The month of October is known for Halloween, and therefore, tricks and treats. We here at TVD support the latter, whether it comes in the form of candy, alcoholic beverages, or, in this case, free concert tickets.
As usual, we’re previewing some of the awesome shows our buddies at the 9:30 Club will be playing host to this month and giving you the chance to win tickets—no tricks about it. Don’t forget to submit your extra entry to one of these shows (details at the bottom).
2012 has proven to be a productive year for The Walkmen. The quintet toured for the 10th anniversary of their debut album, Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone and recorded and released Heaven, their newest album, to positive critical reception, with Stereogum deeming it the second best album of the year.
Clearly fans are digging The Walkmen as well; the group added a second show at the 9:30 Club on Friday, October 5th after their October 4th show sold out. Keep an eye out—information about how to win tickets to this show should be coming your way at some point in the very near future…
What happens when you mix Dan Boeckner of Handsome Furs/Wolf Parade, Britt Daniel of Spoon, and Sam Brown of New Bomb Turks? You get new indie supergroup Divine Fits. The trio, which just recently played their first show in Austin on July 31st, came to life after Boeckner and Daniel, friends and mutual fans of each other’s work, decided to pursue a new musical endeavor together. The group released their debut effort, A Thing Called Divine Fits on August 28th and is now preparing to embark on a tour this month. Make sure you catch Divine Fits when they come to the 9:30 Club on Thursday, October 18th.
Throughout the course of her career, Cat Power, the moniker of singer-songwriter Chan Marshall, has become well-known for both her distinguished, deep, smoky vocals and her struggles with stage fright and alcoholism. However, with the September 4th release of her ninth studio album, the aptly-titled Sun, it’s evident that Cat Power is in brighter spirits than ever before. Marshall’s newest effort incorporates a new, electronica sound and has garnered positive reviews from both critics and fans alike. Marshall will be stopping in DC as she tours in support of Sun on October 22nd.
Miike Snow, Wed 10/24 (late show)
Swedish pop group Miike Snow became well-known within the indie scene after the release of their ubiquitous single, “Animal,” in 2009. Since then, the trio has gone on to remix tracks for the likes of Passion Pit, Depeche Mode, and Vampire Weekend, and record, produce, and release their sophomore album, Happy to You, in March. It seems there’s never a dull moment with Miike Snow—the group is in the midst of touring the United States and will be playing not one, but two shows at the 9:30 Club when they come through DC on the 24th. Stay tuned for more info about how to win tickets to the band’s later show.
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Sharon Van Etten released her third album, Tramp, in February on Jagjaguwar Records. The album, produced by The National’s Aaron Dessner, features guest appearances from Wye Oak’s Jenn Wasner, the Walkmen’s Matt Barrick, and Dessner, among others. Tramp debuted at number 75 on the Billboard 200 and has helped secure Van Etten a spot in the indie pop scene. Catch her when she comes to the 9:30 Club on October 25th.
Xavier Rudd @ Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, Tues 10/30
Australian singer-songwriter Xavier Rudd has become well known in both his native country and Canada for his ability to play a wide variety of instruments during his live shows. It’s not uncommon for the singer-songwriter to play everything including didgeridoos, banjo, drums, harmonics, bells, etc., during a concert. Since the 2002 release of his debut album, To Let, Rudd has gone on to tour with the likes of Dave Matthews, Rodrigo y Gabriela, and Ben Harper and become a regular on the music festival scene. Now touring in support of his newest album, Spirit Bird, Rudd with be stopping at Sixth & I Synagogue on Wednesday, October 30th.
So there you have it. A new month, a new assortment of great artists coming to the DC area. Stay tuned throughout the month for more info about how to win a pair of tickets to one of these great shows. For an extra entry into the giveaway of your choice, tell us your favorite Halloween song.
