthcoming album Free Love (Sept. 25/Loma Vista Recordings). “Rooftop Dancing” captures the duo of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn in a minimalist moment of intimacy.
The Thievery Corporation performs at DC’s 9:30 Club, Dec. 21, 2019. (Photo by Ari Strauss)
Thievery Corporation recently concluded its 10-week Babylon Falling Tour with a weekend pair of hometown shows at DC’s 9:30 Club on Dec. 21 and 22. The tour, which began Oct. 10 at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC, hearkens back to the 2002 album The Richest Man in Babylon and its 2004 reworking, Babylon Rewound.
Overcoats dance the night away at 9:30 Club on Nov. 16, 2018. (Photo by David LaMason)
Overcoats, the musical duo of Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell, released their debut album, YOUNG, just over a year ago, but they’ve already made a name for themselves with their thoughtful lyrics, beautiful harmonies, and infectious beats. I caught those beats in action at 9:30 Club on Friday, when Overcoats opened Mitski.
Diplo (Photo by Shane Lopeges)
Moonrise Festival is the region’s biggest electronic music festival, and this year it’s bringing along artists like Diplo, DJ Snake, Kaskade, Vince Staples, and more! Make plans to go to Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, on Aug. 11-12!
Jack Froggatt fronts Mansionair at Union Stage on April 13, 2018. (Photo by Will Colbert)
Australian indie-electronic trio Mansionair brought a heavy dose of atmospheric harmony to Union Stage Friday night. The third stop of the Alt Nation’s Advanced Placement Tour, featuring Mansionair (@Mansionair), Mikky Ekko (@mikkyekko) and NoMBe (@NoMBeMusic), was a showcase of what’s next for alternative music.