It’s a new year, and that means plenty of new 9:30 Club shows to get excited about. Here’s our run-down of a few of the shows you should hit up, and we promise to give you a chance to win tickets to each of them. Don’t forget to answer the challenge below for an extra entry to the show of your choice. Here are five nights sure to start your 9:30 season off right.
Canadian Future Pop duo Megan James (vocals) and Corin Roddick (production) released their single “Ungirthed” onto the Internet in 2011. Sparking attention nationwide and creating an audience seeking more, the duo entered 2012 not only signing with major label 4AD, but also debuting their highly anticipated album Shrines.
Purity Ring proves that accidents sometimes have bigger plans, developing from “something to do” and fast settling into a fast-track music career. If you don’t already have tickets to their sold-out show, be sure to tune in this week for your chance to win a pair.
Blonde Redhead, Fri 1/18 at U Street Music Hall
4AD artist Blonde Redhead released their last album, Penny Sparkle, in 2010 in collaboration with producers Alan Moulder and Van Rivers and the Subliminal Kid. Making music since 1994, Kazu Makino and brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace started their early career influenced by the No Wave era, but throughout the years have moved further away, reinventing themselves with each new album. The trio has mastered their experimental pop synths and beats into an encapsulating live performance you won’t want to miss.
Thievery Corporation, Sat 1/19
DC’s own Thievery Corporation, Eric Hilton and Rob Garza, are coming to the 9:30 Club for three nights of shows, and you have a chance to win tickets for their 3rd night, which is sure to sell out, as the first two already have! Spanning 16 years, forming from mutual musical influences, Thievery Corporation remains a major force worldwide. Their last album Culture of Fear was released in the summer of 2011, encapsulating heavily the personal politics of the duo, a staple from the beginning of their career. The decision to start their own label, ESL Music, at the onset of their formation has proven to be a key ingredient in their long and successful journey. Don’t miss your chance to see DC royalty on stage at the 9:30 this month.
Barsuk artist Ra Ra Riot will release their third studio album Beta Love this month. The album is their first as a four-piece, recorded in Mississippi with producer Dennis Herring (Modest Mouse, Elvis Costello, Wavves). Forming in 2006, Ra Ra Riot has had a successful journey, far from the days of playing house shows around Syracuse. Catch them live at the club, sure to provide the right pop beat to show off your new 2013 dance moves.
Femi Kuti, an international legend, started his own band Positive Force in the late ’80s after being a part of his father’s band, Fela Kuti. Femi interlaces his music with his strong socio-political causes. Going back to his original Afrobeat sound from his first album, Shoki Shoki, on his forthcoming album, No Place for My Dream, it is said to be his most political album to date. Femi states, “I’m feeling the pain of the people that love my music. I’m watching the news and seeing all the riots, so many people out of work, the global recession. This is very disheartening news. The songs are not really for Nigeria or Africa anymore. They are for people I love. I’m just voicing their pain with my music.” It is sure to be a highly charged night of praise and dance as you’re entranced by all that is Femi Kuti.
Stay tuned throughout the month for more info about how to win a pair of tickets to each of the above shows. Music veterans Femi Kuti, Blonde Redhead, and Thievery Corporation have each been making music for over fifteen years. For an extra entry to the giveaway of your choice, tell us below which sophomore album you are most excited for this year.
Get to the club, and good luck, music freaks!
