Your DC Local Music Guide for November

Welcome to another edition of our monthly music feature, where we highlight a local artist and upcoming shows from local acts. This time of year we reflect on what we’re thankful for, and local music should be one of them! From lots of new music drops to a rising country star, the DMV music scene is thriving.

🎙️ Spotlight: Luke Borchelt

Self-Described Sound:

Pop-Country

Background:

Just over a year ago – before Luke Borchelt hit over a million streams on Spotify for his song “Every Rain,” opened for Shaboozey, and toured with Medium Build – Borchelt moved back in with his parents in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Inspired by local DMV rappers growing up, Borchelt had moved to New York City to pursue his dreams of becoming a rapper under the alias Air Bud. He struggled to find fame though, and by 22, he decided to quit music with the belief that if music was his calling he would return to it when he was ready.

At 26, he returned to music with a new perspective. He focused on creating songs about his personal life while living in the hometown he loved. He gave up caring about record deals and the number of fans. Instead, he used his home to keep him grounded and inspired. From the support of his friends and family, his authentic songwriting and heartfelt vocals catapulted him to natural success. Now, he’s signed with Sony Music Publishing and his first album dropped last month. Borchelt credits Maryland for his rise stating, “I like to be able to say that I’m made in Maryland, and live in Maryland. That’s really important to me.”

Get To Know the Artist:

You recently opened for Shaboozey and are touring with Medium Build. I feel like all three of you are a new wave of country and country-adjacent music. Do you agree?

I couldn't have drawn it up any better to open up for the two of them. They are on opposite ends of the [genre] spectrum. I feel validated opening up for someone at the forefront of pop and someone who is more indie. There’s not much we do the same except push the boundaries of country.

Have you gained anything from touring with either of them?

Being on the road with Shaboozey and seeing such a high level of organization and intention was inspirational. His ability to be himself on stage is incredible. There were times when we showed up to the venue, he would soundcheck, then before he played he would go on Jimmy Fallon, come back, and still engage with fans and be present. Then being on the road with Medium Build was a completely different experience. These guys have been touring a long time and being with them was like a family atmosphere.

What do you want listeners to take away from your new album, “Every Rain”?

When I set out on this journey, I wanted to make music my parents’ friends would play. I used to make stuff with some barriers to entry and tried to be cool and different. With this album, I just wanted to make something easy to listen to.

Favorite song to perform off the new album?

The hit on the road has been “Same Old Square.”

“Itchin’” talks about leaving the city and moving home. You also shared on Instagram that one year ago you moved home to pursue music one final time. What changed for you after moving back?

I lived in New York City for six years in Brooklyn, and I didn’t get anywhere. Eventually, I realized I was doing music for the wrong reasons. I started working harder in private and not on social media. I got better at the guitar and became a more disciplined songwriter. I moved home with my parents, and left my relationship in the city. It was humbling to move back and try to play at every restaurant and dock bar in Maryland. “Itchin’” was about me needing to leave and letting my then partner know they were not holding me back. It was me. I just had to go home and chase the dream.

Your lyrics often have heavy DMV and Maryland references. Is that intentional?

I can only write what I know. I do my best writing when it’s pretty blatantly about my personal life. When I tried to write songs that were more abstract, they weren’t as believable.

Which artists influence you the most?

I grew up as a DMV music fan. My idols were DMV rappers like Big Flock, Fat Trel, Wale, Shy Glizzy, and IDK. I thought these rappers were so cool, so different than what you would hear on the mainstream. I didn’t really get into the Annapolis music scene until I was in my late twenties when I moved home.There is a lot of Maryland representation in country right now, like Jackson Dean and Brothers Osborne. These guys paved the way for me to stay in Maryland.

What’s your go-to place to dine in the DMV?

My favorite bar in the world is Stan and Joe’s in Annapolis, and my favorite restaurant is Edgewater Restaurant in Edgewater, Maryland.

Local artists shoutout?

Gage Rhodes and Madisun Bailey

Last song you listened to?

“Tightrope” by Josh Gilliagan

Next Local(ish) Show:

Nov. 16 | 7 p.m. | Free | HoCo Brew Hive

Nov. 17 | 6:30 p.m. | $17+ | Ashling Kitchen & Bar

Follow:

@lukeborchelt

Song to Check Out:

“Victoria”

🎟️ Other Upcoming Local Shows To See

*Girls Rock DC is a youth program focusing on music education.

🎵 New Local Music Mentions

October was full of great music releases from several rising DMV acts. So much so that I had trouble selecting one to recommend. The solution? Recommend three.

🎧 Your November Local Music Playlist

Check out this Spotify playlist we made, featuring Luke Borchelt’s songs and inspirations, plus music by the other local bands above.