Done & Done

Introducing…Laughing Man (DC)

Laughing Man is a Washington DC based trio comprised of Michael Andrew Harris (drums), Luke Stewart (bass, saxophone) and Brandon Moses (vocals, guitar). During the last year they’ve been quietly garnering attention for their artsy, yet uniquely soulful live performance. The band successfully encompasses a folk-soul-blues-jazz sound, and blends it with elements of indie rock, calypso, and garage punk. The band is currently in the midst of recording new material and playing live shows featuring diverse arrangements and instrumentation. Their impressive buzz and emerging local following have led many to believe this is a band to watch and a potential flag bearer for a new era in DC music.

Some links for you lucky fans:

myspace

facebook

photos by chris mullen

Come check out Laughing Man in DC this Saturday April 10th at All Souls Unitarian Church—their set time is 6:40 pm!

Introducing…Ra Ra Rasputin (DC)

Washington DC’s Ra Ra Rasputin have developed a reputation for their energetic live performances and sincere approach to dance music.

They have quickly become one of the city’s most popular local acts.  DCist.com describes them as “a live act that reliably can get asses not only in the door, but shaking on the floor with their infectious dance punk.”

The group began when Brock Boss (vocals, keyboards, guitar, percussion) ordered a drink from Anna Rozzi (vocals, keyboards, guitar) at a local DC dive bar.  Their conversation was riddled with shared exclamations of “I love that band!” and the two decided to start writing music together.  Brock invited Ken Quam (drums, percussion), a standout drummer from the local music scene, to join them.  The group’s lineup was completed with the addition of Patrick Kigongo (guitar, bass, percussion), who enthusiastically responded to a prank Craigslist ad that Brock had posted.

Having solidified their lineup, the group began practicing in an unventilated warehouse in NE Washington DC.  Boldly, they booked their first show before they had even finished writing three songs and in June 2007 played a full set for an enthusiastic and responsive DC crowd.  The group’s early shows at venues like the Velvet Lounge and Wonderland Ballroom were loud and sweaty affairs.  Word of mouth spread quickly about their energetic and unpolished approach to dance rock.  Soon, the band graduated to larger venues in DC and began to play regularly in New York City.

As time progressed, Ra Ra Rasputin’s sound became more focused.  The acquisition of vintage synthesizers and more percussion allowed these multi-instrumentalists to incorporate the sounds of Talking Heads, New Order, afrobeat drumming and European disco.  Never afraid to experiment in concert, they regularly treated listeners to new material, often developing songs based on the crowd reactions.

Ra Ra Rasputin’s popularity in the Washington area has allowed them to open for touring acts such as NOMO and Love Is All and perform at the city’s most celebrated venue, The 9:30 Club.  In August 2009, they were selected by Metromix as one of DC’s Top 5 Hottest bands and in October 2009, they were selected to perform at the CMJ Music Festival in New York City.

Currently, RRR are playing concerts up and down the East Coast, writing new material and working to record their debut EP.

Click through the photo to get to their myspace.

Come check out Ra Ra Rasputin at 10 pm this Saturday April 10 at All Souls Unitarian Church.

Introducing…Last Tide (DC)

Last Tide is the brainchild of guitarist/vocalist Nate Frey. Formed in winter 2008-2009, the band began touring regionally in the spring, drawing praise for its live performances and building a growing following. Over the summer, they headed into the studio with Justin Moyer (Edie Sedgwick, Supersystem) to track their debut EP, The Broken Places, which was released in October to enthusiastic acclaim.

Influenced by a wide variety of psychedelic, alternative, and classic rock, Last Tide’s sound ranges from moody and ambient to thundering and uptempo. The band has performed frequently, and has supported such notable acts as Retribution Gospel Choir (Sub Pop), El Ten Eleven (Bar/None), Ringo Deathstarr, NOMO and French Horn Rebellion. They also showcased at CMJ 2009. They continue to maintain an active calendar of live dates, and will return to the studio to record a full length later this year.

Click through the picture to get to their myspace.

Check out Last Tide’s set this Saturday at All Souls Church at 3:20pm!

Introducing…Rosy Likes Red (DC)

ROSY LIKES RED, a band founded in Baltimore, Maryland, writes and performs original songs. Rosy Likes Red has performed at places such as the 9:30 Club, The Sonar, The Recher, The Ottobar, The 8X10, The Brass Monkey, Penguins in the iGloo, and the Main Street Festival.

They are constantly developing the New Wave/progressive sound and experiment with the idea of no limitations. With emotional lyrics, memorable melodies, and an infectious pseudo-retro sound, ROSY LIKES RED is a new fresh sound.

(bio from band’s myspace..click through the photo to get to it!)

Check out Rosy Likes Red’s set this Saturday April 10th, opening the festival’s performances at 2 pm!