David Kitchen

I've really been digging the music of local musician David Kitchen since I heard him at a Hungry For Music benefit a few weeks ago. He's got a lean, smart 80s pop sound, along the lines of Joe Jackson or Elvis Costello. Anyway, the chorus on "You Know That I Will" sticks in your head like nobody's business. Take a listen...

I Just Touched Down Like A New York Jet...

Gilbere Forte's freestyle over Dr. Dre's new single, "Kush," is better than Dre's original track. Is Dre getting old? I'm just sayin'...

Gilbere Forte' - Kush Freestyle by gilbereforte

Olivia Mancini & The Mates Return to the Black Cat

Back in September singer/songwriter Olivia Mancini left the comfy confines of DC to attend grad school up in New York City. But this Friday, January 7th, she’s back, baby! Mancini returns for her first show since her departure, and she’ll be rocking the Black Cat with her band, The Mates.

Olivia Mancini & The Mates bring a jangly pop sound with subtly sultry vocals provided by Mancini. And she’s obviously psyched to be coming back to the area. “We're chomping at the bit and ready to blast off with some new songs, stuff from our last few records and some deep cuts that we hope will bring back some happy memories for our longtime fans,” said Mancini. “Sweet harmonies! Thumping bass! Melt-your-face guitar! Pop melodies!”

Check out their irresistibly catchy track “Easy Way” below and the video for “Graphology” above. And no, she’s not really made of clay.

MP3: Easy Way – Olivia Mancini & The Mates

J. Cole / Who Dat

Yeah, I'm probably a bit late to the J. Cole party, but I'm sooo loving the first single "Who Dat." Monster marching band beats with great turnarounds and J. Cole's smooth boasting flow make for something worth listening to.

The Deep Dark Woods / Peggy-O

The Deep Dark Woods - "Peggy O" - HearYa Live Session 9/21/10 from HearYa.com on Vimeo.

I've always loved the Grateful Dead cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "Peggy-O," but wow, Canadian band The Deep Dark Woods gave 'em a run for their money at their most recent Hear-Ya session. Take a listen. It's simply gorgeous.