SEAS photo by Hatnim Lee

Every now and again you come across a debut album drenched (pun intended) in promise and talent. SEAS, a local music act from DC, is deserving of such categorization. The project began in 2006 and has evolved from “a collection of quiet, simple guitar-driven instrumental pieces” into vocally and instrumentally rich music that dabbles in a variety of genres including experimental, psych-folk, and indie rock. SEAS’s debut album, Now My Home Is A Beech Tree, stands tall among the many talented musicians in our fine city.

Ben Green, the core member of SEAS, explains the debut, performing solo vs. a collective, and his hardcore past to DoS readers.

Photo courtesy of RYO Records

Inspiration is everywhere. It’s in the sheer determination of our winter Olympians (U.S.A!); it’s in the hearts of our neighbors who lend a hand to those crossing icy streets or digging out snow-buried cars; it’s in the talents of our musicians and artists that keep us smiling or dancing when the weather outside is frightful. Recently, I was inspired by the young, yet incredibly talented musicians of The Neon Rush—a rock band that exudes promise and makes me kick myself for quitting those piano lessons in high school.

The Neon Rush is composed of Andy Andrade (Lead Guitar, 18 years old), Mark Andrade (Bass/Backing Vocals, 16 years old), Daniel Mears (Drums, 17 years old), and Collin Peterson (Rhythm Guitar/Lead Vocals, 18 years old). They hail from Kensington, Maryland and most of them have only been playing music for a few years before forming their band. In fact, Mears began playing drums only a few months before the band (then known as Metrophish) was formed in December 2007. But don’t let these stats fool you. They may be the same age as most MTV reality show “celebrities,” but they have the talent of music veterans that have been playing twice as long as they have been alive.

The band lists musicians such as Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, and other legendary bands as their influences, but they don’t limit themselves. Quite simply put, lead singer Collin Peterson says that they are “always finding something new to get an idea from.” Their openness to influence and willingness to experiment has allowed the band to create a sound that is reminiscent of early 90’s pop grunge mixed with today’s alt rock. However, the band is able to maintain a sound that’s distinctively their own. Their music shines each time the melody pauses for an incredible guitar solo and Peterson belts lyrics so full of raw emotion you could swear he’s lived life three times over.  

After being discovered at a Battle of the Bands concert, the band signed with RYO Records and released its first full length album, Lines and Blurs, in the summer of 2009. The humble Peterson says “I’m not saying it’s the best thing since sliced bread, but I feel that a few of the tracks are relevant. It sounds like a band with something going on. It sounds like we are finding our feet after 2 years.”

A great break-out effort, Lines and Blurs showcases the pure talent of these young men and sets the stage for a bright future. Says Peterson, “Our musical dream is to show up in a random city we’ve never been to, unload our gear at the venue, chill in a hotel room, do whatever, have a drink, then show time. Walk out onto that stage, the place is packed with people that want to see us and that know our stuff. I’m not talking tens of thousands, I’m talking about a couple hundred people. That’s the dream, maybe one day it’ll be a reality, who knows, it just takes the perfect storm.”  

Check out The Neon Rush at http://theneonrush.com/ and/or download Lines and Blurs through iTunes.

Photo By Julian Vankim

The aptly-named band The Potentials originate from Virginia, but their beats are from outer space—in a good way of course. They are a dance rock electronica band, light on the rock; heavy on the dance.

In 2008, frontman Benjamin David opted to trade in the band’s live drummer for electronic beats. A wise move I’m sure after hearing songs from their EP, which has already earned them buzz, not just in my head, but throughout the DC Metro area as well. David and band mates Ryan Wagner and Mike Riddile will join local favorite DJ Lil El (KIDS) at the Velvet Lounge on January 21st.  David took some time to answer questions about the band, their beats, and their legendary moves.

