The 9:30 Club

Imagine Dragons (@ Merriweather) you might actually think...

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:00:36 -0400

Imagine Dragons (@ Merriweather) you might actually think something ‘Radioactive’ was spilled on this record giving it super abilities, because damn, this band has exploded. Major radio love, a stellar debut, and sold out shows across America and we FINALLY have them. Let’s all rejoice, and also get on those tickets early! We don’t have to tell you how hot these tickets will be, right?

DJ Dredd (@ 9:30) we are seriously in love with all these dance parties that have been going down lately. DJ Dredd ups the ante by combining the holy pop trinity of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince! Grab your friends, and let’s face it, a belt. We know that all asses shall be left on the dance floor that evening.

The White Mandingos (@ U Hall) Bad Brains’ Darryl Jenifer + Murs + Sacha Jekins are The White Mandingos. We probably don’t need to explain that this band is HEAVY (they say it themselves very frequently in their Facebook bio). Heavy themes, heavy tracks, and heavy on the talent. You don’t want to miss this.

VOTD: Mikal Cronin - ‘Change’ When we played this...

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:44:42 -0400

VOTD: Mikal Cronin - ‘Change’

When we played this record, this track already made us want to party. Cronin’s sweet sounding vocals over a gritty garage rock beat? We couldn’t help but bang our heads. Watch him provide background music for a wild house party in his latest for ‘Change.’ MIkal…you’ll always be invited to our party, and man, we won’t ignore you like those jerks making out on the couch. We’ll totally crowd surf like that invisible dude.

DAILY GRAM: This room? Called ‘Zombie.’ What’s in there? That’s...

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:01:00 -0400

DAILY GRAM: This room? Called ‘Zombie.’ What’s in there? That’s classified. #behindthescenes

Perfectly chill and a little hazy, the perfect Music Monday...

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:11:00 -0400

Perfectly chill and a little hazy, the perfect Music Monday playlist to ease you into the week.

What new tunes are you getting into?

WE LOVE OUR PARTNERS: Lucky Bird Tattoo I’m about to...

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 -0400

WE LOVE OUR PARTNERS: Lucky Bird Tattoo

I’m about to imprint something so hardcore on you, you’re going to feel like you’ve been inked. Literally. That’s because our Partner Feature this week is an award-winning, custom tattoo shop, none other than Lucky Bird Tattoo. When it comes to a handful of 9:30 Club staff, scheduling in your next tattoo or piercing appointment can quickly become more of a priority than eating, sleeping, or dare I say.. seeing some live music. And when it comes to finding the right spot to get it done, some of our folks will even travel all the way up to Annapolis for this masterpiece of a shop.

It’s no wonder why Lucky Bird Tattoo is such a fan favorite.. all of their artists are custom, award-winning artists who all have at least seven years experience tattooing. Not only that, but they’re all about giving back. On June 2nd, they’ll be hosting their Second Annual Art Gallery, which is, achem, free and open to the public. There will be food, live music, and a portion of the proceeds raised go to the Anne Arundel County Casa, Inc. Check out the flyer above for more information on the event.

For more information on Lucky Bird, be sure to check out their site for a complete list of their full-time and guest artists, news, and links to their social media Tis the season to get tatted.. that’s what I always say.

-Sara Sopher

Photo

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:00:28 -0400

Daily Gram: Vintage YYYs for box office inspiration

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:06:00 -0400

Daily Gram: Vintage YYYs for box office inspiration

VOTD: Sara Bareilles - ‘Brave’ We’re missing Sara...

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:58:53 -0400

VOTD: Sara Bareilles - ‘Brave’

We’re missing Sara Bareilles already after her stunning solo acoustic performance at the club in April. During one of her intermittent (and very candid) chats with the audience between songs, Sara told us that she wrote ‘Brave’ with a friend in mind who was struggling to come out. This new video for the track definitely embodies that spirit of empowering self-confidence. In the video all sorts of people dance through the streets, a shopping mall, and a library. We also see Sara at the forefront sporting those same killer pants that she did on stage at 9:30. It’s hard not to smile and have the urge to do a few embarrassing dance moves when listening to ‘Brave.’ I encourage you to follow Sara’s lead and “say what you wanna say” because summer is here, what a great time to be bold!

-Emily Hirsch

Photo

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:17:00 -0400

SHOW STYLE: Father John Misty Father John Misty was bound to...

