BRNDA Bandmates’ Hope for Return of House Shows + Love for Pie Shop

From hardcore punk to go-go, the District’s independent music scene has always been lush. A myriad of identities, ideologies and sentiments, artists in the DMV are informed by their proximity to the nation’s capital. With the help of independent venues giving a voice to up-and-coming and under-the-radar talent, artists like April + VISTA, BRNDA and Lightmare are making waves in D.C.’s unparalleled DIY scene. Concert photographer Mike Kim goes backstage with these artists and the venues most meaningful to them. 

Favorite venue
BRNDA: Pretty much all venues in town try their best to be accommodating and supportive to bands, so it’s hard for us to pick a favorite. One thing we really miss is playing house shows. We hope those start to come back soon.

First concert
Maybe seeing my dad play in his jazz band.

Band motto
No covers, no love songs.

Album you’d bring to a desert island
Probably a Brian Eno album, maybe “Ambient” one, two or four (not three)
or “Discreet Music.”

Go-to fall activity
Making hot food like soup or pretzels and sitting around a fire with some friends.

Why Pie Shop?
Way back, maybe eight years ago, we practiced on the first floor where you could reserve practice rooms. We had some good times in those rooms, learning how to be a band. Lots of our friends are also working there these days, and we also really appreciate a good vegan pie.

Check out BRNDA at their December 10 show at Lost City Books. Learn more at brendatheband.com // @brndatheband.

Pie Shop: pieshopdc.com // @pieshopdc

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