Welcome to another edition of our monthly music newsletter feature, where we highlight a local artist and upcoming shows from DMV acts. It’s officially Halloween season. As you contemplate your costume and how much pumpkin spice to consume, embrace a darker-tinged local playlist that matches the chill in the air.
🎙️ Spotlight: Flowers for the Dead
Self-Described Sound:
Alternative Rock
Band Members:
Jessie Szegö (lead guitar/vocals)
Ella Buskirk (bass/vocals)
Ricky Martinez (drums)
Background:
Flowers for the Dead planted its roots two years ago when Jessie Szegö moved away from the indie-style music she played in her early teens to alternative rock. Inspired by Slint and The Breeders, the band’s debut album released in 2022. “Quiet Corrosion in the Dancing Hall” showcased Szegö’s haunting cadence over heavy grunge composition. Ella Buskirk and Ricky Martinez joined the band a year later, after organically connecting through the D.C. music scene.
As DMV natives, Szegö, Buskirk, and Martinez bring promising new energy to the local rock scene. Flowers for the Dead dropped three singles this year that carry more edge in their vocals and sarcastic wit in their lyrics than their debut album. While they can’t share any formal updates, you can expect more new music from them soon.
Ella Buskirk of Flowers of the Dead performing at Rhizome. (Photo by Neil Vargas)
Get To Know the Artists:
You’ve dropped three singles this year. Is there an intention for an album?
Szegö: People have gotten the vibe that’s what’s coming because we’ve been dropping so many singles. All we can say for now is to expect new music from us soon.
Is there a theme that inspired the recent singles?
Szegö: The themes are very similar. They [revolve around] growing out of your current environment and relationships, and being ready for the next stage of your life.
How has the audience reception been at your show in response to the new music?
Szegö: Pretty good! Especially with “Teeth” because that song is the biggest jump from our old sound. When we play it live, people who are more familiar with our older stuff are surprised, because it’s got a little bit more attitude and screaming than our previous stuff.
How would you characterize D.C.’s current DIY music scene?
Szegö: The coolest thing about the local scene is the sense of community and connecting with people who have interests similar to yours. That’s how we met. Personally, though, it’s hard to put our roots down here because there are not a whole lot of bands out there. There are a few really great DMV-based bands, but I wish there was a more thriving scene in D.C. There is a lot of potential for a better scene, there just needs to be more people getting involved, throwing shows, and hosting DIY spaces.
Where do you go to gain inspiration?
Szegö: It’s not a physical place, but we go to a certain headspace before we write about stuff. You have to be in a semi-vulnerable emotional state to put your feelings out there that come from the heart.
Favorite local venue?
Martinez: Rhizome. Everyone is at the same level and there’s no stage. It’s always pretty fun.
Local artist shoutout?
Szegö: Ekko Astral. We just did a festival with them and were bunkmates. It was the first time I saw them and they blew me away.
Martinez: Expiration Date. They have beautiful live shows with a lot of emotion.
Buskirk: I’ve been listening to a lot of Prude recently. They have great songwriting but in a very silly way. I like them for that.
Which artists influence the band the most?
Szegö: It’s evolved over the years but Slint and The Breeders have been constant inspirations. Sonic Youth, too. Honestly, all the ‘90s indie rock and grunge bands. Recently, we’ve been inspired by newer acts like Feeble Little Horse and Hello Mary.
Last song you listened to?
Szegö: Alanis Morissette: “All I Really Want”
Martinez: New Order: “Ceremony”
Buskirk: Gillian Welch: “I Dream a Highway”
Upcoming Local Shows:
Oct. 24 | 8 p.m. | $10 | Rhizome DC
Nov. 11 | 8 p.m. | $15 | Songbyrd
Follow:
Song to Check Out:
Ricky Martinez of Flowers of the Dead performing at Rhizome. (Photo by Neil Vargas)
🎟️ Other Upcoming Local Shows To See
- Andrew Toy, Time in the Wilderness, A Promising Local Band (Experimental, Jazz) | Oct. 9 | 8 p.m. | $15+ | Songbyrd
- Glitterer, Victor Arce, Roxy 2 (Indie Rock) | Oct. 11 | 10 p.m. | $10+ | Comet Ping Pong
- Jackie and the Treehorns, Roscoe Tripp, Nayan (Rock) | Oct. 12 | 8 p.m. | $10+ | Pie Shop
- Sam Elmore, Argo & The Violet Queens, The Montaines (Folk, Indie) | Oct. 19 | 10 p.m. | $18+ | Comet Ping Pong
- Drook, Flowerbomb, Some Nobodies (Pop, Latin) | Oct. 24 | 8 p.m. | $14+ | The Pocket
🎵 New Local Music Mentions
Our spotlight band’s latest single features Szegö’s signature hypnotic vocals over heavy guitar riffs. The song toes the line between shoegaze and grunge and will be an excellent companion to your next fall stroll in Rock Creek Park.
🎧 Your October Local Music Playlist
Check out this Spotify playlist we made, featuring Flowers for the Dead’s songs and inspirations, plus music by the other local bands above.
