Need to hear frenzied, searing punk or galactic-cool, experimental soul? Look no further than the DMV.听Here's the latest from musicians with D.C.-area roots. Tune in.
WASHINGTON 鈥� Need to hear frenzied guitars or syncopated rhythms paired with lush vocals? Look no further than the DMV.
Or, at least explore the latest offerings from musicians with roots in the D.C. area.
This year, the region continues its growing roster of nationally-recognizable artists with Maryland rapper Rico Nasty snagging a major-label deal and Northern Virginia singer Kali Uchis releasing her much-anticipated debut full-length.
Whether it’s searing punk or galactic-cool soul, find your next favorite song right around the Beltway.
OG Lullabies, “CRUESCONTROL” EP
The OG , which is what this D.C.-based artist鈥檚 blend of experimental soul, jazz and classical sounds feels like. But rather than a free-floating loss of control, 鈥淐RUESCONTROL鈥� is a guided exploration through an inner universe, where undulating violins, pulsating percussion and OG Lullabies鈥� spry vocals lead to affirming self-realizations.
In September, the multi-instrumentalist, singer and producer will take her talents to Berlin for the 20th anniversary of with 60 other musicians chosen from around the world. include L.A. producer TOKiMONSTA, New York rapper Zebra Katz and D.C. (but now Brooklyn-based) rapper Oddisee.
Listen also on .听
Rico Nasty, “Nasty”聽
If 2017 was the Year of Goldlink 鈥� his hit single 鈥淐rew鈥� went platinum and snagged the rapper a Grammy nom 鈥� then 2018 is truly the Year of Rico Nasty. From to to , music news outlets can鈥檛 get enough of the Maryland rapper. And, after five mixtapes and a growing, fervent fan base, she鈥檚 inked a deal with Atlantic Records, also home to Missy Elliott and Cardi B.
Her sixth mixtape, 鈥淣asty,鈥� is her first release under the record label and the clearest realization of her punk-trap sounds. Try and warn people ahead of time if you鈥檙e listening in public, because you will start moshing.
Listen on or .听In this photo: Rico Nasty performs onstage at the Atlantic Records “Access Granted” Showcase on June 13, 2018 in New York City.
(Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Atlantic Records )
Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Atlantic Records
Kali Uchis, “Isolation”
Now based in L.A., the Northern Virginia songstress has finally dropped her debut full-length, following much buzz for her sultry, genre-blending pop soul sounds on 2012鈥檚 mixtape 鈥淒runken Babble鈥� and 2015鈥檚 EP 鈥淧or Vida.鈥�
鈥淚solation鈥� is a crystallization of Uchis鈥� vision, where throwback soul moments seem reminiscent of Amy Winehouse, but slinky rhythms, seductive bass and the sprinkling of Spanish within the mostly English-language album clear the way for her own path. Optimal listening situations include an empty diner at 3 a.m. after a night of dancing, or a rooftop with a view of the sinking sun as the sky bursts with pinks, oranges and a shy sliver of baby blue.
Listen on or .听In this photo: Kali Uchis performs at the Coachella Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on Friday, April 20, 2018, in Indio, California.
(Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP
Bacchae, “Bacchae” EP聽
Following its this D.C. punk quartet releases its ferocious self-titled EP, complete with acrobatic guitars, rollicking drums and biting vocals that demand action. Whether it鈥檚 to dance or to shake off people鈥檚 expectations, get ready for nonstop motion.
(Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
More to check out:聽
Mock Identity, “”
Honey, “”
Lul Big Brother, “”
LET,
Rezt, “”
Den-Mate,””
(album “Loceke” comes out Sept. 28)