“The Gypsy Sons’ New Year’s resolution is to nurture our good relationships and try not to let the Jagerbombs knock us off the stage!”
— Johnny The Hammer, The Gypsy Sons

“The Death By Sexy resolution for 2010 is to play more rock music this year, finish our next album, and to buy new underpants. Also, we will stop obsessing over Twilight, like that’s possible.”
— Jason

From Jess, Lightfoot: “I made like 8 lists. Edited. Remade them. Pondered. Screamed. Kicked. This is what I decided to go with:

1. Don’t start any new bands with a boyfriend/lover/fling.
2. Stop eating chips and salsa as a meal substitute.
3. Ask people more questions about themselves.
4. Fall in love. Or something.
5. To stop over-thinking what I will say when blogs ask me to submit my thoughts.
6. To lower my expectations for true friendship with my fish Mr. Eggleston; he consistently bites the hand that feeds him.
7. Win an EGOT, duh.
8. Pay attention to details more: if I leave my coffee cup on top of the roof of my car and drive away one more time…
9. Read less.
10. Stop judging other people for their stupid New Year’s Resolutions.
11. Try not to break Brad Pitt’s heart when I dump him.
12. Stop getting annoyed that people assume I am Jewish. It’s just a nose folks.
13. Wear my retainer more.
14. To never feel guilty for liking my skirts short and my att

1) Heed the advice of my elders:

“I’m walkin’ down that long, lonesome road, babe
Where I’m bound, I can’t tell
But goodbye’s too good a word, gal
So I’ll just say fare thee well
I ain’t sayin’ you treated me unkind
You could have done better but I don’t mind
You just kinda wasted my precious time
But don’t think twice, it’s all right” — Bob Dylan”

“For 2010, we would love to meet new people and make new friends. We also want to write new songs, play fun shows, and make some positive contributions to the world.”
— Ian, Once Okay Twice

From DeVille:

Trevor: “In 2010 I’m not gonna make any outlandish resolution. But since we’re still in 2009… First complete the finishing touches on the album. Pick up some sort of hobby or addiction, something productive of course. Theatre acting, bungie jumping, or learn to fly a helicopter. Better my skills as a boe staff fighter. maybe train to become the next karate kid or a professional downhill runner in the attempt to loose 16-23 lbs. Fall in love, and pick up film photography and devloping the film in my bathtub. Who knows what this new year will bring. I might pick up listening to Ella Fitzgerald on vinyl or go to a bluegrass festival. Again big things are happening, ’something wicked this way comes.’”

Ian: “I’m going to be ambitious 2010. I want to release the DeVille album, firstly. (Preferably to critical acclaim and fanfare. A parade would be nice.) I’m trying to re-learn the piano. I plan to write and record a solo release, hopefully collaborating with some of the fine musicians I’ve met since moving to DC. And also, I’d like a skateboard, a Super-Soaker and a Power Rangers Megazord action figure. Thanks, Jesus! Happy Hannukah!”

Pat: “I’m resolving to spend more time in the outdoors. I want to feel the earth between my toes.”

GiGi: “I have high expectations for 2010. My personal New Years Res is to take the dance class I got a gift certificate for. And to hopefully keep it up. Trying to get my Beyonce on ;) Bring the “Sasha Fierce” out of me. But most importantly I need to work my ass off and have our CD in your hand by March. 2010, here I come!”

From Tomas, The Petticoat Tea Room: “We feel that this poem encapsulates our hope for the next year and beyond really.

I question myself, but to endure is divine?
I appreciate time and all that it offers
But it moves to a rhyme of no certain manners
And is in my eyes a figment of tries
Failures most of the time

I steel to force forward and outpace my hopes
might I not find
The purpose I seek or the meaning of life?
have I tricked myself that the world cares for mine
that the last breath will free me of binds
when I’m constrained by the mind and made clinging to body?

my life is a moment, a blink in time
but I feel called in this moment
to establish a role with the patterns of soul that make me whole.”

“We are finally going to patch up the glory holes in our practice space. Turns out there is too much of a good thing!” —The Moderate

From all of us at DoS, thank you for an amazing 2009! Have a wonderful and safe New Year’s Eve and we’ll see you in 2010!

Photo courtesy of CStan Photo

You don’t have to live long in DC to know that this city giveth and it taketh away. Recent events surrounding the H Street Shuttle are a perfect example of the frustrating back and forth that many DC residents and business owners experience in the city. If you haven’t already heard by now, the free H Street Shuttle had been struggling to stay on its wheels since it launched in January 2009 and on December 6th, the shuttle service was suspended due to loss of funding. But just three days later on December 8th, a spokeswoman for Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced that the shuttle organizers have found the needed funds and will continue to offer transportation for DC music and food lovers alike to their favorite destinations located in the H Street corridor.

