Oddisee Debuts A Lush New EP, ‘AlWasta’
One of the most accomplished hip-hop artists to emerge from the D.C. region, Maryland native Oddisee has just released AlWasta, a…
Ally Schweitzer
Ally Schweitzer the arts and culture beat reporter at WAMU 88.5, and the former editor of Bandwidth. She has covered music and culture for NPR, The Washington Post and Washington City Paper.
Articles by Ally Schweitzer
Poor Building Conditions May Force Crooked Beat Records To Move, Says Owner
A mainstay on 18th Street NW, Crooked Beat Records may be leaving D.C.’s Adams Morgan neighborhood, its home since 2004….
Now There’s A Video For PJ Harvey’s Controversial D.C. Song, ‘Community Of Hope’
With controversy still simmering over her D.C.-inspired tune “Community of Hope,” English rocker PJ Harvey has unveiled a video for the…
Q-Tip Is Now The Kennedy Center’s Hip-Hop Guy. What Should He Do With That Power?
The most distinguished performing arts venue in Washington, the Kennedy Center, made a grand gesture earlier this month when it…
Wife Of Ailing Bad Brains Frontman H.R.: ‘He’s Constantly In Pain’
A new fundraising campaign has been launched to help H.R., the former leader of iconic D.C. punk band Bad Brains. According…
PJ Harvey’s ‘Community Of Hope’ Misrepresents D.C., Nonprofit Says
English rock musician PJ Harvey released a walloping song inspired by D.C. last week called “The Community of Hope.” Featured on her forthcoming…
The Unspoken Rules, Norms And Secrets Of D.C.’s Go-Go Scene
Ask some music fans about D.C. concert audiences, and they’ll say our crowds suffer from paralysis of the feet. But as I reported recently in my story…
Announcement! Presenting The Best D.C. Tiny Desk Video, According To You
Growing up in a family of vocalists, Rich Trent didn’t always know he could sing. “I sang for my girlfriend in high school, and…
Are D.C. Music Audiences Tamer Than Most? We Looked Into It.
Update, 2 p.m.: Hear a discussion about D.C.’s allegedly subdued audiences on WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi Show. Read the story that…
Vote For Your Favorite D.C. Tiny Desk Contest Video
Update, March 7: We’re extending the voting deadline. Pick your favorite D.C. Tiny Desk Video until 3 p.m. March 7….
Now D.C. Has Two Songs About Selling Drugs At Chain Stores
D.C. hip-hop imprint FHTMG calls itself “the most subversive record label in the world.” I’ve got another superlative for it: “most proficient…
The Latest On D.C. Hardcore Fest Damaged City
Homegrown punk and hardcore festival Damaged City announced a few key updates to its 2016 schedule today. Returning for its…
With Pyramid Atlantic Moving Out, Silver Spring Loses Some Of Its Edge
Montgomery County is about to get slightly less weird: This summer, Silver Spring arts center Pyramid Atlantic debuts its new home in…
The 9:30 Club Is Making A TV Show
This story has been updated. After recently hosting an exhibit and publishing a book, D.C.’s 9:30 Club is trying on…
Premiere: A Stark Video From The Jarvik 6, Spawn Of More Humans And The Caribbean
Matt Byars can’t stand making videos. “I hate editing video,” says the musician, who plays drums in D.C. band The Caribbean. “It…
Broccoli City Fest Announces Big 2016 Lineup
The smoothie enthusiasts of L.A. “organic lifestyle” group Broccoli City brought their first music festival to D.C. in 2013. It…
Investigation: Are D.C. Audiences More ‘Subdued’ Than Others?
WAMU 88.5’s new “What’s With Washington?” project investigates the cultural quirks and mysteries of Maryland, Virginia and D.C. by exploring…
Old Videos Of Fugazi, Gwar, And Psychedelic Furs Now Housed At D.C. Public Library
It was the final show at the 9:30 Club on F Street NW, and Teri Stubs hadn’t worn the right attire….
Weezer’s ‘My Name Is Jonas,’ Remade For Winter Storm Jonas
When he’s composing songs for his electronic pop project, Aerialist, Virginia musician Lary Hoffman looks toward the sky. The songs on…
24 Women Rappers Use A Hip-Hop Classic To Tackle Violence And Sexism
In 1989, an esteemed group of East Coast rappers united behind the mic to record a funky PSA: “Self Destruction,” a plea…