Music Picks: March 2019

TUESDAY, MARCH 5

Miya Folick
The last time vocal powerhouse Miya Folick graced the DC stages, it was to open for pop legend Kate Nash at the 9:30 Club. She absolutely silenced a crowded room, captivating everyone with her incredible voice and timely lyrics. Her song “Deadbody” is a rallying cry in the time of #MeToo, with a power worthy of Dolores O’Riordan in her delivery, and “Stop Talking” deals with the annoyance of putting up with a friend’s intolerable significant other. Her debut full length album Premonitions was released to much critical acclaim, so don’t miss the chance to see Folick in Songbyrd’s close and personal space before she’s inevitably selling out much bigger venues. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

Alice Phoebe Lou
Adopting jazz’s freedom and pace, Alice Phoebe Lou provides a unique indie sound. While the music flows and changes in a seemingly unplanned manner, her soft voice accompanies the twisting movement each song. Though her career as an artist started as a fire dancer, luckily for us, she eventually found her way to crafting music. Before this tour, she’d only released one LP to date, 2016’s Orbit, but on March 8, her new release Paper Castles is slated to drop. Lou has  also given fans a number of singles, including “Galaxies,” which came out in February. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

Melissa Plett
With a country twang reminiscent of more familiar artists, Melissa Plett has a niche for concocting songs that carry the imagery of classic country. Her 2017 release Ghost Town represented another step forward her journey through the genre, where she showed a mastery over the styles of her debut work Outside the City. If you’re a person who subscribes to the traditional sounds of Kitty Wells, Plett won’t let you down. Show at 10 p.m. Free to attend. Gyspy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com  

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

Oh He Dead
We’re huge fans of DC duo Oh He Dead, comprised of Cynthia Johnson and Andy Valenti. Their masterful blend of soul, R & B and rock makes them perfect for fans of all sorts of music, and while their discography is small, I’m sure you’ll find something relatable in the duo’s poignant lyrics. Does this live show signal new music? I sure hope so, and you should too – here’s to hoping we can hear new tunes and some pre-existing bops that put them on our radar this month. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $12. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 8 – SUNDAY, MARCH 10

Black Girls Rock!
Featuring Jazmine Sullivan, Mumu Fresh and Beverly Bond, this collaboration between the Kennedy Center and Black Girls Rock! is a can’t miss concert. With all three women bringing their own unique styles to the stage, this celebration focuses on the many contributions black women make to the arts scene. This is the inaugural edition of the festival, and includes concerts, panel discussion and book signings. Various times and events. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

Aurora
Enigmatic and ethereal singer-songwriter Aurora has been compared to the likes of Lorde and Lykke Li – despite sharing some surface sensibilities with them, the Norwegian artist’s sound is all her own. The 22-year-old combines the best of synth pop, indie rock and tribal beats paired with empowering lyrics for a vibe that’s inspiring and artistic all at the same time. Doors 6:30 p.m. Tickets $25. Lincoln Theatre: 1215 U St. NW, DC; www.thelincolndc.com

Molly Nilsson
Call Molly Nilsson the queen of dark synth, at least what we’re going to call her. Though the Swedish artist probably wouldn’t describe herself as royalty, this lo-fi star has impeccable songwriting chops, weaving satirical lines with ones of great sentiment. On her latest release, Twenty Twenty, Nilsson further provides her unique view of the world, and of her memories, as the album carries an increasingly retrospective theme. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com  

Sabrina Carpenter
There’s definitely an undeniable formula to good pop music, and there’s nothing wrong with subscribing to artists who display a mastery over this process. Though she’s still relatively young in the game, Sabrina Carpenter has quickly established herself in the pop genre. Not to mention a ton of her tracks make use of positive mantras. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $35. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 12

