DCist sat down (virtually, that is) with Washington Social Club drummer Randy Scope to talk about their band, D.C., and how to get a crowd to dance. Don't forget (as if we would let you) - they've got a show Friday at the Black Cat with Monopoli and Cartel.

It's obvious that you guys are popular locally - how's the transition towards getting your name and music out there nationally going? What are you doing for exposure?

At the moment we aren't even thinking about exposure. It's all about this Friday at the Black Cat with Monopoli and Cartel. 1811 14th St. NW. 9:30 PM. We're very excited to play this show. It's going to be a great night for the DC scene. That and the next album. That's all I can think about anyway. All other aspects pertaining to the business have taken a back seat. But we'll have to think about it eventually, we fired our manager last week. lol.

What do you think about the current state of D.C. music? Do you think the city is maybe emerging from the Dischord era and trending towards a different style?

I knew it. Yes. there's a new scene.
And my favorite band on that scene right now is the Nethers. I love what they are doing and want to be their vibraphonist.

Has D.C. as a city and/or a scene been encouraging towards the band?

Well, Mayor Williams and the council, not so much. I think we do well in the NW. I'd like to see more NEers and SEers and SWers coming to shows. People responded to us from the first show. We've signed a lot of people up since then. You should see our DC email list. DC has been great. I love this town.

Your concerts are always great, and you guys have a strong stage presence. Is that something you've consciously worked on, or just the way it's always been for you live?

It's always been that way. I think we need to blast out everything that builds up inside of us, so we do it onstage. There's nothing like losing yourself in the moment. It's a joy beyond my ability to describe.

You've been called everything from new new wave to punk to britpop. Do you guys think this is because your music is actually hard to classify, or just because people hear what they want to hear? How would you describe your music?

I wouldn't. I understand the need for labels and classifications, people need a point of reference. But I just can't do it anymore. I mean, I've spent the last three weeks obsessed with 2 Bee Gees songs and before that it was a ska era Bob Marley track. I've listened to Vini Vidi Vicious as many times as Music For Airports. I'm one of four people who are WAY into music. So to me, the notion that my band is influenced by or sounds like ANYTHING in particular, it's kind of silly. People project their tastes on to you and that's fine. If we remind you of some other band you like, great. Throwing a couple band names in with ours is solid word economy and moves you on to the next point.

Everybody always complains that D.C.. crowds don't dance enough or react positively to bands at concerts. Do you think this is actually a D.C. thing or just an indie rock thing in general? And what's your secret for getting people to loosen up at your shows.

Who are these people? These complainers? This never happens at our DC shows. Some people are not into dancing. That's cool, you can still come see the Social Club and have a good time. But if you don't dance AND block my view of a girl who IS dancing, we're going to have a problem. As far as it being an Indie Rock thing, that's just not true. I saw Iron Maiden once and NOBODY was dancing.

What are some of your favorite local acts?

The Bush Administration. It's like a never ending stand up routine. I know it's sad, but it's the highest form of comedy this country has seen in a long time. I don't need Jon Stewart to frame it for me. I'm into that BORF thing as well. I also dig that guy who sings psalms on the metro. DIRT FARM in the City Paper, great comic.

Can you tell us a little bit about your songwriting process?

Ha ha. Wouldn't you like to know! Does KFC give away the secret recipe? Fuck no. Do government officials tell you who CIA agents are? Of course not, that's treason!

What are the future recording plans for WSC?

I see immense DEBT surrounding future WSC recording projects. That and a new album in DEC 05 that will generate a whole new list of band names to use as a point of reference when describing our sound. Thank you for reading this. Are you coming to the show? You totally should. We need someone to play the sleigh bells during this new tune we have. Let me know.