DC Rock History

In this episode, we explore Cybernetic Dreams of Pi, the 1983 release from The Slickee Boys that blends garage rock revivalism with punk attitude and sci-fi themes. The Slickee Boys had been a fixture in the DC music scene since the mid-1970s, building a dedicated following with their irreverent stage shows and DIY approach to recording. With a lineup featuring Mark Noone on vocals, Kim Kane and Marshall Keith on guit...

In this episode, we explore the Faith/Void Split, the legendary 1982 release from Dischord Records that captures the duality of the early D.C. hardcore scene. Released as Dischord Records #8, the album pairs Faith’s tight, melodic hardcore with Void’s chaotic, genre-defying intensity. Both bands, formed by teenagers, contributed to the diverse evolution of hardcore punk in the nation’s capital.

In this episode, we dive into Bad Brains’ self-titled 1982 classic, which still stands as one of the most explosive albums in punk history. Recorded at 171-A Studios in New York, the album blends elements of hardcore punk and reggae, and is widely regarded as a foundational release in the development of American hardcore. Known for its speed, technical proficiency, and incorporation of Rastafarian themes and the philo...

In this episode, we dig into Minor Threat and In My Eyes, the two EPs that make up First Two 7”s. Across twelve blistering tracks, Minor Threat laid down the foundation for DC hardcore with a sound that was fast, focused, and unapologetically direct.

Our guests are Eduardo Nunes of Discologist and Scott Crawford, the filmmaker behind Salad Days and Creem: America’s Only Rock ’n’ Roll Magazine. Together, we explore the band’s early ...

In this episode, we dive into the early days of Government Issue and their blistering 1981 debut EP Legless Bull. As the fourth release on Dischord Records, this 10-song, 9-minute blast helped define the label’s emerging sound and captured the chaotic energy of a scene in formation.

We’re joined by Paul Vodra of Hometown Sounds to unpack how Government Issue fit into the fast-shifting DC ...

In this episode, we dive into the story of the Urban Verbs and their 1980 self-titled debut. One of the earliest bands to bridge punk and art rock in Washington, D.C., Urban Verbs helped set the stage for the city’s evolving underground scene. With sharp guitars, moody synths, and a theatrical presence, they brought a new wave sensibility to a city still finding its sound.

We’re joined by...

In this episode, we dive into the beginnings of D.C. hardcore with the Minor Disturbance EP by Teen Idles. This is the very first release on Dischord Records and a flashpoint for a new musical movement. Clocking in at just over ten minutes, this ferocious debut from four D.C. high schoolers helped launch an entire scene, complete with fast riffs, hand-drawn Xs, and a new ethos of DIY independence.

In this episode (our season 2 premiere!!), we explore the boundary-pushing story of Tiny Desk Unit, one of Washington, D.C.’s most innovative and genre-defying bands. Formed in 1979 by a group of downtown artists and music obsessives, the band fused analog synths, angular guitar work, and poetic vocals into something entirely new. Long before NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, there was Tiny Desk Unit- an art-rock force that h...

In this episode (our first-ever live taping!!), we dig into the untold story of Washington, D.C.’s pre-hardcore rock era- from 1950 to 1979—with special guest and legendary D.C. music historian Mark Opsasnick. Recorded live at the DC History Conference, this bonus episode serves as the grand finale of Season 1 and a perfect primer for what’s to come in Season 2.

Mark- author of Capitol Ro...

In this episode (our season 1 finale!!), we dive into the electrifying story of The Nighthawks, one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic blues-rock bands. Formed in 1972 by harmonica maestro Mark Wenner, the band quickly became a cornerstone of the local music scene, playing legendary venues like The Far Inn, Graffiti, and The Cellar Door. With a lineup solidified in the mid-70s—featuring Jimmy Thackery on guitar, Jan Zu...

In this episode of the DC Rock History Podcast, we dive into Angel, the debut album from Washington, D.C.’s first glam rock band. Formed in 1975, Angel brought theatrical flair, symphonic rock, and arena-sized ambition to the local scene, blending it with the burgeoning glam rock movement. Their music carved a unique niche, earning them the nickname “the anti-KISS” and establishing a loyal fanbase.

The story begins in the vibrant c...

In this episode of the DC Rock History Podcast, we dive into City Life, the career-defining third album from The Blackbyrds, one of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic jazz-funk groups. Formed in 1973 at Howard University under the mentorship of jazz legend Dr. Donald Byrd, The Blackbyrds crafted a sound that fused jazz, funk, and soul into a timeless musical legacy. City Life features some of their most enduring tracks, i...

In this special episode of the DC Rock History Podcast, we take a deep dive into the lives and legacies of two extraordinary guitarists, Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton, as well as the unique musical movement they spearheaded: the Anacostia Delta. Both Buchanan and Gatton were known for their unmatched technical skills, emotional depth, and their contributions to a distinctive blend of blues, jazz, rockabilly, and country that became...

In this episode of the DC Rock History Podcast, we dive into the career-launching debut album from one of DC’s own—Nils Lofgren—and his band Grin’s self-titled 1971 album. Known for his electrifying performances with Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young, Nils Lofgren first made his mark right here in the DC area. Growing up in Bethesda, Maryland, Nils got his start in local bands and quickly became one of the area’s most ...

In this episode of the DC Rock History Podcast, we spotlight one of the most influential yet underrated figures in rock music—Link Wray—and his self-titled 1971 album. Known for pioneering the power chord with his seminal instrumental “Rumble,” Wray’s influence reverberates through generations of guitarists, from Jimmy Page and Pete Townshend to modern-day rockers. But there’s more to Wray’s story than the raw power o...

The Fallen Angels’ album It’s A Long Way Down captures the dark, experimental edge of the late 60s D.C. rock scene, blending complex psych influences with themes of existentialism and societal critique. Rising alongside local contemporaries like The Cherry People, The Fallen Angels pushed the boundaries of rock, moving from Georgetown clubs to recording with the iconic Roulette Records. But how did a band so fiercely ...

The Cherry People’s album And Suddenly captures the energy and optimism of the 60s D.C. rock scene, blending pop, psychedelia, and rock into a sound uniquely their own. Rising to prominence in the wake of the British Invasion, The Cherry People took the nation’s capital by storm, building their reputation at local clubs before recording their debut album in New York. But what happens when a local sensation meets the c...

The Hangmen’s debut album Bitter Sweet is a testament to the untamed energy and raw talent of D.C.’s 60s rock scene, but it’s also a record marked by turbulence and transformation. From their early days as local favorites at Montgomery Junior College to playing at the home of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, The Hangmen pushed the boundaries of garage rock in the nation’s capital. But what happened when this promising band s...

In 1959, rock pioneer Bo Diddley made a surprising move from Chicago to Washington, D.C., a decision that would shape the local music scene in unexpected ways. Known for his signature beat, homemade guitars, and magnetic stage presence, Bo left an indelible mark on D.C.’s music history. But why leave Chicago for the capital? And what legacy did he build here?

In this episode, Philip Basni...