Men I Trust
Fresh off opening for twee legends Belle and Sebastian and synth pop band Wild Nothing, Montreal’s Men I Trust bring their contemplative and beautiful brand of pop to a headlining tour. Their bass-driven, jazz influenced sounds are a personal favorite to soundtrack long drives or rainy days, as they’ve managed to capture a familiar yet innovative vibe within every single track they’ve released so far. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $13. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Ella Mai
Ella Mai’s first name reminds me of the word eloquence, which is perfect because that’s a word I’d use to describe her style of R&B music. It makes sense too, because after honing the craft since elementary school, Mai’s smooth sound is refined and beautifully breezy, providing an easy listen. This doesn’t mean her songs are shallow, however, as the topics of love and everyday struggles are common occurrences throughout her works. Being that this is her first tour, you’d be wise to catch her now, because the tickets will only get more expensive from here on out. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Fillmore Silver Spring: 8656 Colesville Rd. Silver Spring, MD; www.fillmoresilverspring.com

Full Bush
The little blurb on Songbyrd’s listing describes these women as high energy and in your face, which is pretty much the perfect explanation for their style. With a punk guitar riffs and spirited chants, these four ladies are not unlike Seattle’s Childbirth with lyrics that are fun to yell, and provide a little bit of potty humor. Not to mention, they have killer album art for the self-titled debut album. Doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m. Free to attend, suggested $5 donation. Songbyrd Record Cafe and Music House: 2475 18th St. NW, DC; www.songbyrddc.com

Stella Donnelly
Australian artist Stella Donnelly’s new album Beware of the Dogs comes out a few days before her show, so you’ll have plenty of time to catch up on her new jams before she takes the stage at U Hall. Her brand of disarmingly honest and necessary songwriting (see: calling out the creeps of the world on “Old Man”) and ambient instrumentation provided by her band make her an exciting new voice to keep watch on. While we eagerly await new sounds from Donnelly, prep for the show by throwing her excellent 2018 EP Thrush Metal on repeat. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $15. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Erykah Badu
Few names in neo soul and R&B represent as much as Erykah Badu. The singer, songwriter is best known for her vibrant lyrics matched only by her outfits. Though she hasn’t had a new release since her mixtape But You Caint Use My Phone in 2015, the Dallas native did recently perform at an NPR Tiny Desk Concert last August. Despite the lack of releases, Badu has an extensive discography with a plethora of songs that’ll leave you more than satisfied. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets $75-$145. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com

Loi Loi
Another DC favorite takes to the stage this month, this time to celebrate the release of their new record “Me Dystopia.” While they’re based in DC, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Kristie Di Lascio has ties to both China and Mexico. The group make dark, synthy feminist anthems that feel more relevant than ever recently, so their new album couldn’t possibly arrive at a better time. Doors at 9 p.m., show at 10 p.m. Tickets $15. Comet Ping Pong: 5037 Connecticut Ave. NW, DC; www.cometpingpong.com

Maggie Rose
I never thought about what a mashup of soul and country would be, until I heard Maggie Rose. Her stylings are actually pretty simple, and the sound is natural and easy going. With the laid-back foundation of country and the heartfelt lyrics of soul, Rose does a tremendous job melding the two into the best kind of Frankenstein sound. Show at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $22. U Street Music Hall: 1115 U St. NW, DC; www.ustreetmusichall.com

MONDAY, MARCH 18

CHAI
CHAI’s mission is to make you rethink the concept of “kawaii” (meaning “cute” in their native Japanese). The group boasts a whole host of unique pop-forward influences – they’ve listed Gorillaz and CSS, for example – blended with riot grrrl reminiscent guitars and empowering lyrics. This band is for fans of Hinds, Cherry Glazerr and girl power. Don’t miss some of the best music to come out of Japan recently when CHAI land stateside this month. Another reason not to miss this show: former On Tap cover star and DC native Den-Mate opens. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15. Union Stage: 740 Water St. SW, DC; www.unionstage.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

Massive Attack with Elizabeth Fraser & Horace Andy
As if trip-hop heavyweights Massive Attack touring for the anniversary of their groundbreaking album Mezzanine wasn’t exciting enough, they’re bringing some notable collaborators along with them. Perhaps most exciting is the appearance of Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins and This Mortal Coil, one of the most influential voices in the burgeoning shoegaze scene of the late 80s and early 90s. Fraser also lent her talents to Massive Attack, making this tour even more of a must see. She’s also joined by the band’s frequent collaborator Horace Andy, reggae legend and the only person to appear on every Massive Attack studio album. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $55. The Anthem: 901 Wharf St. SW, DC; www.theanthemdc.com

