Hometown Sounds

Hey Hometown Sounds Readers!

My name is Tony Porreco, and Paul recently asked me if I’d like to become a contributor to Hometown Sounds.   (I said yes, of course.)   I’m a D.C. native who’s been back in the area for a couple years after having done school at the University of Delaware (M.A., B.A.).  It’ll be unsurprising to read then that I became interested in the D.C. music scene last year on account of my also being a musician who plays guitar in the local band Black Checker.

I’ve become pretty passionate about the D.C. scene, and I get out to local shows fairly frequently (~1-2 a week).  Likewise, I’ve been working hard the last several months to document the performances of D.C. musicians by way of video and photo.  I curate and manage a YouTube channel containing videos from the shows I attend, with the goal of generating new exposure for artists making music in D.C.

Live Picks!

Now I’ll say a bit about the writing I’ll be doing for HTS, which is going to involve a regular column called Live Picks!    Good shows deserve good turnout, so in each installment, I’ll be selecting an exciting band/artist with an upcoming show that week and doing an in depth profile of (a.) the artist, (b.) their work, and (c.) why you should go see them.  Really, what I’m aiming to do for HTS readers is pair music journalism with a sense of urgency and purpose: Music writing is something that shouldn’t be done in a vacuum for its own sake, independent of real-life happenings, and I think that’s especially true at the local level where you have the opportunity to see these acts perform.  So, if I’m writing someone up, it’s because they’re both compelling AND playing at a venue near you.

Look for the first installment soon.

Born in Wisconsin to a pianist and a Dylan fan with a healthy classic-rock record collection, I’ve been fed a steady diet of musical tunes since day one. I’m drawn to anything with a rootsy vibe, thanks to early exposure to folk and a deep loyalty to the Oklahoma indie and Americana I enjoyed in college. My stint as a jazz singer infused my taste with strains of the blues, and my own classical training gives me an appreciation for practiced talent and innovative composition. I’m especially excited about experimental music and new approaches to old styles. More than anything, I admire anyone who creates unique sounds.

I moved to Petworth from the prairies of the snowy Midwest in June 2012. Even though I’m new to the DC arts scene, I have an appetite for all things local. I prefer living room shows and dark, divey bars to arena stages, and I’ve even been known to haunt open mics in hopes of hearing something fresh. In addition to hosting shows at my cozy rowhouse in Northwest DC, I’m looking to meet artists from all walks of life in the metro area and expand my ear. My penchant for local music means I’ll be prowling the venues in search of new artists to support and new tunes to plug in to.