WVAU & I.M.P September Concert Guide

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Judah & the Lion Image Credit: Connor and Rachel Dwyer

Jacob Tracey

With September and the fall semester in full swing, here is a list of some of the most exciting upcoming concerts taking place in the DMV area this month!

Black Pumas – 9/12

New to the music scene, Black Pumas is bringing back the key sounds of the 70s to the modern music world. Led by Grammy Award winning artist Adrian Quesada and songwriter Eric Burton, the duo have cultivated a solid following already from the groovy hit “Black Moon Rising” which echo’s the Motown era. Touring behind their debut album, be sure to catch this group before the blow up soon!

Judah & the Lion – 9/12

The self-proclaimed Folk Hop n’ Roll group Judah and the Lion, comprised of Judah Akers, Brian Macdonald, and Nate Zuercher, have probably one of the most one of the most perfectly eclectic sounds in the music realm today. Blending elements of so many genres as well as taking cues from acclaimed rock bands like The Killers, Judah and the Lion have carved out a nice niche in music today making them familiar and unique at the same time. They will surely bring a high energy show to The Anthem, so be sure not to miss this sure fire brilliant night!

 Shakey Graves & Dr. Dog – 9/13

 Two killer bands co headline for the perfect tour to kick off your fall season. Shakey Graves is a Texas native with a brilliant blend of southern folk and rock and roll, while Dr. Dog take a lighter big band indie sound, making the two groups together a perfect mix of sounds and songs. Both touring on their latest albums (each came out last year), there is no reason not to kick off the PSL season with the perfect indie rock show!

Marina – 9/18

 Marina Lambrini Diamandis, or better known as Marina and the Diamonds, got her big start in 2010 with her debut album The Family Jewels which included her break out hit “I Am Not a Robot.” Since then Marina has made a name for herself with her jovial blend of pop and alternative/electronic sounds. Touring just under Marina, Marina will be making her Anthem debut in the middle of the month and will surely be a show not to miss!  

Mac Demarco – 9/20

 Indie Music’s very own goofball, Mac Demarco has created a sort of cult following with his approach to music and his overall personality. Trading the rich artist lifestyle full of fancy cars and big houses for a much more simple life, Mac really connects with the audience through his music and live shows. With his first album on his own record label out (Here Comes the Cowboy), his second show at The Anthem will be the perfect way to spend a Friday Night!

 Bastille – 9/21

 No introduction is needed for this iconic band. Bastille (the artists behind radio hits “Pompeii” and “Good Grief”) are back at the Anthem for their second show there! With a new album under their belt and with indie rockers Joywave opening, there is no reason you shouldn’t miss this show!

Tyler, the Creator & GoldLink- 9/21

DC hip-hop artist GoldLink will be joining former Odd Future frontman and cultural/fashion icon Tyler, the Creator at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland as part of a nationwide tour promoting their recently released summer albums, Igor and Diaspora. A show any rap music fan surely wouldn’t want to miss!

Whitney – 9/23

 I think the best song that shows off Whitney the best is “Golden Days.” Combining the easy going-ness of bands like Beach Boys and Dr. Dog along with vocal stylings reminiscent of a young Ben Folds, there’s nothing not to like about this perfect duo. Touring in support of their third studio album Forever Turned Around (which is full of so many incredible songs), Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek will rid those Monday blues in a flash.

half*alive – 9/27

 Josh Taylor, Brett Kramer, and J Tyler Johnson have a special connection together and it is noticeable on their debut record. First garnering attention on NPR’s “All Songs Considered,” half*alive have created a wonderful sound for themselves encompassing elements of rock, pop, and R&B while putting their own twists on each genre. With such easy-going hits like “still feel.” and “The Fall,” their night at 9:30 will be the best way to spend a Friday Night!

 Jade Bird – 9/28

 One of music’s next rising stars, Jade Bird has been making waves in the indie world with her hit songs “Lottery” and “Uh Huh.” Reminiscent of artists like Phoebe Bridgers, Julia Jacklin, and Julian Baker, Jade Bird’s sound is familiar with a twist. After opening this summer for Father John Misty and Jason Isbell, Jade Bird heads out on her debut album tour this fall and will surely be show not to be missed.

 Catfish and the Bottlemen- 9/29

 These English rockers make their debut at The Anthem at the end of the month and it is sure to be a night full of rock and roll music and good times. Touring in support of their latest album The Balance released on April 26th, the band will have a new solid repertoire of music to perform along with some equally killer classics from their previous two albums such as “Soundcheck” and “7.”