DC concerts – poetry in an empty coke can

DC LIVE: Wild Beasts / Sam Evian / K.Flay

Posted on November 8, 2016November 8, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

On any given night of the week in the DMV there are myriad options for live music, which is why we’ve started the segment DC LIVE to call out our picks. On the short list is UK’s Wild Beasts, who will be performing at Black Cat with Porcelain Raft November 11. Wild Beasts, who take their name from fauvism — the early 20th-century art movement have carved out an impressive space in the indie landscape in the last ten years they’ve been around, releasing their fifth LP Boy King this August. Check out their recent single “Woebegone Wanderers II” below and be sure to head out to the show this Friday.

Next on our list of upcoming show recs is Sam Evian, who will be playing at Songbyrd with SAD13 November 18. The solo moniker of Sam Owens, the frontman of Brooklyn indie rockers Celestial Shore, released his debut album on Saddle Creek this September. His track “I Need A Man” is a reference to the Serge Gainsbourg record Histoire de Melody Nelson.

Frustrated with all of the violence and political turmoil brewing in his home state of North Carolina, Owens relayed to Stereogum: “With all of that going on and ‘Melody Nelson’ in my head, I latched onto Gainsbourg the provocateur and made my voice a twisted version of his story. I imagined part of me was Melody, the naive teenager in Serge’s strange story of love and innocence lost. ‘I need a man I can trust.‘ It’s more of a conversation starter…is there such a thing? My hope is that people in my community and abroad will start to look out for each other more, and take more action in preventing abuse and violence.”

The politically-informed track is a compelling listen, owing to Owen’s delicate falsetto and dreamy guitar work.

Finally, Californian rhyme queen and much buzzed about artist K.Flay will be playing at Rock & Roll Hotel November 20. This August, K.Flay, otherwise known as Kristine Flaherty released her new EP Crush Me, which builds off her hip-hop background and showcases her flare for angsty punk. On lead single “Blood In The Cut,” Flay spins emotional devastation into something celebratory through breakbeats and buzzy guitars, peppered with confessional quips like ‘reading through your messages / my favorite way to die.‘ Listen below and come out for K.Flay’s rousing live show later this month.

DC LIVE: Elohim / Still Corners / Trails & Ways

Posted on October 13, 2016October 27, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

On any given night of the week in the DMV, there are myriad options for live music, which is why we’ve started the segment DC LIVE to call out our picks.

Currently on tour with EDEN, LA’s Elohim will be stopping by Rock & Roll Hotel this evening, which we highly recommend you checking out. After being hailed as “Mariachi meets new-wave” by Wonderland Magazine, her latest single “Hallucinating” was recently flipped by Elohim herself into a Mariachi Version of its original iteration, in which colorful mariachi horns and strings replace the synthetic sounds of the prototype. As self-professed lovers of synthpop, this might come as a shock but we dare say we prefer the mariachi rendition — so get into it below. After her run with EDEN, Elohim will also be embarking on a tour with electronic duo Louis The Child in November.

The London-based musical project Still Corners has been kicking around for some time, and this September they released their latest full-length Dead Blue. The dreampop outfit, comprised of songwriter/producer Greg Hughes and singer Tessa Murray has developed a low-key solid following since their inception in 2008. Revisit their earlier single and cautionary tale of a track “Don’t Fall In Love,” and come out to see them perform live October 18 at DC9.

And finally, indie rockers and longtime CCP fave Trails & Ways also just released a new album that they’re currently on tour promoting. On the new record Own It they go for a more raw, grittier rock-and-roll sound than their 2015 LP Pathology — achieved through the use of live drums and distorted guitars. Fragments of their former bossa nova flavor are still intact, however. Stream “My Things” from the new album and come rock out with Trails & Ways at Black Cat October 24.