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:16:42 -0400

SHOW STYLE: Father John Misty

Father John Misty was bound to bring out some hip, retro style. Concertgoer Holley Simmons rocked out in a fun printed top, topped off with a tough leather jacket. But in case you didn’t think her outfit was cool enough, note that she was also carrying around a helmet — because she came to the show on a motorcycle.

Name: Holley

Age: 28

Occupation: Reporter for Washington Post Express

How would you describe your style?

HS-“Very vintage, very old school. Right now what I’m wearing is very ‘80s. I kind of channeled “Blossom” for this look.”

Where did you get your attire — top to bottom?

Pants: American Apparel

Shirt: “This was actually a dress that I bought at Buffalo Exchange that I cut into a shirt this morning.”

Shoes: “A little vintage store called Treasury. They’re from the ‘80s.”

Leather jacket: “Bottom of a store barrel in Brooklyn.”

Why did you choose this outfit for this show?

HS: “Because I knew my boyfriend was coming to pick me up and I wanted to look pretty for him.”

Who or what inspires your style?

HS: “I love Marilyn Monroe. I love the full-figured ladies of the ‘60s: wide hips, tiny waists. I find that the style of the ‘60s - the little wiggle dresses and the peplums - really works well for my shape.”

What did you think of the show?

HS: “It was so great! I haven’t been to a concert in a year, and this is the only band that could really get me out. I love Father John Misty.”

If one of your friends said they were going to see this show and they asked you what to wear, what would you say?

HS: “Something you can move in. Don’t wear heels, because not only does it suck to wear heels, but it sucks to be behind somebody in heels and be stomped on the whole night. Wear something that makes you confident.

-Yohana Desta

Photo

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:00:40 -0400

SIDE NOTES: Dropkick Murphys + Bruce Springsteen EP Listen up,...

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:14:04 -0400

SIDE NOTES: Dropkick Murphys + Bruce Springsteen EP

Listen up, because this is great music for a great cause. Boston’s own Dropkick Murphys collaborated with living legend Bruce Springsteen to produce an EP that will raise money for the city as it recovers from last month’s bombings. Rose Tattoo: For Boston Charity is a three song EP that includes live acoustic versions of ‘Don’t Tear Us Apart’ and ‘Jimmy Collins’s Wake,’ along with a rerecording of ‘Rose Tattoo’ featuring Springsteen. This EP is the continuation of a vigilant commitment from the Dropkick Murphys to restore stability in Boston. It is only $1.29 on iTunes and all of the proceeds go to their non-profit, which was created to aid survivors from the attack. Let’s do our part and help support this commendable effort!

-Emily Hirsch

Daily Gram: Probably every artist’s favorite room. Seriously.

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:31:00 -0400

Daily Gram: Probably every artist’s favorite room. Seriously.

VOTD: Gary Clark Jr. - ‘Numb’ Get ready for the...

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:12:26 -0400

VOTD: Gary Clark Jr. - ‘Numb’

Get ready for the coolest heartbreak you’ll ever witness. Gary Clark Jr. does his best Man In Black, all modern and resplendent in hipster glasses and a beanie, but telling a tale as old as time – the Cadillac-driving bluesman who can’t pay his bills paired with the woman he’s afraid he’ll lose. The music is so raw you might feel like you’re actually intruding upon something, but as proven by the end of the video (and this whole album), the only relationship that really matters is Gary and his guitar.

-Kelsey Butterworth

NEW TRACKS: Eleanor Friedberger - ‘She’s A...

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:27 -0400

NEW TRACKS: Eleanor Friedberger - ‘She’s A Mirror’

You either relate to Eleanor Friedberger pretty completely or you don’t get her at all. You either appreciate narrative in song or you just want to dance. You either dig horn section breakdowns or they remind you of crying babies in movie theaters. You either love the control in her voice or, well, you just don’t, and probably think it comes off pretentious.

Well file me into the first group. AND I’m all about the nuances in her presentation as well. In this song, “She’s a Mirror,” off her soon to be released album, Personal Record, there is barely any indication of perspective. I love nothing more then not knowing exactly what to think of her lyrics. They’re so well put together that they make you guess and question not only the song but also yourself. Talk about being reflective.

-Ian Signore

Performing live at U Street Music Hall on June 27th.

Daily Gram: Vintage MODs

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:08:00 -0400

Daily Gram: Vintage MODs

INTERVIEW: The Hush Sound Ahead of their co-headline with Hockey...

