TVD Recommends: Girls Rock! DC Benefit with Drop Electric, Cigarette, and Young Rapids at the Black Cat, 11/22

DC has a long history of collaboration between bands and community partners, enriching the city in the process. The Godfather of Go Go, Chuck Brown once said, “People are looking for a way to take action, to do something other than donate on the Turnpike on their way to work, which seems impersonal.”

Look no further than this Saturday night to take action! Three local bands, Drop Electric, Cigarette, and Young Rapids take on the Black Cat mainstage to raise money for Girls Rock! DC—an organization that exists to inspire and cultivate through music.

Girls Rock! DC aims to create a supportive, inclusive, and creative space for girls to develop their self-confidence, build community, stand up, and rock out! It was founded in October 2007 by an all-volunteer collective of DC metro area musicians, teachers, artists, and community organizers—based on the Girls Rock! mission across the nation.

Headliners, Drop Electric, have a history of being philanthropic in their personal lives. Ramtin Arablouei of Drop Electric tells TVD, “Over the last few years we’ve gotten to know a few people who have worked with Girls Rock! DC and totally believe in their mission. We really think there should be a space for young women to learn, write, and play music together. This must continue to be encouraged. Given the history of people discouraging young women from playing instruments we want to see the trend reversed. If we can even do something small to help we are eager to do it!”

Drop Electric, signed to Lefse Records, are one of the more successful bands out of DC right now. They have garnered national press and major deals being a part of Pusher Music—sitting on the same roster as David Lynch. Drop Electric mingles with Hollywood as well, featuring Brea Grant in their video for “Higgs Boson.”

Drop Electric will not only premiere new songs this weekend but also a new addition to their lineup. Anya Mizani will join Ramtin Arablouei, Neel Singh, Sho Fujiwara, Navid Marvi and the recently added, Alan Kayanan. Drop Electric released Waking Up to the Fire in October of 2013 and are currently working on a new album with hopes to release in 2015.

Cigarette’s Drew Hagelin, Evan Napala, Jonathan Howard, and Richard Howard are known for their involvement with the music community, having allies in the different scenes. While other bands tend to stick to who they know, Cigarette branches out becoming a welcome addition to all parts of the city. Cigarette released Gush early last year—a long-awaited album—premiered here at TVD, but have plans for new releases in near future.

Richard Howard tells us: “In the matter of physical consumable media; a 45 will be released, followed by a cassette tape, followed by another 45. Particulars as things fall into place. We move in mystery.”

Cigarette maintains a healthy mystery to most of what they do. You won’t hear Cigarette play their entire album at any of their live shows, like most bands. Instead they reign you in with new and older unreleased songs, never repeating the same set.

<a href="http://cigarette.bandcamp.com/album/gush">‘gush’ by cigarette</a>

Attending a Cigarette show is a special time; cell phones are put away, talking ceases, and all are transcended into the alluring experience they create. Cigarette will leave you yearning for more but don’t hold your breath for an encore, the band sticks to making you wait until the next time they play. Do not miss out on your opportunity to discover true love.

Rounding out the night are Young Rapids, Colin Kelly, Dan Gleason, Joey Bentley, and newest member Alex Braden, of the now defunct Bella Russia. The Rapids released their debut album Daylight Savings at the end of 2012 but have plans to release Pretty Ugly in February of 2015. Those interested can pre-order it through Chimes Records, the first 300 copies will be a mixed spatter colored vinyl.

Young Rapids endured a challenging 2014, breaking up but now back together for the long run. With challenges come new opportunities for the Rapids, recently signing to the aforementioned Chimes Records—a new label out of DC. Look out for a reinvigorated energy from the Rapids welcoming a new line-up for their return to a bigger stage.

Make it personal this weekend and join Drop Electric, Cigarette, and Young Rapids for an evening of giving back, new faces, and new tunes at the Black Cat this Saturday night, 11/22—a benefit for Girls Rock! DC. Get your ticket here before it sells out and go ahead and add yourself to the Facebook event.