Continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting local music, On Tap Magazine proudly presents our 2010 Local Music Compilation – Listen Local, Listen Free. Each month a different band from the DC metro area is highlighted in the magazine. In past years all artists were featured on a compilation CD released each January. But in a sign of the times, we’ve taken it all online. As always, the music is free and we hope that you will join us January 22nd at Clarendon Grill for our local music showcase featuring Memphis 59, Modern Thieves, Boys Will Be Boys and a farewell performance from Citizen*. No cover if you get in before 10pm. $5 after 10.
And now for the bands!
- Memphis 59
Memphis 59
Based in Arlington, VA Memphis 59 gets its name from the chronicles of rock and roll History. Singer-songwriter Scott Kurt, bassist Richard Lewis and drummer Chris Zogby create an alt-country/rock/pop sound influenced by artists like Tom Petty, Paul Westerberg, Bruce Springsteen and The Old 97’s.
What was the highlight of 2010? Two of our songs charted on Radio Free Texas – Texas’s largest online radio station. Songs are played and ranked based on listener requests. It’s a great feeling when people in another part of the country are requesting your songs with that kind of frequency. To hear our songs in among artists that we admire like Rodney Crowell, John Hiatt or Reckless Kelly was something special.
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? Luke Brindley; Fools & Horses from Baltimore always put on a good show. Todd Wright writes great songs. We’re looking forward to The Walkaways new CD, another band with our producer John Jennings.
Tell us about your day jobs: At the risk of shattering our rockstar image, we decline to answer.
What are you looking forward to in 2011? We are working on new material and setting up some tour dates, some with our friends from Pittsburgh, The Clarks; sharing the stage with them is always a blast.
Upcoming gigs: 1/22 – On Tap’s On the Verge Showcase @Clarendon Grill; 4/1 – 123 Pleasant Street w/ the Clarks, Morgantown, WV; 4/2 – The State Theatre w/ the Clarks, Falls Church, VA (Tentative)
Website: www.memphis59.com
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- Boys Will Be Boys
Boys Will Be Boys
Mike, Lehi and Mark’s Myspace profile bio reads “A band of straight guys from VA, giddy up.” More than that BWBB is a pop-punk band offering hints of metal and dance as well.
What was the highlight of 2010? Playing 9:30 Club for the first time. Growing up around the Northern VA/Metro DC area we always went to shows there and met some of our favorite bands at the venue. To finally be able to play there, bring out a big crowd and get the 9:30 Club Green Room treatment we have always heard about was a true blessing for our band. Talked about as the best venue in the nation, it was a great bucket list knock-off.
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? We’ve been rocking Lehi’s older brother’s band, Crash Boom Bang’s top 40/club sound. We also listen to our boys in My Favorite Highway (RIP), The Friday Night Boys (RIP), The Downtown Fiction and Sing Me Insomnia.
Tell us about your day jobs: Making music our day job is the ultimate goal, but for right now, Mark and Lehi work at the Apple retail stores at Fair Oaks and Tyson’s Corner. Mike is an estimator for an electrical contracting company.
What are you looking forward to in 2011? We’ve taken time off to write and demo stuff on a ‘ghetto 8 track’ in Mark’s basement, with two weeks in January lined up to finally record some new material. People will be pleasantly surprised by our new stuff. We’re moving to LA in April, but don’t worry, Northern VA will always be our home!
Upcoming gigs? 1/22 at Jammin Java with The Bigger Lights, then off to Clarendon Grill for On Tap’s On the Verge Showcase!
Website: www.myspace.com/boyswillbeboys
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- The State Department Photo by Sam Goldstein
The State Department
Ghetto-tech/Post-punk/Rock band The State Department is what happens when vocalist Michael Medlock from Black & White Jacksons teams up with Ra-Ra Rasputin’s guitarist Patrick Kigongo, bassist Jason Mogavero and new drummer Aaron Baird come together. Influences range from Kirsty Alley’s Twitter feed to Echo & The Bunnymen.
What was the highlight of 2010? We have some amazing times at West Virginia University, in Pittsburgh and in NYC this year. We also played our first sold out show at the Rock & Roll Hotel in October. That was a lot of fun.
