To avoid the threat of coronavirus, employers are urging workers to stay home, schools are creating virtual classrooms and friends are practicing “social distancing.” In light of all these changes, you might have more quiet time on your hands than usual.

To help fill the void, we’ve put together a playlist of songs by D.C.-area bands and singers. The artists represented on this list have all been nominated for a Wammie, D.C.’s local version of the Grammies. The annual awards ceremony started in 1985 and returned to D.C. last year under new leadership, following a three-year hiatus.

The Wammies’ new steward, a music education profit called The MusicianShip, revamped the awards process for last year’s awards. To be eligible for an award in one of the 57 categories, musicians and bands now must have released a record in the past year and live in the D.C. area.

The MusicianShip plans to host a related music conference and set of concerts from March 27-29, barring any extenuating circumstances. Award winners will be announced on March 29.

Until then, explore away on this Spotify playlist (note that the handful of musicians whose music doesn’t appear on Spotify aren’t included here). It’s arranged by genre, and in alphabetical order, so to get a sampling of everything, we recommend hitting shuffle.

Want to get to know some of the nominated artists? 
How D.C. Soul Band Oh He Dead Found Its Groove
Local Electro Pop Foursome Mystery Friends Wants To Get You To Dance
This D.C. Band Started A Record Label To Promote Underrepresented Artists
Color Palette’s Jay Nemeyer Is An Indie Pop-Rock Frontman Who Can Completely Transform A Kelly Clarkson Hit