Q&A with District of Sound

How do you decide who to cover and what to write about? What kind of music do you think represents the DC music scene?

Orlando: We’ve been lucky and fortunate enough to have a crack staff of writers who are able to hunt down everything from the up-and-coming to the widely established. We’re all music lovers and that’s the biggest thing, because most of us would be doing this on our own anyways. We go to local shows and we listen to local bands. DC has a historic and influential music scene that often gets overlooked. With everything in DC’s past—from Bad Brains, The Dismemberment Plan, Fugazi, and Q and Not U, to everything else on Dischord Records and even Duke Ellington—this city’s culture had and has so much to give, and all we’re here to do is spread the word. But just like the acts before them, this generation’s DC music scene is a wildly varying melting pot just like the city we live in. But isn’t that why we live here?

DoS has many facets to it, the reviews, Q&As, cartoons, and concerts/shows... where do you see the site going in the next few years?

Christen: Other than taking over the world!!!?? In all seriousness, I think DoS will be considered an established, well-respected, and highly regarded resource for everything related to DC music. Right now, we are pretty green, but I think we are well on our way. Now ask me where I think we’ll be in 10 years!!!

The Web site helps give DoS its own look and feel that is fresh and independent in spirit. Why did you change the design and format of the Web site? What new features should readers look for and how will it help make DoS a better site?

Caroline: The #1 reason for changing the design of the site was usability. I wanted to make sure that our user’s have a pleasurable and easy experience when using our site. The primary purpose was to make the content the main focus and not the design and all that other fluff. The biggest new feature is our search engine for our archives. It’s much easier to find what you are looking for now. We also have a robust database that holds all the information pertaining to each band. But it won’t stop here. We have many extra features that will be coming at a later date. So, stay tuned.

DC is teaming with new music and bands. Where do you go to find new bands and music (e.g., Web sites, venues, record shops)?

Bryan: If I want to know about a new band I just wait for the next review on DoS! Record shops are few and far between in DC but Som Records on 14^th has a pretty good selection and owner is pretty rad. If you have an afternoon check out CD Warehouse in College Park, they can barely hold all the vinyl!

What was the inspiration for DoS as a site? What is DoS' role in the DC music scene?

Emily:  Like all good things, DoS was born over a few drinks at a local bar in DC one muggy summer evening after work.  As friends, and avid concert-goers we often discussed how we wanted to know more about local bands. I mean really, how many times have you passed on a show at the Black Cat or The Red and The Black because you weren’t sure about the band performing or had never heard of the band before?  I would say Dos’ role in the local music scene is a modest, but important one.  We have a special niche in the area that focuses solely on profiling DC artists and encouraging music fans to check them out.