Author Archives: Kayla Emmerson

Intermingled vocals, an array of instruments, witty but weird lyrics, and dashes of colorful face paint ensure that tUnE-yArDs‘ performances at the 9:30 Club on June 13 and 14 will be nothing short of…brilliant.

In their previous albums BiRd-BrAiNs and w h o k i l l, singer and producer Merrill Garbus and bassist Nate Brenner portrayed a knack for experimental pop. After the release of w h o k i l l, critics praised tUnE-yArDs’ originality and labeled the duo as a breakout artist to watch. Their song “Gangsta” from w h o k i l l was even featured on several popular television shows such as Orange is the New Black, Weeds, and The Good Wife.

Three years later, their newest album Nikki Nack, released on May 5, reaches beyond the experimental pop vibe of their first two albums, and instead reveals a mature, sophisticated pop sound. Despite the new album’s differences, it is still being highly praised by critics like Barry Walters of Spin: “Nikki Nack betters Whokill by beefing up its feral ferocity.”

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After five years of absence from the music world, La Roux has finally reemerged with a fresh tour and a brand spankin’ new album.

“Bulletproof,” La Roux’s original chart-topping radio sensation, gained popularity in 2011 and garnered more attention after it was on the album La Roux, which won the Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronica Album. But after their initial fame, the multitalented singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Elly Jackson decided to stay out of the limelight… Until now.

Trouble In Paradise, La Roux’s second studio album, will be released on Saturday, June 7, the day before La Roux takes the stage at the 9:30 Club, and we have your chance to win a pair of tickets to the show. Her lead single to the album, “Let Me Down Gently,” has softer but steady synth vibes, differentiating it from “Bulletproof.” In addition to a slightly altered sound, the new album no longer includes duo work with Ben Langmaid, the co-writer and co-producer on La Roux.

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A year after the release of their fifth studio album Weekend, the new wave indie Swedish rock band The Sounds is back touring North America. Their dance-punk and ‘80s-rock vibes have been compared to that of Blondie, The Cars, and Berlin.

With songs like “Shake, Shake, Shake,” The Sounds recreate their classic disco-influenced beats, while adding a punky guitar vibe that differs from that of their previous albums.

Lead keyboard and guitarist Jesper Anderberg explained Weekend as “a groove based on five members who have been playing music together for a long time. We weren’t looking to overthink the song writing, and especially wanted to make it sound like we just hit the switch on the amps and just started playing the songs.” Front woman Maja Ivarsson has said that the band’s newest album is meant to “capture what [they] do best—which is putting on a great live show.”

On April 12, you will have the opportunity to see their great live show at the 9:30 Club, with electronic duos Blondfire and Ghost Beach as support, and we have a pair of tickets to give away to help make that happen.

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You’ve probably heard by now that noted musicians Christian Karlsson of Miike Snow and lyrical pop genius Linus Elkow from Style of Eye have joined forces to create one hell of a self-titled debut EP, Galantis, which was released earlier this week.

Karlsson has written and produced for Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and Britney Spears, including Spears’ ubiquitous hit “Toxic,” and Elkow wrote and produced Icona Pop’s chart-topper “I Love It.” But for themselves, the pair have moved away from such pop sensibilities. Only after listening to their debut EP will you realize the eccentric and groovy tunes that deliver a truly unique ’90s-meets-euro-house feel.

This powerhouse duo will have their debut at Coachella, and then their nationwide tour kicks off right here in Washington, DC, at the 9:30 Club on April 24. The show will include “production surprises,” as they believe that a DJ set would not do the EP justice. We have a pair of tickets to give away so that you and a friend can experience it all in person.

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A night of rhythmic genius, lyrical poetry, and harmonic singing will take place this Saturday at The Dunes. 

Headlining the talented group of musicians is Cuddle Magic. Cuddle Magic is composed of six multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriters known for their close-knit antics and their unique genre of baroque dance music.

From Brooklyn, they bring with them the lovely Rachel Ries, whose sound resembles a cross between Regina Spektor and Maria Muldar. Ries will be promoting her release Ghost of a Gardner, which exudes delightful melodies mixed with a spice of city grit.

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