Shearwater opens for Sharon Van Etten tomorrow night at Black Cat's mainstage, and we got to talk to singer Jonathan Meiburg ahead of the show.
DCist Interview: Shearwater
DCist Interview: John Hodgman
In advance of his nearly sold out show at the Birchmere next Friday, we had a chance to chat with writer, actor, comedian John Hodgman about the end of the world, D.C. vs. the moon, the impending space launch of the Washington Monument, his desire to be on Game of Thrones, and how his mustache might kill him.
DCist Interview: Jimmy Cobb
NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Cobb is best known for his playing on Miles Davis's seminal Kind of Blue album. DCist interviewed the native Washingtonian about his career and upcoming shows this weekend at Bohemian Caverns.
Why Did Sally Jenkins Land That Paterno Interview?
Just why did the Post's Sally Jenkins get the first, much sought-after interview with former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno? A few reasons. D.C.'s got a lot of Penn State alumni, and Jenkins kept the kid gloves on.
"Trying to Make a Song Happen": Chad Clark on His "Immersive Ideal"
Our lengthy conversation with Beauty Pill's Chad Clark begins with his attempts to demystify the record making process while explaining the nuts and bolts of the creation of "Steven and Tiwonge" and reveling in the uniqueness of his residency at Artisphere.
DCist Interview: DC Rollergirl Dual Hitizen On Making History
This past weekend the city of Toronto hosted the inaugural Roller Derby World Cup, featuring the national teams of thirteen different countries. The captain of the French team was one of our own D.C. Rollergirls.
DCist Interview: Afro Blue Director Connaitre Miller
Afro Blue, Howard University's premiere vocal ensemble, gained a lot of exposure with its impressive run on NBC's The Sing Off, but the roots of its success lie with one woman, Professor Connaitre Miller.
Three Stars: Bake Sale
We talked to surf pop act Bake Sale about the band's genesis, their favorite shows thus far and their upcoming name change.
DCist Interview: The Coathangers
The Coathangers have always known how to have a good time. Even in their earliest days, when their skills were nascent and they’d play art spaces in Atlanta two or three times a week, they’d make sure that everyone enjoyed themselves by baking cookies for the crowd and throwing themselves into their brash and straightforward songs. Over time, the keyboard melodies have become more jagged and the guitar riffs more complex and Julia Kugel, Candice Jones, Meredith Franco and Stephanie Luke became one of the most reliably must-see live bands.
DCist Interview: Suckers
If the name Suckers sounds familiar, it's because chances are you've seen them in D.C. at some point over the last year.
DCist Interview: Kacey of Black Alley
For better or for worse, the term "go-go," with all its connotations, gets thrown around rather liberally. Got a conga drum in your instrumentation? Ah ha! You're a go-go band. In the case of Black Alley, though, there's an effort to broaden the perspectives of not only what a D.C.-based band can do but also what a D.C. band can be.
Chewing the Fat: Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head
Dogfish Head founder and president Sam Calagione may be one of the best known folks in the craft brewing industry. And chances are, if he meets you, he will remember your name.
Three Stars: Yoko K.
Yoko Kamitani had not planned on staying in D.C. after she finished her studies, but now she's bringing her unique electronic style to the Strathmore's Artist in Residence program.
DCist Interview: Mary Timony of Wild Flag
In a city known for transience, Wild Flag's Mary Timony is a rara avis: a D.C. native who still calls the city home. We talked with Timony about her love for the District, her dream local show and her various projects in advance of Wild Flag's sold-out show at the Black Cat.
DCist Interview: Deer Tick
Deer Tick's John McCauley started his musical career like so many other performers: as a teenager with a solo act and a larger vision of what was to come. Members have come and gone, but the DIY ethos that started with McCauley distributing homemade cassettes and CDs as he criss-crossed the country remains intact.
DCist Interview: Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Intensely mercurial and wildly prolific in a musical career that spans nearly twenty years, Kentucky native Will Oldham, who performs as Bonnie "Prince" Billy is known for haunting live shows that capture the raw emotion of his studio recordings. We spoke with Oldham at length about collaboration, changing your identity and what makes a city musically relevant.
Three Stars: Mobius Strip
Mobius Strip is punk rock with a cause. The trio of vegans make wild uninhibited two minute screamers that speak out directly against animal cruelty. Read more in this week's Three Stars.
DCist Interview: The Felice Brothers
When they're not recording in an empty school in their native Catskills, The Felice Brothers adhere to a relentless touring schedule. We caught up with fiddle player Greg Farley on the road before the band heads to the Black Cat tonight.
Sonic Circuits Interview: Layne Garrett
Layne Garrett has been experimenting with sound his entire life, but today he invites the public to join him for the SIlver Spring Sound Machine, the audience participation portion of Sonic Circuits.
Remember Dear: These United States' Farewell Interview
DCist has a long, storied relationship with These United States. They played our short-lived Unbuckled concert series (which is coming back, I promise) and they even did two series of tour diaries for us. However, we saw the writing on the wall when The Federal Reserve ended its monthly gathering at Iota. Sure enough, the local band with the most rigorous touring and recording schedule...is no longer local. However, These United States isn't leaving quietly.
DCist Interview: The War on Drugs
The War on Drugs have impressed fans and critics alike with their blend of ambient spacey guitars and bluesy vocals. We talked to singer Adam Granduciel in advance of the band's Friday night's show at Red Palace.
DCist Interview: Scott McCaughey of The Baseball Project
Even a completist could be forgiven for not keeping up with all of Scott McCaughey's projects. The main force behind quirky, power pop veterans the Minus 5 and the Young Fresh Fellows is also a member of Robyn Hitchcock's band, the Venus 3, and tours with R.E.M. Oh, and he loves baseball.
DCist Preview: The Junior League Band @ 9:30 Club
Junior League Band, joined by Kingsley Flood and Typefighter, will be putting on an all local, down-home, full-throttle show at the 9:30 Club Saturday night.
DCist Interview: Small Black
When Brooklyn's Small Black comes to D.C., it's a family affair.
DCist Interview: Brian Settles
Brian Settles is one of the most promising voices in the District's jazz community. In this interview, Settles discusses his new recording, his various projects and his thoughts on the local scene.
Three Stars: The Gift
Local trio The Gift isn't afraid to get heavy. Many of the songs on the aptly named Mostly in Sickness stick to the minor keys and singer/guitarist Beck Levy isn't afraid to open up her throat and scream along to those dark riffs. It's as if she's reliving the loss and grief of her music as the rhythm section of Henry Mesias and Mikey T plod heavily behind her.
Three Stars: The Blackberry Belles
When a band has just finished recording an album, it's obvious in the best way possible. The band has a certain chemistry and tightness that makes for an impressive performance. No note, beat or movement seems without purpose, but the movements seem unforced and natural. That was The Blackberry Belles last night at Fort Reno.