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? We’re collectively big fans of Imperial China. I (Medlock) also love Ra Ra Rasputin and Loose Lips. I also just recently saw Rival Skies the other night and was very impressed.
Tell us about your day jobs: Aaron works on the Hill (covering up Senator’s sex scandals, I think?), Jason is a writer and editor, Patrick works for a labor rights non-profit and I’m an astronaut/race car driver.
What are you looking forward to in 2011? We’re playing our first headlining show on the Black Cat’s main stage in mid January and I think we all just want to play other cities more and write. Also, Jason wrote a hilarious hipster/zombie spoof that I’m dying to film. We’re going to try to do that in early 2011.
Upcoming gigs? 1/14 – The Black Cat and a house party sometime in March.
Website: www.myspace.com/thestatedepartment
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- Imperial China
Imperial China
DC based trio Imperial China combine sounds for a style of confrontational art rock that’s definitively DC. But expect the band to transcend mere comparisons to likeminded acts with the release of their new album, Phosphenes.
What was the highlight of 2010? Releasing our first record on our favorite DC label, Socket Records, in February was a great accomplishment. They are a label that seems to be doing the most interesting and community-oriented work in local music. Our guitarist Matt got engaged this year, so that was a pretty big highlight.
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? Hume is constantly changing things up with different sounds, band members and instrument line-ups, making the most interesting music in DC right now. It makes you want to really produce something great yourself. Also Buildings and Caverns and we really love that we’ve become friends with some other good DC bands like The State Department and Ra Ra Rasputin.
Tell us about your day jobs: One of us is a transportation planner, another is an attorney and another works for an IT consulting firm – not suuuper exciting.
What are you looking forward to in 2011? We go back into the studio in February or March to record our second album. We’re really excited, because the music will be different than anything we’ve done to this point. Hopefully, it will be simultaneously more noisy and more catchy. We want to make it a more cohesive overall sound than what we’ve done before.
Upcoming gigs? None! We’re just trying to finish writing some new material for the next album!
Website: www.impchin.com
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- Middle Distance Runner
Middle Distance Runner
Indie-pop band hailing from Washington, DC, Middle Distance Runner formed in 2005, is currently recording their fourth album. Drummer Erik Dean, bassist Tony Acompora, guitarist and keyboardist Jay Smith and lead singer Stephen Kilroy have been featured in commercials and on several cable and TV trailers.
What was the highlight of 2010? We got to play the rooftop of the Kennedy Center, which was pretty amazing. Also, one of our songs was in the trailer for The Company Men. Ben Affleck is dreamy!
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? We’re really into the Vita Ruins’ latest release. They produced it really well and they’ve always written really interesting stuff.
Tell us about your day jobs: Steve is a hooker and the rest of us are professional basketball players, but in Europe, not the NBA.
What are you looking forward to in 2011? Releasing our new album, Fitness and getting the booties shakin’ again. It’s been too long, y’all.
Upcoming gigs? We don’t have any shows lined up at the moment, because we’re too busy recording new tracks and setting European basketball scoring records!
Website: www.middledistancerunner.com
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- Starryville
Starryville
Hailing from Virginia and France, Starryville has a combined 20 years of experience to create the type of music everyone needs, pure rock and roll, collectively influenced by retro, modern and alternative rock sounds. Do not look for us in one tiny box, category or stereotype.
What was the highlight of 2010? Connecting with our drummer Andrew and having him fit in seamlessly.
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? Last Train Home, Jumpin Jupiter, Helo, Schiavone
Tell us about your day jobs: Alexes is a yoga instructor, PJ is a designer, Dr. Thorn is a scientist Andrew is a massage therapist.
What are you looking forward to in 2011? Recording and releasing a new studio CD and live CD/DVD combo and summer shows.
Upcoming gigs? 1/12 – Jammin Java, 2/26 Public House No 7
Website: www.starryville.com
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- Lloyd Dobbler Effect
Lloyd Dobbler Effect
The Lloyd Dobbler Effect (LDE) has been together 8 years, toured over forty states and thirteen countries and has headlined multiple international Armed Forces Entertainment tours. Phil Kominski, Donnie Williams, Chris Bruno and Patrick Hughes thought the main character of the 1989 movie “Say Anything” played by John Cusack, sounded cool.