The H Street Business Cooperative, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to addressing the transportation needs of H Street started the shuttle. It connects Gallery Place Metro station (H and Seventh streets NW) to Minnesota Avenue and runs seven days a week from 5:00 pm until the Metro closes. And did we mention it’s FREE?

Those who are familiar with the H Street area may remember just how difficult it was to get to their favorite restaurants, shops and music venues before the shuttle. And it wasn’t just that it was hard to get to, but it was also hard to leave thanks to the scarcity of cabs in the area after 12:00 am. And don’t get us started on the parking! But the H Street shuttle changed all of that and made the area much more accessible to everyone-making business owners and their patrons very happy.

Steve Lambert is a booker for shows at The Red and the Black and The Rock and Roll Hotel-both located in the H Street corridor. “The shuttle has always been a great transportation option for those attending the Rock & Roll Hotel. Be it concert goers or bar and food enthusiasts, the shuttle [has] always bought grateful people to our front door and the rest of H Street,” says Lambert. “All the H St businesses consider its running a viable and important part to exposing more people to H [St.,] NE every day.”

When the news of the suspension broke, bloggers and Twitterers alike took to their keyboards to announce the loss and express their frustration. Soon after, almost 100 people contacted council member Tommy Wells’ (D-Ward 6) office asking for the shuttle’s return according to Charles Allen, Wells’s chief of staff. Then Wells took to his own Twitter feed to inform his followers that he had “Just spoke with the Mayor re H street shuttle. Very promising.” Sure enough, Mayor Fenty was able to find another revenue source to fund the shuttle.

Says Lambert, “The H St Shuttle has been a great option for venturing out to H St. The halting was a short and unwelcoming diversion from H [St.,] and the calls from the locals and H St. business owners were heard almost immediately with disapproval. Everyone was very happy to know the shuttle would continue running and continue to be a great benefit for all of H St.”

For more information about the H Street Shuttle, visit www.atlasarts.org/plan_shuttle.php.

In the Woods ( photo by Steve Macloud ) - Steve Fisher, Tomas Pagan-Motta, Steve Demby (Guest drummer), Jason Gudenius

Who knew that the DC/MD area could claim home to not one, but two Petticoat Tea Rooms? Fans of the first—an actual tea room located in Baltimore— are primarily men and women whom enjoy sipping tea and nibbling on finger sandwiches. Fans of the second—a local band that (other than name, origin, and a passion for hot beverages) has little in common with said room—are primarily men and women whom enjoy an invigorating blend of alt-rock, alt-country, Americana, and just a nibble of ambient electronica.  The latter, of course, is much more DoS’s taste.

This October, The Petticoat Tea Room released their self-titled debut album, which features a mind-bending compilation of songs; each with their own individual character and attitude. For example, “I Still Say” is an upbeat, alt-country composition with quick drum beats; classic guitar and banjo riffs; and smooth harmonica accents. This song will no doubt get your feet tapping and knee slapping.

The Petticoat Tea Room's Album Cover

But before you put on your country best, take a breath. The mood of the album completely does a 180 with “Melancholy Julie”, which sets the lead singer’s Neil Young-like voice to dreamy instrumentation and a downbeat tempo. Then “It’s Hard (To Get Down)”—a catchy little diddy; reminiscent of mid-late 60’s pop-rock—starts and you’re on your feet again. Although each song is very different from the next, the album’s common thread is made up of beautiful harmonies, perfectly matched instrument combinations, and poetic, bluesy lyrics* that tell tales of love, heartbreak, and hope.

Part of the success of their sound is that although The Petticoat Tea Room is only a fresh one year old, its members have been playing together for years prior. Tomas Pagan-Motta (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica), Steve “Bogman” Fisher (organ, keys, vocals, mandolin), and Jason “Swedish” Gudenius (bass, guitar, vocals, autoharp, and percussion) all met through fellow musicians in college. As their friendship grew, each member separately developed their musical resumes by playing with bands such as Red Diamond, the Charm City Players, Commotion, and Huckelberry Gin. Two members even pursued solo projects, but many knew that their best project was yet to come. “We would play shows periodically over the years, nothing we would call a ‘band’,” says Gudenius. “We always received a great response and in the end the three of us agreed to get more serious about creating and playing music.” And so The Petticoat Tea Room was established.

“We have a passion for [music], share a respect for each other’s talent and are really good friends. The music really brings a lot of joy to our lives; we want to share that experience with people.” Cheers.

