Read Our November 2022 Issue

In last November’s local music issue, District Fray claimed Bartees Strange was “this year’s standout local artist.” One year later, after opening for artists such as Courtney Barnett, Phoebe Bridgers and The National, and releasing his second full-length record, the lauded “Farm to Table,” Bartees Strange is a bonafide breakthrough.

They might not be what the city is known for — yet — but they’re the beating heart of the capital.

“We were trying to make a record that we would love. When we were in the studio, we were so happy to be together just making cool music for our friends.”

For music to have soul, it has to have a story. dreamcastmoe creates his life’s work according to that mantra.

Acts signed to Merge Records, acts on tape labels, acts made up of other excellent D.C. indie rock institutions, instrumentalists and hardcore in a house.

How Black Rave Culture and Black Techno Matters are fostering diverse and innovative spaces for EDM in D.C. and beyond.

“That’s the fun thing about vinyl: You’re always hunting for that next thing.”

AFI Silver’s Director of Programming Todd Hitchcock about the extremely malleable art form.

The midweek party vibe we can’t get enough of.