Lightfoot: The Vinyl District Showcase Week

We’ve been in this racket long enough to know that it’s not every day a band or artist attains the lofty ambition of releasing their first single on vinyl, not to mention it arriving in tandem with said artist’s first full EP. Washington, DC’s Jessica Louise Dye, or Lightfoot, is the exception to that rule.

Lightfoot’s 7″ single and EP, Scarlet Sails is available this week, and as such, DC’s Black Cat is hosting a release party this Friday night, January 27th. Joining Jess on the bill are Loose Lips, Ugly Purple Sweater, and Paperhaus—all of whom we’ve cornered this week for a chat about records in anticipation of Friday night’s event.

If you missed our initial installments, we chatted with Loose Lips on Tuesday, Paperhaus on Wednesday, and Ugly Purple Sweater yesterday. Today’s the lovely Ms. Dye joins us along with the rest of Lightfoot. Go out and see ’em tonight, ok?

What was the first vinyl record you ever listened to?

Jess: I can’t remember the precise record but I have an image of this tango album my granny used to play when I was 4. She used to play all sorts of great records by Sinatra, Crosby, and Gershwin. We would foxtrot in the living room together. It’s actually what got me into ballroom dancing.
Ron: Tommy by The Who
Adam: Thriller by Michael Jackson
Peter: Revolver by The Beatles

Why is pressing your music to vinyl so important?

Jess: I really wanted to press the single of “Scarlet Sails” to vinyl for a few reasons. First, I selfishly wanted to be able to hold this tangible thing that I produced. As if having it on a 7″ would make it more real.

Secondly, people don’t throw away records. Seriously, think about the last time you helped a friend move to a new apartment. I promise you a few of those boxes were records. With everything so digital these days, who has a CD tower anymore? People chuck discs after they upload em to their iTunes.

And lastly, I like the idea that this piece of vinyl is how we’ve been listening to music for over half a century. It’s long lasting. I secretly hope that in twenty years someone’s kids might find “Scarlet Sails” in a dusty box in their parents’ attic. I doubt they’d be half excited to find a stack of old CDs!

What is on your record player right now?

Ron: Without by Washed Out
Adam: Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders
Peter: Elliott Smith
Jess: King Krule by King Krule!

Do you buy modern bands vinyl pressings?

Jess: Totally, especially local acts. Vinyl is expensive to make, so I usually try to buy that over anything else to better support the band.

Last words?

Jess: I love vinyl so much I am giving away my 7″. Buy a digital copy of “Scarlet Sails (buy here) and attend our release show (tix here) = get a FREE 7″ vinyl record! WOW!