[CCP Interview]: Hannah Georgas on the Inspiration for her New Record, Being Featured on HBO’s GIRLS, and Balance as a Beacon of Success

Posted on October 5, 2016April 18, 2017 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Canadian artist Hannah Georgas may not be a household name just yet, but as the recipient of Emerging Artist of the Year at XM’s Verge Music Awards in 2011 and numerous accolades since, it’s obvious that she’s a rising star. The Toronto-based singer has released three albums to date, including her latest, For Evelyn that came out June this year. The new critically-acclaimed record, named in honor of Hannah’s “compassionate, patient, kind and beautiful” 98-year-old grandmother, was produced by Graham Walsh (Preoccupations) and mixed by Nicolas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors, The War on Drugs).

For Evelyn encompasses a range of emotions and offers an intimate look into Hannah’s psyche as she navigates her insecurities and anxieties surrounding loss. Musically, she sits somewhere between the vocally emotive sounds of singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles (whom she’s actually toured with), and the synthpop stylings of Metric. Her album, however is deeply personal.

Currently on tour this month in support of the LP, the songbird will be gracing the District with her presence at Songbyrd October 6 alongside Firekid and DC’s Wylder. In advance of the show, Hannah took the time to talk to CCP about the inspiration for the new record, working with Graham Walsh, finding balance, being featured on HBO’s GIRLS, and her dream of performing on Jimmy Fallon.

First off, give us a bit of background info. How did you get into music and when did you first discover that you had musical ability?

My dad was a really great piano player and performer. He was always playing the piano and singing around my family when I was little. I think his energy rubbed off on me. My mom put me into piano lessons when I was five, and I started writing songs as soon as I could figure out my way around the piano. Music was an important topic and outlet in my household.

On your last couple of records you worked with seasoned producer Graham Walsh. How did that come about and what was it like working with him?

I met Graham in 2011 when we worked on my self-titled album together. I was a big fan of his project Holy F*ck and wanted to reach out to him. We’ve developed a great sense of trust and comradery. It feels really comfortable going to him with my songs and bouncing off ideas together.

The new album, For Evelyn is dedicated to your grandmother. Can you speak about the significance of your relationship with her and the thematic connection to the record?

I’ve always admired her openness and patience. She’s a strong and powerful woman but so humble in her demeanor. I wanted to acknowledge her compassion and the positivity she’s shown me. The album is very much about my ongoing challenge of overcoming my fears and rising above it. I feel like she’s someone who has been through it all and can now reflect upon it.

The single “Don’t Go” is particularly poignant. Can you elaborate on what this song means to you?

I have been thinking a lot about mortality and the thought of losing my mother. It’s definitely an overwhelming and heartbreaking feeling, and I felt inspired to write about it.

What is your favorite song off the new album to perform?

It’s been really fun performing “Crazy Shit” and “Waste” with my band. We have those two songs placed towards the end of the set and I always look forward to playing them.

Your track “Millions” was featured on a episode of HBO’s GIRLS. How did you feel about that, and do you watch the show?!

I’ve watched every single episode of that show. I’m a big fan of Girls and love Lena Dunham, so I was super excited to find out that my song would be on the show.

Who are some artists you’re listening to at the moment? Do you have a favorite album of the year?

I’ve been listening to the new Frank Ocean album a bunch. His last record inspired me a lot too. My friend Jeffrey Innes has a project called High Ends and he put out an album called Super Class. I listen to it a lot. Sylvan Esso, Perfume Genius, Wye Oak, Christine and the Queens are other artists I’ve really gotten into over the past couple of years.

You’ve received numerous awards and accolades in Canada . . . what does success mean to you? Any other goals you’re currently striving for?

I feel like success is being able to create a balance between your work and personal life and finding happiness amongst it all. I feel really thankful that I do what I love for a living, and I’m still sometimes trying to find that balance. There a lot of things that I’d like to accomplish and goals that I would love to achieve with my music. I want to continue to work with people that I really admire and make music that’s inspiring. I also want to play on Jimmy Fallon because he’s the best.

Last but not least, what is the best and hardest thing about being on the road?