Veve and the Rebels
This DC-based afro-folk led by vocalist Violet Marley is one of the most original local acts in the area right now. With residences at Washington Performing Arts and the Anacostia Arts Center, this group focuses on storytelling via music, specifically focusing on topics about the African American experience. Marley does an impeccable job making you feel, not only with the words, but with her dynamic voice. 8-10 p.m. Free to attend. Anacostia Arts Center: 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, DC; www.anacostiaartscenter.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Kat Edmonson
Heavily influenced by the theater and old movies, Kat Edmonson taps heavily into the thematic of show tunes on her latest work Old Fashioned Gal. With credits in musicals, both on the stage and screen, you can easily imagine the kind of performances Edmondson put on for herself while writing the music. Now, she’s touring the U.S. on the back of this celebrated release, and with her singing and dancing, this is a show you won’t want to miss. Doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $19.75-$49.75. The Hamilton: 600 14th St. NW, DC; https://live.thehamiltondc.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 22

DILLY DALLY
This Toronto based band’s best quality is frontwoman Katie Monks’ incredible voice. Whether she’s whispering, screaming or some sort of deadpan in between, her delivery of the songs on the band’s newest record Heaven adds an extra layer that sets them apart from other alt-rockers releasing music these days. Paired with charmingly loud instrumentation and punctuated by powerful percussion, there’s many facets to this group that will translate beautifully into a raucous live show. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Rock & Roll Hotel: 1353 H St. NE, DC; www.rockandrollhoteldc.com

Dropping Julia
With a twang, Julia Kresky leads this bluesy group as she offers her unusual blend of rockabilly and blues. Based out of Charlottesville, Virginia, Kresky has performed at numerous venues in the area, bringing her infectious flair several different stages. Show at 10:30 p.m. Free to attend. Gypsy Sally’s: 3401 K St. NW, DC; www.gypsysallys.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

Anoushka Shankar
In a reprise of her packed-house performances in spring 2017, sitar virtuoso and cross-genre adventurer Anoushka Shankar returns to her roots in North Indian classical music. This performance is presented by Washington Performing Arts. Write-up provided by venue. Doors open at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Tickets $40. Sixth & I Historic Synagogue: 600 I St. NW, DC; www.sixthandi.org

THURSDAY, MARCH 28

Fatai
This Australian artist has impeccable pipes, conjuring thoughts of Whitney Houston, and despite this, the most impressive aspect of her musicianship is her ability to pen thoughtful lyrics. She’s currently taking her talents across the U.S. on her Road Less Traveled tour, and while some performers are better behind studio walls, Fatai is all about connecting with her fans face to face in intimate settings. Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m. Tickets $20. Jammin Java: 227 Maple Ave. E. Vienna, VA; www.jamminjava.com

FRIDAY, MARCH 29

Mountain Man
No, the band Mountain Man is not a burly dude with a beard wearing lumberjack gear, that would be obscenely obvious. Rather, this trio of women are a folk trio that’s reuniting after an eight-year hiatus, bringing their latest release Magic Ship. With all members constantly harmonizing with one another, the blend of vocals and occasional strums of the guitar provide a small dose of what living in a cabin on a mountain could be. Look out for M.K. Koszycki’s interview with bandmember Molly Sarle at ontaponline.com later this month. Show at 8 p.m. Tickets $25-$30. The Barns at Wolf Trap: 1635 Trap Rd. Vienna, VA; www.wolftrap.org

MONDAY, APRIL 1

Let’s Eat Grandma
Let’s Eat Grandma’s Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth grabbed the well-deserved attention of many with 2018’s synth heavy, grunge influenced I’m All Ears. The band released their first record I, Gemini two years prior at the tender age of 17 and have only gotten better since. It’s deeply personal yet highly relatable, showcasing the universal feelings surrounding adolescent womanhood and the idea that no matter how isolated you may feel, you never really are alone. The duo’s closeness is palpable on record and was crafted to perfection by GRAMMY-nominated pop pioneer SOPHIE and Faris Badwan of The Horrors. If you missed them at U Street Music Hall last year, now’s your chance to fix that. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets $20. 9:30 Club: 815 V St. NW, DC; www.930.com