"When there is nothing left to burn, set yourself on fire." - Stars
Saturday, June 19, 2010
I had the privilege to check out Protect-U at one of my favorite new venues U street Music Hall. Will Eastman and crew have set up a kick ass venue with one of, if not the best sound systems I have ever experienced. Project U transformed the crowd from a spastic dance party into a mesmerized mega zombie, all bodies combined. I hadn't heard about Protect-U until my friend invited me to check out their set. I was quickly taken over by their music and would highly recommend going to see them perform.
Also for more MP3 listens & vinyls go to: http://futuretimes.org/
Check him out. Every performance is an experience and I have yet to grow tired of anything he is doing. I have a very short attention span, so that means a lot. He is a district prodigy.
Last night the Fridge was filled as BlueBrain, once again, murdered their set. Hailing from Arlington, Va, BlueBrain is the Frankenstein of brothers Hays and Ryan Holladay. Trying to describe the essence of BlueBrain can be rather challenging, however Story/Stereo music curator Chad Clark (co-curator Matt Byars) does it best with, "Bluebrain's music is electric, serrated, often abstract, always texture-fixated. Upon first listening, you will detect a decidedly futurist bent. However, under the veneer of hallucinogenic, technological treatments, there is storytelling and communication. Each song is a vista unto itself and they often highlight this with a video component to their performances. The word "multimedia" is a little banal, but it applies here."
The "tiny" gathering (about 120 bodies give or take) was located at The Fridge Gallery in Eastern Market and made for another wonderful, out of the box experience. The space was filled with art, booze, art and dancing... wait did I mention there was art? Owner Alex Gold has set up a great space and if you get a chance you should definitely go check it out.
Sticking with the year of the tiger theme, it was only fitting to highlight Lou Tully as my first local artist. He currently resides in Richmond but is a native member of the district (Alexandria more specifically). As a member of the hip hop crew Bugs Raleigh, Lou Tully has attacked the scene as a charming yet fierocous MC. His unique voice sets him apart from other MCs in the area. It is rough, edgey, and definitely a suprise.
Encounters is the debut solo mixtape for Lou Tully and features run-ins with: Feist, edIT, Loefah, Department of Eagles, Kode 9, Flufftronix, Passion Pit, Ratatat, The Who, Iggy Pop, Joker, Washed Out, Nosaj Thing, Flying Lotus, and The Presets. My personal favorites are the third track Reeling & Stumbling and the ninth track Sorry Darling. They both highlight his raw talent as an MC and also his ear for mash-ups. Below I have included a link to his mixtape so you can check out one of dc's brightest new talents. He is a king amoung is pack.
"Music is the air I breathe, the prayer I leave Rippin' in the atmosphere up there in the breeze Stronger then the revolution that you wear on your sleeve It's all I know not an idea you believe" -Talib Kweli
According to the Chinese calendar 2010 is the year of the Tiger. The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, and it is a sign of bravery. Tigers live dangerously which often leads to trouble. They take risks and are always searching for excitement. I am going to live 2010 as a tiger. As of January 1st I will be a resident of the district and eager to start a new adventure. To top off this exploration I am starting a blog. It will focus on local artists and friends, more specifically musicians. The district is exploding with new innovative art and I think its time to expose it. To wrap up my 2009 music experience here is the list of my top DC artists thus far:
Bluebrain Lou Tully (Bugs Raleigh Crew member) Educated Consumers New Rock Church of Fire US Royalty Laughing Man Fffever K-Beta Dave Nada
This blog is named after my late mother who passed away in July of last year (2009). She was blessed with the beautiful name Melody and I thought it was only fitting to use it for my music blog. When she was my age she had a road named after her in the Pocono's called 'Melody Lane'. She is my inspiration.
"Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that all was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men for they may act their dream with open eyes and make it possible." - T.E. Lawrence
