Welcome to another edition of our monthly music newsletter feature, where we highlight a local artist and upcoming shows from local acts. With the Fourth of July this month, we decided to highlight a local artist who’s redefining a genre synonymous with U.S. pride — and a new song about beer because America.
🎙️ Spotlight: Jane O’Neill
Self-Described Sound:
Quietly Confident Americana (coined by Washington City Paper about O’Neill’s music)
Background:
Jane O’Neill is a storyteller. Last month, O’Neill dropped her debut self-titled EP. In each song, the Midwest-born, D.C.-based artist pulls from personal experiences to build out lyrical scenes with visceral memories and tangible imagery. With her lyricism bolstered by textured vocals, O’Neill effortlessly entrances listeners into her world.
In sharing her stories about relationships with women, O’Neill’s songs are inherently queer. While not O’Neill’s original goal of creating music, she has organically created a space for queer audiences to enjoy a style of music they don’t normally connect with and now finds motivation in her community of listeners.
In the studio working on Disguise. (Photo courtesy of Sam Roller)
Get To Know the Artist:
Which artists influence you the most?
Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, and Brandi Carlile are my trifecta. For folk elements and storytelling, I draw inspiration from John Denver.
At what point did you know you wanted to pursue music?
Every year on my birthday, my mom tells me the same story. I have 11 siblings. My mom was pregnant 12 times and only when she was pregnant with me did she become overwhelmingly emotional when she heard music. She would just cry, and she felt like I was singing in the womb. That story is something I've carried with me throughout my life in the back of my mind. I was always singing as a young child. In sixth grade, I started learning guitar and was in all the choirs in high school. But it was only two years ago when I felt it was time to pursue this and share my music with people.
Local artists shoutout?
Daphne Eckman — I've been totally enveloped in her latest record. Eli Lev is also one of those established folk artists, who has a unique sound, and knows how to build community.
Favorite local venue?
Pearl Street Warehouse
Where do you go to gain inspiration?
A lot of my music stems from my memories and underlying longing for home, so I would say the landscapes of the Midwest. Growing up on Lake Michigan, when I’m by the water, I always feel like it’s a free-flowing safe place.
What’s your go-to place to dine in the District?
Agora
Last song you listened to?
Bonnie Raitt, “Sweet Forgiveness”
Favorite song to perform off the new album?
“Disguise”
Next Local Show:
July 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Free | Big Bear Cafe
July 31 | 6 p.m. | Free | Milian Park
Follow:
Song to Check Out:
Jane O’Neill Pearl Street show (Photo courtesy of Daniell Towers)
🎟️ Other Upcoming Local Shows To See
- Elyvn, John Clark, Acquahh, Upercaze (R&B, Rap, Afrobeats) | July 5 | 8 p.m. | $15 | Atlas Brew Works
- Fake Bodies (Punk)| July 7 | 8 p.m. | $15+ | Songbyrd
- Kevin Bull Jr., Pinkhouse, The Dead Queens (Alt. Rock) | July 7 | 8 p.m. | $15+ | The Pocket
- Fake Radio, Apt Men, You Fool! (Alt. Rock) | July 8 | 8 p.m. | $15+ | Songbyrd
- grlztoy (opening for Queen of Jeans) (Indie) | July 21 | 8:30 p.m. | $15+ | Pie Shop
🎵 New Local Music Mentions
If you're like me, you like a little grit to your summertime playlist to counterbalance all the saccharine pop. This song fits the bill with punchy lyrics and Nick Bairatchnyi’s raspy vocals pleading a case for living the carefree artist life. It’s a grunge anthem for those still yearning to stay out late.
🎧 Your Local Playlist
Check out this Spotify playlist we made, featuring Jane O’Neill’s songs and inspirations, plus music by the other local bands above.
