Washington, D.C.

To visit D.C. is to witness the stark difference between the haves and the have-nots. Government buildings downtown host corrupt bureaucrats running the country on behalf of the lobbyists and corporations that can afford them. While poor surrounding neighborhoods host liquor stores where bulletproof glass stands between customers and cashiers. It is hard to believe this city welcomes so many tourists celebrating equity when inequity is much easier to find. Only in our nation’s capital can one see a huge monument devoted to a rich guy that owned slaves, then drive ten minutes down the road to see the impact of the decisions those same forefathers avoided making.

I am sure this contrast, tension, and energy have helped to create one of the most prolific independent music scenes in the country, one driven by Dischord records and the visionaries that are its lifeblood. I for one was excited to come to town, possibly catch a glimpse of the legendary music scene in the works, and get a feel for this complex place. Instead, we played at a venue that seemed to host more dancehall events than punk rock. Only a handful of folks came by to checkout the show and as soon as we were done the place then began to fill up with patrons ready to dance to some sweet grooves. They seemed glad our evening was over and theirs was beginning. We had fun, we usually find a way to, but sometimes it is difficult.