A Spotify playlist put together by Listen Local First D.C., a music initiative, presents music fans a localized selection of songs from artists based in Washington, D.C. and the D.C., Maryland,Virginia (DMV) area, for spring/summer 2019.
“2019 Spring/Summer D.C./DMV Playlist” consists of over 90 tracks, all performed by D.C. or the DMV area musicians. It opens with Don’t Mute D.C. by Rare Essence, a go-go band formed in 1976, which is followed by GoldLink’s Joke Ting, featuring Ari PenSmith. GoldLink is the stage name of rapper D’Anthony Carlos.
Among other tracks on the playlist are Tangerine Song by the alternative folk-rock/indie band Reed Appleseed, ISOU by the electro-pop trio Shaed, Room For You by the pop-rock band Sub-Radio, Digital by Rap/Hip-Hop artist Jay IDK, Vent to You by Hip-Hop/R&B artist Kassim, Stuck by the neo-soul hip-hop duo Oshun, The Real Deal by Hip-Hop/Rap artist Kelow Latesha and many others.
Listen Local First D.C. describes itself as a local initiative “devoted to building awareness and creating opportunities for local musicians and venues in order to raise the profile of D.C.’s local music scene.”
According to its website, the initiative collaborates with Think Local First D.C. and intends teaming up with local musicians, arts organizations, venues and local businesses.
In terms of genres, the website says “In order to promote the true cultural depth of D.C.’s music scene LLF seeks to equally represent all local genres, from folk to funk.”
The founder of LLF is Christopher Naoum, who according to his Twitter bio is a Media and Telecom Law/Policy Attorney.