Indie Soul Night @ Songbyrd Music House 08/08/2024

 Opening in 2015, the original Songbyrd Music House helped anchor the live music scene in DC’s Adam Morgan neighborhood for seven years. Boasting a bar, a vinyl record shop, and a music venue all in one, this version of Songbyrd quickly became an accessible hub of community and creativity for local musicians and regional touring acts alike. By 2021, the operation moved to its new location in the Union Market District and allowed the Byrdland record shop to expand by separating just a few blocks away.

The current Songbyrd is a welcomed addition to the growing Market District itself and feels every bit as quirky and communal as its predecessor. The venue itself mimics some aesthetic stylings of our friends at Pearl Street Warehouse on the Wharf but incorporates its own unique flair and sense of multi-purpose. There is one big square room, tall ceilings, 250 capacity, and clear garage door walls which allow for engagement from the outside or even an open-air event when rolled up. Artists seem to love the flexibility and freedom they get at Songbyrd and it is especially easy to feel comfortable in this space as a patron. Although the accommodations and lineups are all top notch, something about the casual atmosphere at Songbyrd makes it feel like the very best of a welcoming DIY venue wrapped up in a professional package.

Chuck Levin’s was lucky enough to attend an Indie Soul Night on August 8, 2024 featuring four DMV artists. Zawadi Carroll and her band headlined the event and just oozed cool. They filled out a traditional rhythm section with extra keys and tenor saxophone, all supporting Zawadi’s stage presence through a collection of impressive covers and catchy originals. Highlights for us included her own song “Bougie Chick”, as well as renditions of Thundercat’s “Them Changes” and “Redbone" by Childish Gambino.

DC artist Seker Anders, also known as Sec., sounded like the musical lovechild of people like Kid Cudi and Citizen Cope. While their foundation is clearly rooted in hip hop, Sec.’s band also brought in small tastes of rock, blues, indie, and alternative which helped create a wide sonic palette that lovers of any musical style could find something to identify with. He utilized a female back-up singer for about half of his set, but their playful chemistry made this relationship feel far more authentic than just vocal support. Musical highlights included a choice Khruangbin cover and Sec.’s own song “Drug.”

Mona Soul and her band mostly traveled from Northern Virginia and their performance proved well worth the miles. Their instrumentation was stripped down to just keys, bass, drums, and vocals but each musician knew exactly how to find their pocket. Their entire set was a highlight for us, from the precision and tightness of the entire band to the effortless way in which Mona herself would transition between singing and rapping and then singing again, everything was an engaging study in variety and dynamics.

Newer artist Reject Madrigal opened the show with sit-ins from members of other bands on the lineup in the spirit of collaboration. His released music seems to span hip hop and soul genres, but he felt most like a singer-songwriter to us this night. His softer and down-tempo set allowed for moments of quieter reflection and intentional listening before the energy of larger bands picked up.

Indie Soul Night showcased plenty of staple gear for working musicians too. Whether it was a Strat or Mustang for guitars and a P-Bass or Jazz Bass on the low-end, it was no surprise to see Fender instruments out in full force. The affordability, reliability, and modularity of Fender’s decades old designs still regularly reign supreme. We were also pleased to see a silver burst Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay bass in use with Mona Soul which just happened to match the singer’s outfit!

Every band used the house drum kit – a Yahama four piece in black – but swapped out breakables. We love when bands make even a house kit distinctive, so shout outs go Sec.'s drummer for utilizing a Roland SPD sampler and Mona Soul's drummer for incorporating a clapstack on special grooves. In a slight departure from the ubiquitous Nord keyboards we love to see onstage, it was fun to hear a Korg PS60 synthesizer out in the wild.

It is clear that Songbyrd has put in effort into making the venue actually sound good. This is no easy feat in a boxy room with hard surfaces and tall ceilings, so we were both pleased and impressed. Audio Engineer, Katie Sawyer, made easy work of giving all four bands great sound and support all the night and left us with no doubt that we will return!

Blog by Juliette Bell

Photo/Video by Emory Hensley