The best thing about being on the road is getting into a groove playing live and feeling really comfortable on stage. The worst thing about being on the road for me is living out of a suitcase and not having the comforts of home. I also misplace things a lot and that sucks when you’re running around from place to place!

Watch a video of Hannah performing the track “Lost Cause” live, and if you’re in the DC area be sure to check out her show at Songbyrd this week! For Evelyn is out now on iTunes and available for streaming on all major digital outlets.

The Japanese House – Face Like Thunder

Posted on September 29, 2016September 29, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Pushing the parameters of alt-pop with her brand of brooding electronica, UK artist The Japanese House has emerged as one of the most promising new acts to arrive out of London over the past year or so. The moniker of 21-year-old Amber Bain, The Japanese House — inspired by a vacation house she once stayed in belonging to Kate Winslet — is intended to be an androgynous epithet, much like the music itself. Following the release of two acclaimed EPs, Bain is now to set to release her third, Swim Against The Tide via Dirty Hit November 11. Imbued with sparkling production and lugubrious lyrics, the EP’s first single, “Face Like Thunder” contains the cool, translucent and lagoon-laced imagery that runs like a current throughout Bain’s body of work. Hear the new single, plus earlier effort “Cool Blue” below.

On the heels of a long run supporting The 1975, The Japanese House will be hitting the road again this October for a span of dates in the UK, EU and US. Check out her North American tour schedule below, which includes a stop in the District on November 25 at DC9.

2016 Upcoming Tour Dates:

DC LIVE: Jah Wobble / Nick Waterhouse / Preoccupations (FKA Viet Cong)

Posted on September 20, 2016September 20, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

On any given night of the week in the DMV, there are myriad options for live music, which is why we’ve started the segment DC LIVE to call out our picks.

To kick off this edition we have the English musician Jah Wobble, who will be playing Rock & Roll Hotel with his band The Invaders Of The Heart September 23. Drawing on influences of dub, jazz and world music, John Wardle aka Jah Wobble has had a long and storied career. Originally known as the bass player for Public Limited Ltd (PiL), he later went on to fashion his own solo career, releasing his new album Everything Is No Thing with The Invaders this August. If you enjoy a good rhythm and blues section, listen to the single “Cosmic Blueprint” and check out his show at Rock & Roll this week.

Continuing the theme of rhythm and soul, Nick Waterhouse also has a show coming up at Rock & Roll Hotel on October 12. The LA-based musician is releasing his third album Never Twice (via Innovative Leisure) on September 30, which showcases his signature pastiche of R&B-rooted sounds. Calling upon some of his favorite artists to contribute to the record–Waterhouse solicited Jazz musician Bob Kenmotsu’s on the flute, Tom Waits and Elvis Costello collaborator Ralph Carney on sax, and Dr. Lonnie Smith protégé Will Blades on organ–amongst others. Waterhouse also collaborated with Grammy-nominated artist Leon Bridges on the track “Katchi,” which you can hear below. For a night of doo wop and neo-soul swag, be sure to come out for the show.

And finally, the band formerly known Viet Cong, recently rechristened as Preoccupations will also be playing Rock & Roll Hotel this October 16 (killing it with the bookings much R&R?). Working with Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck) on their new self-titled LP through Jagjaguwar, the post-punk Canadian group’s new album reflects their present state at the time of recording — one of flux within both their professional and personal lives. Listen below to the album’s opus, an amorphous 11-minute journey entitled “Memory” featuring Wolf Parade‘s Dan Boeckner on vocals.

DC LIVE: Sleigh Bells / Tigers Are Bad For Horses / Tamaryn

Posted on September 5, 2016September 7, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

On any given night of the week in the DMV, there are myriad options for live music, which is why we’ve started the segment DC Live to call out our picks.