*It’s clear from Pagan-Motta’s lyrics that he has a clear talent for story-telling. For your literary enjoyment, read his explanation for how The Petticoat Tea Room got its name.

“Baltimore at night is an inspiring sight at times, a melancholy sight at times, but always real and abrupt and direct. There are no hidden images in Baltimore, no cryptic gestures or masked intentions, among the lay folk anyway. It was a night of inspiration when traversing through the city at night a year ago, I came upon a sign for the Southern Harmony Accent and Petticoat Tea Room. At that point, I had been looking for a name for a new musical project that I wanted to create. Walking by this tea house, I tripped to the whole scene, and thought about combining the name of a wonderful woman in my past who used to make the best Italian ham sandwiches with the name of this business. It became “Rosemary Sunshine and The Petticoat Tea Room.” After getting my balls busted for having a name that was neither easy to remember nor hard to forget, I clipped it down to “The Petticoat Tea Room.” It was absolute coincidence, or was it, that I very much take pleasure in drinking hot tea. In fact, one of my long-term goals is to grow coffee and tea. I find it a calming and soul-enriching activity, which is the same way I feel about our music. Really, it just sounded good though.”

For more on The Petticoat Tea Room, visit: www.myspace.com/petticoattearoom. Check them out live on November 20th at Joe Squared in Baltimore, or on December 4th at 8 x 10 also in Baltimore.

Photo by Jesse Kimes

The Moderate came out swinging with its first EP, AM/FM, which featured songs displaying a simple, yet genuine sound that captured the essence of alt-country. The beginnings of a band started years before with a childhood friendship between two of its members, Jim Dempsey and Drew Marks.  “Drew and I met in 6th grade and have been best friends since then. Over Christmas of our 7th grade year, we got our respective instruments and started making (not the prettiest) music together,” says Dempsey, lead singer and guitarist. Once Dempsey and Marks (who plays drums and percussion) graduated college they decided to move to Washington, DC. During the past year and a half, the Moderate released an EP; lost and found a bassist (Tracy Epperson took over after original bassist Mike Maoney from Maryland left to pursue other projects); and added another guitarist, Ian Burke, who also plays saxophone and provides backing vocals. Dempsey remarks that, “[The additions] have been a godsend for The Moderate. We have certainly never felt so cohesive as we do now.”

And it shows. The band’s latest album, The Rest is Up to You, continues to display the band’s many talents and highlights their development without sacrificing the music that has earned them a strong following. Like the EP, this album features songs that are uncomplicated by overproduction, yet each is richer and a little different than the next. Some songs wrangle the listener’s ears with a bit of country twang, while some wail with a more traditional bluesy sound that can make the heart ache with each note. Also featured on the album are three rerecorded songs that originally appeared on the EP, including “Lost Boy” and “Blue Eyes/Barflies”. “I think that these 3 songs fit in with the group of songs we wanted to put on this album,” says Marks. “Those are some of the first songs we wrote and they, in my opinion, have held up over time.”

The success of many legendary country singers such as Hank Williams and Patsy Kline is due in part to their heart-felt, thoughtful, and even gut-wrenching lyrics that can make the listener relate or feel as though they have inconspicuously snuck a peek into a personal diary. Like many that have come before them, The Moderate bravely sings of personal sadness, confusion, and life’s lessons. “Mistakes” features an internal monologue that stems from Dempsey’s struggle with substance abuse. “I went through a real rough patch between the ages of 17 and 22, and to be honest, there are more than a handful of people that are surprised I lived through it,” says Dempsey. “That said, I wrote [“Mistakes”] a few summers ago when my sister was pregnant with my nephew. If you can tell, it is basically me (present) lecturing me (past); at the time.  I think it was my way of wishing away all the hurt so [my nephew] would never have to go through those painful, pointless struggles that I did.” Of course lyrics are nothing but a poem without music to back it up. In “Mistakes”, Marks’ drumming skills shine as he maintains a steady and exact rhythm, while still managing to exude high energy. Epperson and Burke also prove their talent as they bind it all together to create a seamless composition.

The Moderate currently tours back and forth between North Carolina and Washington DC. In fact, all of their upcoming shows–except for one in Norfolk, VA—are in theOld North State. “I think it’s exciting to…play for folks that haven’t seen you in a while,” says Marks. However, DC should not take it personally. Dempsey adds, “Still, DC is where our lives are now and we have great friends and a great musical community here too.” The Rest is Up to You is set to release later this month and the band plans to promote it throughout DC in September. So maybe you can’t take the country out of the band, but you sure as hell can teach it a few tricks.

