DMV Music Update

OG Lullabies, Chris Allen, The Khan, Dreamcast, Nappy Nappa & Pat Cain, and Winzday Love

New Def Jam Records signee, Beau Young Prince photographed by @iamjakewashere.

The last several weeks have been loaded with major releases and announcements within the DMV music community.  Odd Mojo's remix collaboration with MILK$ featured on the Sounds of D.C. vol. II playlist and the surprise drop of Tony Kill and Sir E.U's joint project African American Psycho feel like timely additions to the sonic landscapes.  Moreover, budding stars Rico Nasty and Beau Young Prince celebrated record label signings with Atlantic and Def Jam, respectively.  Let's recap some of the other music that's been released by DMV artists recently.

OG Lullabies - Raw Channels Vol. I

A virtuoso--adept in violin, guitar, piano, and other instruments I am no doubt missing--OG Lullabies has given listeners a streamlined version of her sound with a short EP, Raw Channels Vol. I.  It's a soothing contrast from her cosmic sounding project Cruescontrol, which she debuted earlier this year.  Focusing on her unique vocals and acoustics, the entire EP runs under six minutes.  Be sure to give her rendition of "Dream a Little Dream of Me" a listen, available on all streaming platforms.

Chris Allen - "60 Seconds"

Maybe you've heard songwriter Chris Allen perform his Ashes EP in Pittsburgh, but his roots are in Washington, D.C.  His latest track, "60 Seconds" leverages a Jay Rock sample as his theme of spirituality delivers an uplifting message, "You will not fall to the wayside."  InTheRough will have more from Allen soon.

The Khan - Free Jesse: The Mixtape

Still embarked on the Resurrection Tour with Sick Boy Rari (AKA Black Kray) and Wifigawd, The Khan has released his follow up mixtape to Khanner.  Both tour mates are on the project converting their hectic shows into a pocket-sized rage mosh-able anywhere. Should you need proof, check out Khan's wild night at Uptown Art House.

Dreamcast - "Throat"

Dreamcast teased the visuals to his latest song, "Throat" way back in January.  Shot in a cabin deep in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Dreamcast is seen bedridden, emotionally paralyzed following the collapse of a relationship.  Read more about the Kevin Chamber directed video in the soulful singer's second media hit by The Fader.  Stay tuned for Dreamcast's long awaited EP, which is set to be completed by end of summer.

Nappy Nappa & Pat Cain - Model Home

Pat Cain at Uptown Art House photographed by Maxwell Young.

Nappy Nappa follows up his latest individual project, +HEARTMATH+ REQUIEM UV UNIVERSAL REQUEST--a 35-minute mix on SoundCloud that nods to the modern wave of hip hop--with experimental textures in Model Home.  The eleven-track tape is a joint effort with experimentalist/audio engineer/saxophonist/tinkerer, Pat Cain. This pairing becomes even deadlier and less predictable when they become Delta 7, a quartet including Sir E.U and Tony Kill. A project looms at large according to fellow member of Lads, Auto Dickerson.

Winzday Love - "DRAGONS"

Winzday Love is full of cosmic energy, and according to her latest single, "DRAGONS" she's walked this earth before.  Love sings, "Yes, yes. We are 1000 years old," as she dances in front of meditating band members Kwesi Lee, Alireza, and Airospvce.  We'll wait and see if a full project is on the horizon since this is her first official video/single release.

Funk Parade 2018 This Saturday

Funk Parade is a one-of-a-kind day fair, parade, and music festival celebrating Washington D.C.'s vibrant music and arts as well as the unifying spirit of funk throughout the historic U Street neighborhood.  If you're looking for a glimpse into the groups and faces who make up the music and art communities of the District, the fifth annual Funk Parade is an experience you don't want to miss.

“It’s the largest collection of local musicians playing on one day.”

— Jamal Gray, Director of Uptown Art House

Kwesi Lee of Nag Champa performing at Funk Parade 2017.  Photograph by Maxwell Young

The U Street corridor has long been a cultural pulse for the nation's capital.  For instance, following the armistice of World War II, the heavyweight victory of Joe Louis, and the 2008 election of President Obama, the neighborhood streets erupted in "typhoons of joy."  The soul of live music resides on the sidewalks and hallmark venues as well.  District-born jazz musicians Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway were staples of the defunct Bohemian Caverns, which now serves as a back-drop for local street performances.  The Lincoln and Howard theaters have amplified premiere acts nationwide from genres including jazz, soul, blues, and hip hop.

Sparked by a vivid dream of musicians, marching bands, neighbors, and strangers rejoicing in the sounds of the District, founders Justin Rood and Chris Naoum have consolidated this rich tradition into a day of movement, education, and good vibrations.  This year on Saturday, May 12 there will be festivities during the day and night at various stages and venues around the U Street corridor.  Read on for details regarding sets, showtimes, and destinations.

Day Fair 1-7pm (see other stage info here)

DC As Funk Stage

One Love Massive

625 T St. NW

One Love Massive is an artist collective that embodies the belief that music is a unifying force that defies all classifications and can unite D.C.  Its operations are actually in the U Street neighborhood where they will be hosting some of the District's most recognizable talents including Malik DOPE Drummer (3:40pm), Pinky Killacorn (3:55pm), Sir E.U (6pm), Ace Ono (2:25pm), and WInzday Love (1:50pm) throughout the day and evening.

Evening Music Festival 7pm 'til late

Funk Parade Lincoln Theater Showcase

1215 U St. NW

7:30pm showtime

Funk Parade has partnered with Trillectro--another DMV music festival--to host a night showcase at Lincoln Theater.  For $15 ($20 at the door) listeners are guaranteed to be in a groovy pocket for the duration of the show.  Heavy-hitters Ari Lennox, Mannywellz, and Dreamcast grace the stage.  Moreover, the lovely Ayes Cold, Native Sun, and Underdog will be on the ones-and-twos--I'll vouch for them any day of the week.

Uptown Art House Experience at Flash DC

645 Florida Ave NW

7:30pm

The Art House gets back to the vibrations of live music following its audiovisual production, The Landing at the Kennedy Center.  Commanding one of the grooviest joints in the District, Flash DC, Uptown Art House will be hosting the incomparable, enigmatic Nag Champa Art Ensemble.  Expect to hear some new sounds from the veteran musicians as they prepare to release their debut project '68.  Special guests include electronic DJs Ledroit and St. Clair Castro.

OTHERFEELS Funk Parade Showcase at Local 16

1602 U St. NW

7pm

Founded by James Scott, OTHERFEELS has created an intimate experience of bourgeoning DMV artists through carefully selected performance bills, a radio show, and most recently a cocktail bar in Adams Morgan called Loves Me Not.  On Saturday, the label will host percussionist and pianist FootsXColes as well as BlaqueStone.

Funk Parade at Velvet Lounge

915 U St. NW

7pm

With music performances both downstairs and upstairs from 12pm to 3am, Velvet Lounge will be quite the gathering place.  Odd Mojo returns to the venue following an epic release party for her new album Channel Yo Mojo.  She is joined by R&B, neo soul group Not.Alone and PNMA.