To begin this installment, we have Brooklyn’s Sleigh Bells who will be playing U Street Music Hall September 7. On their forthcoming fourth studio album, Jessica Rabbit, the duo trade in their abrasive punk/pop sound for a more experimental, synthesized aesthetic with the help of producer Mike Elizondo (Dr. Dre, Fiona Apple) and mixer Andrew Dawson (Kanye West, Tyler the Creator). For a sample of their so-called controlled chaos, listen to new single “Hyper Dark,” come out to the show and look for the release of their album November 11 on the band’s new label, Torn Clean.

Next on the lineup, we recommend checking out DC-based band Tigers Are Bad For Horses, who will be playing in support of Highasakite at DC9 this Thursday, September 8. The homegrown group, who we’ve featured before are an electronic/alt pop duo that blend jazz-influenced, multi-textured production with piano and melodic vocals. Hear their latest effort, “Embers” below. You best bet that CCP will be represented at this show, so come out and say hi.

Lastly, we urge you to get acquainted with Tamaryn, another NYC-based artist who makes dark rock, dance pop. Her recent record, Cranekiss released last year on Mexican Summer, serves as a “post-adolescent love letter” to their early musical influences. Stream the sensual, synth-laden single “Hands All Over Me” below. Currently on tour supporting Lush, you can find Tamaryn performing at 9:30 Club September 21.

Flock of Dimes – Semaphore

Posted on July 27, 2016July 27, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

Wye Oak‘s Jenn Wasner is quietly one of the steadiest and strongest female singer / songwriters in the biz right now. Recently she announced plans to release the first full-length for her solo project Flock of Dimes, a sobriquet she released three singles under between 2011-2012. The affirmatively-titled album, If You See Me, Say Yes was written and produced by Wasner with help from rapper/producer Mickey Freeland, multi-instrumentalist Aaron Roche, and indie super producer John Congleton on mixing duties.

The first single off the LP “Semaphore” showcases Wasner’s prismatic and expansive pop stylings, which are as brilliantly constructed as ever. According to the chanteuse, the song is about “communication over great distances — both literal, physical distance and the infinite space that exists between even the closest of people.” Wasner is known for her abstract lyricism, even abstaining from publishing the lyrics to her songs, thus, a semaphore — a telegraphy system of conveying information at a distance via visual signals traditionally in the form of flags — seems like the perfect metaphor for her mysticism.

The album will arrive September 23 on Partisan Records and is available for preorder here. Stream “Semaphore” below as you peruse the Flock fall tour schedule — which will include a stop at DC’s U Street Music Hall.

Flock of Dimes Tour Dates – Tix at smarturl.it/FlockTour:

08/19-08/21 – Darlington, MD – Fields Festival
10/14 – Santa Fe, NM @ Meow Wolf
10/15 – Tucson, AZ @ 191 Toole
10/16 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
10/17 – Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theater
10/18 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
10/20 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
10/21 – Vancouver, BC @ The Cobalt
10/22 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza
10/25 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry
10/26 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas
10/28 – Toronto, ON @ The Drake
10/29 – Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz PDB
10/30 – Allston, MA @ Great Scott
11/01 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
11/02 – Brooklyn, NY @ Rough Trade NYC
11/04 – Washington, DC @ U Street Music Hall
11/05 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/06 – Asheville, NC @ The Mothlight
11/08 – Nashville, TN @ The High Watt
11/09 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
11/11 – Dallas, TX @ Three Links
11/12 – Austin, TX @ 3TEN ACL Live

DC LIVE: Air Traffic Controller / Holy Fuck / Future Generations

Posted on July 17, 2016July 17, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

On any given night of the week in the DMV, there are myriad options for live music, which is why we’ve started a segment called DC Live to call out our favorites. First up on the docket is a Boston-based indie band known as Air Traffic Controller, who are playing at Jammin’ Java TONIGHT in Vienna.