What was the highlight of 2010? 2010 was an interesting year. We released a record on a label (one that we basically had nothing to do with except record parts), released a record that we were actually a part of, called “Experience”, toured as much as any other year (about 250 shows) and wrote a few songs.
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? We have always liked Juniper Lane and Lionize. We play with a lot of great musicians and we really like most of the acts that are from this area.
Tell us about your day jobs: Music is a full time job for us. We tour a lot. No day jobs.
What are you looking forward to in 2011? We are planning on releasing THREE albums in 2011. We are looking forward to THAT!!!! Lots of work, in addition to our gigs, but it will be a lot of fun.
Upcoming gigs? Lots and lots. Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Iowa, Illinois, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, several other states. Looking forward to another great year!
Website: www.ldeband.com
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- Citizen*
Citizen*
First there was Everyone But Pete. 5 ½ years later, came new guitarist VH and Citizen*. Both bands have had quite a following in DC. But, after seven years together, Jimmy, Brian, VH and Lane are calling it quits. On Tap Magazine is honored to host their final appearance together on January 22 at Clarendon Grill for our On the Verge showcase.
What was the highlight of 2010? Just being a part of the music scene. Over the last 7 years we’ve made some great friendships and played with some of the best local bands on the east coast including national acts that we never thought possible. It’s been an amazing ride that we will never forget and 2010 was an enjoyable year for Citizen* to simply take it all in and look back at what we’ve accomplished including playing the DC101 Chili Cook-Off with Better than Ezra, Hoobastank, Tonic and the Bloodhound Gang, playing 9:30 Club twice, winning countless “battle of the bands,” and recording 3 EPs that we’re extremely proud of.
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? We’ve always loved our boys The Blackjacks, Honor by August and Crash Boom Bang. We’re also super pumped to see all of the success that The Bigger Lights, Hotspur and Parachute have seen as of late! Keep doing your thing guys!
Tell us about your day jobs: We all work from home out of the same house, keeping the dream alive!
What are you looking forward to in 2011? Continuing to play and record in our home studios and having our friends and fans keep digging our tunes. At the end of the day, that’s the only thing it’s been about for us from day one.
Anything you’d like to say to your supporters? As for Citizen*, sadly, this will be our final show. We are parting ways in order to pursue individual passions, but we’ll continue to write together and pursue our love of music. We wanted to take this time to thank ALL of our friends, fans and most importantly our family who have all been incredibly supportive over the last 7 years as we pursued our dream. Without you Citizen* (and EBP) would not have been possible. Looking back it’s been such an amazing ride and we’ve created stories and memories enough for 10 lifetimes that we’ll never forget. Words simply can’t express what you mean to us and what you’ve given us. For 7 years we lived like rockstars and we have no regrets and for that we thank-you from the bottom of our hearts. These are your boys from Citizen*, signing off…
- The Dance Party
The Dance Party
It seems like a common rock and roll cliché for bands to move to Hollywood, party with reckless abandon and hang out at strip clubs. For Washington D.C.’s The Dance Party, the L.A. party lifestyle seemed like the most obvious next step in their career. They rock without irony. They want to melt your face. They want to have sex with you. They want to headline the first Rock & Roll Festival on the Moon. They want to rule the world.
What was the highlight of 2010? Releasing our new record “Touch” and touring with Atomic Tom
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? Casper Bangs, Ra Ra Rasputin and Minor Threat are our favorites these days.
Tell us about your day jobs: We don’t have day jobs anymore, we are touring and constantly writing for the next record.
What are you looking forward to in 2011? New girlfriends, new tour dates and playing the entire Warped Tour this summer.
Upcoming gigs? 1/7 Headlining 930 Club and then hitting the road with our friends WALLPAPER and K-FLAY.
Website: www.myspace.com/thedanceparty
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- Modern Thieves
Modern Thieves
Hardly newcomers to the Washington, D.C. music scene, Modern Thieves formed in early 2010 and instantly broke out with a promising five-track EP and a stream of local performances. Singer Ryan Murphy, Politicks guitarist Mike Trella and drummer Brendan McCourt, along with new bassist Mike Tony Echols and guitarist Dan Mudge expertly blend rock, alternative and dance music into a sultry, pleasantly infectious groove of their own.
