For years, the Washington, D.C. music scene has been known primarily for its reputation dating back to the early-’80s hardcore boom. Today, that reputation is beginning to change. While hardcore has fallen off to a degree, local electronic/dance artists have recently been making a name for D.C. music worldwide. Buzz, the weekly Friday-night party at Nation, has been massively successful in attracting superstar DJs, and well as nurturing local DJs for wider success.
Sometimes ignored in Buzz’s shadow, however, has been the contributions of another local electronic/dance landmark. Closer to home in Adams Morgan, Eighteenth Street Lounge has provided a more upscale, low-key arena for a more subtle brand of turntablism. The Lounge is perhaps the most ?ber-hip of the many trendy nightspots and Eurotrash lairs dotting our fair city. Fashionable dress is required, and chances are your self-esteem will be lower by the time you leave?your fellow clubgoers really are more beautiful than you are. Remarkably, the Lounge has thrived despite never advertising not so much as a full-page City Paper ad or leaflet tossed astray on college campuses.
In addition to the club, Eighteenth Street Lounge has branched out to include its own label, ESL Music. Its worldwide success is largely due to the high profile gained by Thievery Corporation, a group which includes Eighteenth Street Lounge co-owner Eric Hilton. With partner Rob Garza, Thievery released a series of records which endeared themselves to headphonauts worldwide. After breaking out in 2000 with The Mirror Conspiracy, the club and the label have exploded in visibility and popularity.
This Saturday, ESL artists will leave the confines of the Eighteenth Street Lounge for the much less rarified atmosphere of the 9:30 Club. The bad news: no plush red-leather couches to relax on. The good news: you don’t have to dirty your smoking jacket to check this show.
Thunderball, a duo consisting of DJs Sid Barcelona and Steve Rashin, will be headlining the show. Though often considered a poor man’s Thievery, that label fails to do justice to their unique take on big beat. Rashin brings a wealth of influences, having spent time in D.C. indie band Edsel and, strangely enough, designing album covers for the lengendary Dischord Records.
Their music, if nothing else, is cinematic. Often compared to a ‘70s-era Blaxploitation soundtracks, their musical pastiche draws from soul, funk and other genres. Saturday night’s show should be a special treat, as Barcelona and Rashin will be appearing with a live band, in addition to their usual turntable antics.
Several other ESL artists are also appearing in support of Thunderball. Nicola Conte, a classically-trained Italian DJ, will be spinning a bossa-nova influenced set, while Ursula 1000 (a.k.a. Alex Gimeno) features eclectic funk-flavored lounge. Take special note of DJ Desmond Williams, who will be supporting his new ESL album, Cocoa, which exhibts a dub, funk and afro-beat flavor.
If you’re interested in seeing some of the District’s best DJs without having to leave your dirty sneakers at home, Saturday’s show might just be your best chance to do so.
The 9:30 Club is located at 815 V St., N.W.