Check out The Moderate at www.themoderatemusic.com or www.myspace.com/themoderate.

This being said, we are proud to announce that the DoS website is getting a makeover! To clarify, this is not the kind of kind makeover that requires Botox, saline, or collagen. However, we are sucking all the “fat” out of the site to make it much more user-friendly. In other words, we redesigned things a bit so you can find what you’re looking for more easily and quickly. The best part is that you get to see the reveal tomorrow! That’s right! The bandages are coming off and we will be ready to rock before you can say Joan Rivers!

But don’t worry. We won’t let the new look get to our heads. We’ll still be providing you with the fresh and original content you have come to rely on us for each week, so be sure to check back for more reviews, cartoons, and interviews with your favorite local bands.

ATTENTION DoS RSS FEED SUBSCRIBERS!

We are switching services which means the current RSS feed URL will no longer work. Please re-subscribe on the redesigned site to continue receiving a feed from www.districtofsound.com. We’re very sorry for the inconvenience.

Photo by Joel Didriksen

Le Loup (French for “the wolf”) was widely known as DC’s musical “success story” in 2007. Created in 2006 by Sam Simkoff, the music of Le Loup gained attention of many via MySpace, including that of Hardly Art-an indie label started by Sub Pop founder Jonathan Poneman in early 2007. Simkoff was joined later by several Craigslist recruits (six to be exact) to play one live show, and they were all signed shortly thereafter to said label. The release of Le Loup’s debut album, The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations’ Millennium Assembly garnered much praise by DCist; Brightest Young Things; and even nationally recognized outlets, including Stereogum-who named them a “Band to watch,” and NPR who described the album as “original and mesmerizing.” Le Loup was even named “Artist of the Day” by Spin.com. In fall of 2008, Le Loup bravely quit all of their day jobs to tour Europe, playing the Netherlands, Switzerland, and, of course as their name would suggest, France. However, soon after the tour and a couple of follow-up interviews, it seemed as if all that was meant to be said by the band and its critics was said. Then there was silence.

While most people long for “breaks” from musicians that devour mainstream radio, Le Loup’s silence is unfortunate because their debut album was, and is still, nothing short of a work of art. In fact, the title of the album is named after an artistic creation by James Hampton who was a janitor for the General Services Administration. Hampton collected trash and trinkets he found throughout the city and kept them in a garage near his DC apartment. He meticulously arranged and covered each piece in gold foil to create a tribute to the second coming of Jesus. Just like each piece of Hampton’s art, each song is orchestrated with passion and a hint of insanity which creates a perfectly chaotic, yet cohesive masterpiece. Now of course all artists need room to grow, but Le Loup seems to have found their medium and their fans are getting anxious for the next showing.

For those who have yet to hear Le Loup, the album is composed of dream-like harmonies, folky banjo-riffs, bi-polar synthesizer accompaniments, and languid vocals. It also features a variety of instruments and poppy-claps to accentuate many of the songs’ crescendos. Before you think you’ve heard this band before (some cite similarities to Arcade Fire and Sufjan Stevens), download the album on iTunes and you will soon eat those words. The lyrics alone (and sometimes the lack of lyrics) speak for themselves. For example “Canto I” begins the album with a chorus of banjos, various percussion instruments, and hums that all serve as mood music set to what sounds like depressed, philosophical ramblings of someone seated in a therapist’s chair. Also, tracks such as “Storm,” “Howl” and “I Had a Dream I Died” incorporate sounds from nature or replicate them through the use of vocals and instrumentation. However, these aren’t your average Sharper Image sound therapy machine effects. These tracks and the rest of the album takes the listener on an otherworldly path into the mind of someone speaking or experiencing the apocalypse, perhaps not so much biblical, but more internal.

District of Sound tried to contact Le Loup, but, le sigh, did not receive a response. We can only hope there is truth and accuracy to the promise of a new album to come this summer according to the band’s Website. In the meantime, fans and newly intrigued DoS readers can hear never released songs from their recent visit with Daytrotter, a Website that promises to give its readers something they have never heard before from their favorite bands. Or simply keep checking the DoS site for up to date information. Bon au revoir!