We waited so very patiently for new jams from indie pop supergroup Bad Moves, and just last month we got it with the catchy “Cool Generator”. Now Don Giovanni Records and Baby Pony Food Productions reward us again with the new single “One Thing”. The song deals with keeping secrets, so the David Combs and Ben Epstein directed video references top secret keepers from the band’s youth. We get a strong Carmen Sandiego vibe from dancer and bassist Emma Cleveland’s performance around the Chinatown neighborhood. Bad Moves sold out their tour kickoff show last week at Union Stage, so maybe you should grab tix now for their next hometown show with Bat Fangs opening for Hop Along at the 9:30 Club on Tuesday June 5th.
Hometown Sounds
Showing The World How DC Rocks
Category Archives: video
DuPont Brass – Make It (Tiny Desk Contest)
We aren’t letting a year go by without highlighting a Tiny Desk Contest entry by DuPont Brass. Even though the jazz + hip-hop ensemble recently released their sophomore LP Eclectic Soul, they gave us a brand new song called “Make It” with some wicked trumpet wailing and slick rapping. Catch them next on Friday May 18th kicking off the album release show for Handsome Hound on the Black Cat Mainstage.
Flo Anito & Seth Kibel – Tiny Hands, Big Desk (Tiny Desk Contest)
Clarinet shredder Seth Kibel of Pikesville MD has channeled his feelings on the current political climate into a series of tunes worthy of the legendary Capitol Steps. You’d expect “Tiny Hands, Big Desk” to appear on his most recent album Songs of Snark and Despair, but it’s a brand new tune composed with DC jazz singer Flo Anito for the 2018 Tiny Desk Contest from NPR Music. There’s no denying the finesse of this talented duo in adapting the contest rules and name to suit their concerned political commentary.
Crys Matthews – By My Side (Tiny Desk Contest)
2017 saw singer Crys Matthews release both a full length album and an EP, because sometimes music just comes rushing out in a torrent. The lead-off track from the album The Imagineers is “By My Side”, a beautiful tribute to her ten year old puppy named Juice. Now thanks to NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest, Juice gets her day in the spotlight as Matthews serenades her with all the ways dogs and cats and furry pets of all kinds make our lives better. Voting is open now for Favorite Dogs of the 2018 Tiny Desk Contest, so show Matthews and Juice some love before polls close Friday at noon.
Dope Francis – With The Beanie On (Tiny Desk Contest)
We like to think Dope Francis is paying homage to the beloved 266th Pontiff of the Catholic Church with their cheeky name. The self-described “Loungecortet” released their debut EP Good For late last year, but their 2018 entry to NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest is a new song called “With The Beanie On”, pairing a mellow groove to catchy lyrics. Keep your eyes peeled for the tiny desk cameo.
The JoGo Project – Dear Draylen (Tiny Desk Contest)
DC, get ready because this video has some big feels. Fronted by saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed, The JoGo Project updates DC’s signature go-go sound with influences from jazz, rock and hip-hop. Their 2018 entry for NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest is called “Dear Draylen”, and its description requires quoting in full:
Draylen Mason was a 17 year old Double Bassist, who was said to be “the most remarkable talent” in a youth orchestra program at University of Texas at Austin. Though only in high school, those who knew him said he was a kind soul who inspired those around him through his music. He’s also been described as an “aspiring neurosurgeon” and a “Black Belt Martial Artist.”
Draylen Mason was killed when a bomb went off inside his home in east Austin on March 12th 2018. He was the second to be killed by Austin’s serial bomber.
Before his death, he was one of only 130 accepted applicants to earn a spot at Ohio’s Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He had already been chosen before he died but students weren’t told of decisions until Friday afternoon.
His life is one cut much too short and we were inspired to create a song in his honor.
“He was one of us”, indeed. Contribute to the Draylen Mason Memorial Fund through YouCaring.
Justin Trawick – All The Places That I’ve Been (Tiny Desk Contest)
Songwriter Justin Trawick wrote the 20th century historical survey ballad “All The Places That I’ve Been” from inspiration from his 98 year old grandmother Lenore. His entry in the 2018 Tiny Desk Contest appears on his most recent EP Riverwash with his band The Common Good. As we mentioned in our humble advice Don’t Stay Home this week, Trawick leads his rotating collective of 9 singer-songwriters tonight at Union Stage, and your life would be richer and more satisfying by enjoying this show.
Lavender – Fade (Tiny Desk Contest)
Bedroom dream pop band Lavender found a unique way to make their debut submission to NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest stand out. They recorded their song “Fade” from their name-your-own-price debut EP You Are In The Right Place in guitarist Alli Vega’s bedroom, at the same desk where the EP came together. It’s tough to squeeze four musicians in a bedroom into one camera frame, so guitarist Trent Burns filmed the performance in 360 degrees. Swipe or drag your mouse around to see all of them, or just check out Alli’s cool wall art and lighting. Their next show is Sunday April 22nd at Slash Run with DC’s BabeRage and Richmond band Blush Face, so don’t miss it!
Handsome Hound – Austin (Tiny Desk Contest)
Folk ensemble Handsome Hound decided to film their 2018 entry to NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in front of a live audience. Ace portrait photog and Bathtub Republic resident Mark Williams Hoelscher shot the band’s entire show recently at Union Stage, and much of it has found its way to YouTube. “Austin”, the advance single from Handsome Hound’s debut full length album Mountain On Fire, also serves as the contest entry, hoping to woo Bob Boilen and judges with its unabashed love of America’s live music capital. The new album drops Friday May 18th with a show at the Black Cat featuring Dupont Brass and Lauren Calve.
Two Dragons and a Cheetah – Five by Five
WORLD PREMIERE!
Grungey garage rock band Two Dragons and a Cheetah are not afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves. We last heard from the animalistic duo late last year with the political and emotional protest song “November 8, 2016”. Singer/guitarist Maryjo Mattea joined us on our podcast to tell the story of meeting drummer Joel Wu at a work function, and how an enthusiastic bar patron accidentally gave them their name at their first show. Really, go listen now if you missed the show. These personal histories bring us closer to the musicians, and they’re a big reason why we love DC music so much.
“Five by Five”, their new single premiering here today, tells the story of what happened when Wu decided to quit his day job and travel the world for a year. We may dream of doing that when traffic is inexplicably standing still and meetings never seem to end, but Joel actually pulled the trigger and peaced out from DC life. That would have ended most musical partnerships, but this one proved stronger than distance. The video, “a glorified slide show assembled by Maryjo Mattea in iMovie” shows some of those good stories Wu experienced in many many locations.
Wu now lives in Minnesota, but every so often he brings the Two Dragons back to town to rock out with the Cheetah. We strongly suggest you not miss their next show Friday April 6th at the Red Panda House with allthebestkids.
Hometown Sounds 