By Brian Ossip, DC Music Live

Mr Blonde will make their debut this Wednesday, April 17 at the Velvet Lounge!

Shameless post time, folks.  So in case you don’t know, I’m a drummer in a cover band, Mr. Blonde.  We’ll be playing our first show this Wednesday, April 17 at the Velvet Lounge on U Street.

It would be amazing if some of our loyal DCML followers and readers could come check it out!  We are going to be playing some of your favorite ’90s and early 2000s covers, ranging from Weezer, Green Day, Stone Temple Pilots, and a few other surprises that you’re gonna go crazy for.

The show starts at 8:30, and we go on first at 9pm.  Cover is $8, not too bad to see three amazing bands.

So, if you’re free and looking for something fun to do Wednesday night, come check us out!  If you’re there, look for me, and if you tell me you’re there because of this post and because you’re a DCML reader, you’ll be rewarded with a free lifetime subscription to the site!

Shameless self plug over now, hope to see everyone Wednesday

By Erin Coulehan, Contributor, DC Music Live

Photo Courtesy of Caged Animals

Brooklyn-based alt-pop band Caged Animals is set to showcase its unique blend of fiery lyrics and summer-sounding songs at Black Cat on April 5.

At the time of the phone interview, it’s about a month into tour, and the band is grabbing lunch at Chipotle for the first time ever.

“We usually just make salads or quinoa pasta in the van, but this is good, like really good,” says Vincent Cacchione, mastermind behind Caged Animals. He opted for the traditional burrito at the Mexican chain.

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By Erin Coulehan, Contributor, DC Music Live

Photo Courtesy of The 1975

Hailing from Manchester, England, alternative rock band The 1975 have crossed the pond for its first U.S. tour and will be playing a sold out show tonight at DC9. The band takes its namesake from an inscription written inside a copy of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road that was given to frontman Matty Healy by an artist friend in Ibiza. Along with the date, “1 June 1975,” the inscription included descriptions of a previous owner’s descent into madness along with suicidal desires. The power of the inscription resonated with Healy who then named the band.

The music features heavy keys, ethereal guitar and smooth vocals with lyrics that explore sex, substances and fear. The band showcases its cheekiness with clever song titles including “Sex” and “Chocolate,” – what else does a girl need? – but remains tight-lipped about the songwriting process. Not to worry, we caught up with Healy who describes how he puts those lips to use when he’s not singing about sex, drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

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By Brian Ossip, DC Music Live

Finch will be at the Fillmore on March 14
Photo Courtesy of Finch.

It seems like all the rage lately has been a band going out on tour to support the 10th anniversary of one of its seminal albums. New Found Glory did it recently for their Sticks and Stones record. Fans have been clamoring for Fall Out Boy to tour with Take This To Your Grave. And now Finch is heading out for a tour that most fans thought would never happen – the What It Is To Burn 10th Anniversary Tour.

After forming in the late ’90s, Finch burst on to the scene with WIISTB, released on Drive-Thru Records, and the strength of their lead singles, “Letters To You,” “New Beginnings,” and the title track. The band managed to ride the thin line between hardcore and pop-punk, but still crafted a sound unique to them.

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Looking for something to do during the next week?  There are tons of shows to choose from, but here are our picks.

Oxygen for the Ears: Living Jazz – Oct. 12

So, Oxygen for the Ears: Living Jazz isn’t a live music, but it does chronicle the jazz scene in America, past and present. D.C.’s own jazz history features prominently in this documentary being screened during the weeklong 2012 Reel Independent Film Extravaganza, Oct. 12-18. Local jazz singer Akua Allrich is just one familiar face Washingtonians see in the film. The show starts at 8 p.m. at West End Cinema. Individual tickets are $11. Continue Reading

Looking for something to do during the next week?  There are tons of shows to choose from, but here are our picks.

Eric Roberson, Marsha Ambrosius and Black Alley – Sept. 28

Indie soul singer Eric Roberson will perform for his official birthday celebration at Ibiza with an appearance from special guest Marsha Ambrosius and performances by local groups including soul garage band Black Alley, R&B band Secret Society and the go-go sounds of Jammin’ Jeff and Friends. Roberson, whose  “Picture Perfect” and “Dealing” have kept fans coming back for more, released When Love Calls earlier this year.  Tickets are $30 in advance. Doors open 5-10 p.m. Continue Reading

Looking for something to do during the next week?  There are tons of shows to choose from, but here are our picks.

Roy Ayers – Sept. 21-23

Soul and jazz musician Roy Ayers is taking a turn into Blues Alley for a weekend of shows. The vibraphonist – and all this time I thought it was a xylophone – has produced his share of fan favorites, including classics “Everybody Loves The Sunshine,” “Africa – Centre Of The World,” with Fela Kuti and “Running Away.” Ayers performs at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. each night. Tickets are $35. Saturday show already sold out. Blues Alley is offering a half-off discount for tickets purchased online for the 10 p.m. Sunday show. Continue Reading