What was the highlight of 2010? Forming Modern Thieves, headlining 9:30 Club when we had only been playing together for 2 months and shooting two professional music videos (something Brendan and Mike never got to do with Politicks), are among the top highlights. Brendan got to meet Clinton Portis and received the Commander’s Award from Toys for Tots. Tequila Mama was especially epic and a memorable weekend. Ryan has enjoyed his first time as a lead singer saying it’s been everything he hoped it would be.
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? Everyone loves Future, Brendan has friends in a number of DC bands, but loves Bad Luck Blue Eyes; Dan thinks Rob Hornfreck of The Rob Hornfeck Enterprise is one of the best guitarists in the area. They loved working with Marcus Johnson. The Independent, The Influence and Practically Einstein all made it on the collective list as well.
Tell us about your day jobs: Brendan oversees the web presence and marketing for a global peace building nonprofit in DC, freelances web & graphic design and plays in three bands. “Sleep? Never.” Dan teaches guitar and plays in bands. Mike Trella also teaches guitar, but is an engineer and produces music and is currently pursuing his MBA in Entertainment Business. Ryan is a geotechnical inspector in civil engineering. “It sounds more interesting than it is. Or maybe it doesn’t sound interesting at all. Rock on” Mike. Tony Echols is a full time musician.
What are you looking forward to in 2011? Modern Thieves’ full-length album debut, tons of shows, college tours and a few too-soon-to announce opportunities. Ryan says, “What am I NOT looking forward to?! The biggest thing has got to be our first LP release, but we’ve got several potentially HUGE things in the hopper, so it’s gonna be fun to see what comes of it all! Mike’s all giddy about it. He often giggles. It’s creepy.”
Upcoming gigs? 1/13 – Tortoise & Hare, Arlington; 1/22 at Clarendon Grill with OnTap!; 2/19 – Jammin’ Java with Future.
Website: www.modernthievesmusic.com
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- Screen Vinyl Image
Screen Vinyl Image
Jake & Kim Reid are former members of VA/DC shoegazer’s Alcian Blue and are still a part of the VA shoegaze scene. Their music is Electronic/Psychedelic with influences like Tangerine Dream, Patrick Cowley, John Carpenter and Jesus and Mary Chain.
What was the highlight of 2010? Playing Austin Psych Fest 3.
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? Night & The City, Phonic Riot, Last Tide and SansYou.
Tell us about your day jobs: Inspiration to want to come home and play music.
What are you looking forward to in 2011? We’re working on another record, then more touring.
Upcoming gigs? 2/11, Mansion at Strathmore Presents Friday Night Eclectic Benefit for Washington Animal Rescue League with Screen Vinyl Image, Bellflur, Daddy Lion 8pm, GA $10.
Website: www.screenvinylimage.com
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- Danni Rosner
Danni Rosner
The child of a professional jazz pianist and an artist, singer/songwriter/pianist Danni Rosner is no stranger to creativity. In addition to being On Tap’s most recent Bud Band in the December 2010 issue, she recently performed and WON at the Apollo Theater’s highly competitive Amateur Night.
What was the highlight of 2010? There are so many! My song “In the City” was on A&E’s ‘Teach: Tony Danza’ this past October, playing a San Diego showcase with one of my favorite bands, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, in February, recently interviewed one of my favorite singers, Alex Cluba, for my TV show.
What local bands are you currently listening to/following? I really dig local bands “The Independent” & “We Were Kings” – the lead singers are super dreamy and talented -Dan Goldberger & Nate Ihara.
What is your day job? I host a music video TV show called “Strictly Global” for a national channel on MHz Networks- It exposes me to new bands and music from all over the globe. We film at Jammin Java & The State Theatre- so I always get to preview their schedules and get my fill of java / chips & hummus!
What are you looking forward to in 2011? I can’t wait to see what happens in the new year- tons of plans for some west coast gigs & a possible new tour, new record coming out and some more film and TV placements (I’ll keep you all posted… but some fun things in the works!)
Upcoming gigs? 1/12 – Urban Outfitters, Philadelphia, PA; 1/15 – 9:30 Club opening for VA Coalition; 1/24 – Galaxy Hut.
Website: www.dannirosner.com
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