The story behind ATC is an interesting one — singer-songwriter Dave Munro had served in the US Navy as a real-life air traffic controller, sending out 4-track demos during his deployment. After his enlistment was up, Munro arrived back home in Boston to discover he had inadvertently established a fanbase, which prompted the career switch under the same name. He first met singer Casey Sullivan, and then the duo quickly grew into a quintet with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Steve Scott, Richie Munro on drums, and violinist Jeremy Van Cleave. Their following hit single “You Know Me” is off their 2012 sophomore LP Nordo, which soared to the number one spot on the Hype Machine at the time and sealed their status as all-American indie darlings.

Another upcoming show we’re excited about is the influential Canadian experimental rock band Holy Fuck, who are hitting the road in support of their first album in six years — Congrats. They’re known for having a particularly electrifying live show with lots of improv and electronic ingenuity, so make sure to check them out at DC9 this coming week on July 21. Watch the video for new track “Tom Tom” below.

And finally, the NYC-based indie band Future Generations are playing Tropicalia August 5 with support from local DC bands Wylder and Clones of Clones. The foursome first came together in the dorms of Fordham University, who bonded over their nerd-like zeal and shared appreciation of all forms of pop music. Now the quartet is gearing up to release their self-titled debut album via Frenchkiss Records July 29. Stream the infectious album single “Stars” and be sure to come out to the show if you’re in the area.

Young Summer – Alright

Posted on June 30, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

youngsummer

Washington D.C. songstress Young Summer, aka Bobbie Allen hit mainstream success with her 2014 debut LP Siren. Now she returns with a new EP that’ll be out sometime this summer — and the first taste of the extended play called “Alright.” Known for her lush melodies, synth-washed production and romantic lyrical laments, the new single falls right in line with what we’ve come to expect from the homegrown artist. Even as Allen sings about unrequited love — submerged in a sanguine sonic soundscape the track feels cathartic rather than punitive. Allen admits as much, confessing that the sparkling production is like a “protective armor.” See for yourself below and to hear the new songs live, catch Young Summer performing at U Street Music Hall July 22.

DC LIVE: Oh Pep! / Broncho / Fear of Men

Posted on June 6, 2016 by poetryinanemptycokecan

June is a busy month for shows, so we’ve got a new installment of DC Live for you today. The first band we’re featuring is a group called Oh Pep! that hails from Melbourne, Australia. The duo, headed by Olivia Hally (guitar/vocals) and Pepita Emmerichs (fiddle/mandolin) have a hybrid sound of folk and pop that has won the praises of NPR‘s Bob Boilen and KCRW. For a taste of what they have to offer, listen to the second single “Bushwick” off their forthcoming debut album Stadium Cake, which drops June 24 via Dualtone.

With a tireless year of touring ahead, the DMV will have not one but two chances to see them this summer — first at Wolf Trap opening for Lord Huron June 7, and then headlining at Jammin Java on July 7. Get hip to Oh Pep! now.

Next is a garage-rock band that originates from Norman, Oklahoma, has two albums under their belt and has seen a surge in popularity over the last few years. That’s right, BRONCHO is back with a new record, Double Vanity slated to release June 10 via Dine Alone Records. While the group is known for their unbridled, early punk influenced sound, the new album marks a shift in tone towards a sleeker, darker, and broodier vibe. Case in point, the track “I Know You” is a mellow, but still gritty late-night song — the kind you play when the party is winding down.

BRONCHO will be playing DC9 on June 25.

Finally, Fear of Men will be bringing their stoic, dark synthpop sounds to DC9 on June 30. For those unfamiliar, Fear of Men is a three-piece band based out of Brighton, UK, whose second full-length Fall Forever came out June 3 via Kanine Records. Speaking on the song “Trauma,” vocalist Jessica Weiss describes the topic at hand as “the undefinable anxiety and damage that all of us suffer at some point at the hands of another. It’s how we deal with it that defines us…to me, dealing with trauma is not about looking back, it’s about taking that experience and putting it under your own control, letting it become a part of you.” It’s about “empowerment through taking control.”

Weiss couldn’t be more right about that. Listen to the single below and be sure to check out their show later this month.