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:00:00 -0400

INTERVIEW: The Hush Sound

Ahead of their co-headline with Hockey this Friday at U Street Music Hall, the lovely voice and piano behind The Hush Sound’s lush indie-pop, Greta Salpeter, took some time to answer our questions about their hiatus, new tour, and their new album.

[9:30] Was it difficult getting back into the Hush Sound groove after the hiatus?

[Greta] Not at all. There’s a very natural brother / sister relationship that comes back into play immediately when we all enter a room together. it just felt like we had all been away at college and were coming home for a holiday.

[9:30] What are you most looking forward to about touring and writing together again?

[Greta] Being able to enjoy the experience with a clear head. When we were experiencing our greatest success as an act happened to be a time when the four of us were each mentally / emotionally / physically drained and we were all dealing with some personal issues which kept us from enjoying the touring, writing, and recording. It’s great that our fans are still packing these clubs and that we can actually have fun playing our songs.

[9:30] How does the new record compare to So Sudden, Like Vines, and Goodbye Blues? Has your sound changed at all?

[Greta] The new songs released on our “45” 7 inch vinyl are the most natural presentation of our band in my mind. We arranged the songs in a fun and spontaneous way, recorded them live all in the room together, and didn’t over think it or polish them until there was nothing left, as I feel we had done in the past.

[9:30] Do you think your solo work has influenced the new album in any way?

[Greta] Absolutely.

[9:30] How do you choose album artwork?

[Greta] Generally, one of our extremely talented significant others will pitch us artwork before we even ask. We feel lucky to keep our partnerships all in the family. We work on records, graphic design, videos, web design, etc. pretty much exclusively with friends.

[9:30] What are your favorite songs to play live?

[Greta] Mine on this tour is “Stranger” . Also “Echo” is great because the crowd reacts very strongly to it.

[9:30] I think I speak for every THS fan when I say that I’m really excited to hear your new stuff. If you had a message to your fans who are super pumped that y’all are back together, what would it be?

[Greta] WE ARE JUST AS EXCITED AS YOU ARE!! Come to a show and let’s all jump up and down together.

[9:30] And finally, if you could change places with any other artist for a day, dead OR alive, who would it be?

[Greta] Oh god, there are so many.

I would love to dance like Martha Graham, ponder like Alan Watts, play piano like Billy Preston, write like Joan Didion, sing like Bobby Gentry, write songs like John Lennon. Depending on the day, it would be any of those people.

Performing live at U Street Music Hall THIS Friday.

-Kelsey Butterworth

SHOW STYLE: Sweetlife Festival @ Merriweather Apparently this...

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:19:00 -0400

SHOW STYLE: Sweetlife Festival @ Merriweather

Apparently this fine lineup had the DMV bringing their style A-game. Take a look through and see some of our favorite stylish passersby.

NEW TRACKS: Hockey - ‘Wild Style’ Indie band Hockey...

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:45 -0400

NEW TRACKS: Hockey - ‘Wild Style’

Indie band Hockey seamlessly blends a variety of musical influences into a whirlwind of rock, electronica, new wave and hints of reggae in their new track “Wild Style.” Lead singer Ben Wyeth has a lazy drawl that floats along the song’s easy melody, murmuring the chorus “You got that wild style.”

It’s a change from the genre-bending last album, 2009’s soulful Mind Chaos. The latest release, Wyeth IS is out now, taking new and old fans on an experimental journey. Catch the band at U Street Music Hall on May 17, with co-headliner, The Hush Sound!

-Yohana Desta

VOTD: Wampire - ‘Orchards’ The slow drumbeat and...

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:00:00 -0400

VOTD: Wampire - ‘Orchards’

The slow drumbeat and church organs introduce us to Wampire and the road trip they’re on. Having just released their debut album, Curiosity, it’s no wonder that they’re on an exploration in this video for single, “Orchards.” Whistles and drab harmonizations elevate us through purple smoke until the demons within come out. Luckily, with enough laughter and good times, we can all learn to deal.

Hailing from Portland and recently signed to Polyvinyl Records (of Montreal, STRFKR, Deerhoof, Japandroids), they have a long road ahead of them and a lot to prove. “It’s so fun to be so goddamn young / but it wont last forever.” Ahhh! Loosen your bolo tie dude! It’s all good! And where the hell did y’all get that sweet ride? Wampire is definitely blazing a proper path.

-Ian Signore