Remember Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell? These legendary ladies of folk have laid down lasting legacies and two accomplished women in the DC area are a product of that influence. Meet Joan & Joni, a duo dedicated to the works of Baez and Mitchell and comprising Allison Shapira and Kipyn Martin. Both performers possess amazing vocals, creating transcendental melodies, and they pluck their guitars in the most elegant ways, crafting an intimate and enveloping sound that you should check out. They display a rich stage presence and a level of talent not to be taken lightly. Catch them tomorrow night, 4/23, at the National Colonial Farm in Accokeek, MD. Doors at 6, $12. -Jonathan Goodwin

DC’s indie-folk maestros Wylder released their debut album, Rain and Laura, yesterday, 4/8. It’s a beautiful journey of feeling, of clarity, of unlocking doors. This LP features supreme string work by Lavar Edmonds, carefully inserted in the tracks and adding the right emotional weight needed to rather somber progressions. All throughout, the ensemble strikes a plucky yet seasoned chord, expressing intimate emotion through gentle lead vocals and mandolin and held together by the drum work, acoustic guitar, and keys. The album is harmonic gold, blending lighthearted and earnest, wrapped in a bow tie of folk and indie vibes. Join the band on 4/22 at the Rock and Roll Hotel for their release party and take a journey of feeling by listening to this album. -Jonathan Goodwin

Last night was at the 9:30 club was a beautiful one. Opening the night was Brazilian psych rock group Boogarins. This quartet was fantastic, sounding like an otherworldly mix of CCR and Tame Impala. Capturing a bluesy guitar sound and mixing it with superb drumming, songbird vocals, and a penchant for atmospheric vocals, their show’s an experience worth having. They’re playing Ottobar tonight, 4/5, so get out and see a truly unique act!

Following up to headline was Andrew Bird, established folk pop virtuoso. Supporting his new albm, Are You Serious, he put his multiinstrumental prowess (violin, guitar, and whistling) on full display for a sold-out audience. Engaging, humorous, and packing a serious set of pipes, his music reached into the soul and emitted a warmth reminiscent of innocence and home. Check out his latest video below and I highly encourage listening to the new album. -Jonathan Goodwin

Tonight, come to one of Baltimore’s best music venues for one heck of a lineup. Opening up for the night is Baltimore’s indie rock group Slow Lights, with a sweetly soulful, melodic vibe to share. Following is another Baltimore band, the funky space rock quartet Greasy Hands. Their sound is fun and enthralling, blending guitar riffs and keys to make you move. Up next, Philly’s own progressive alt rock trio, The Humble. Working the pedals and belting out some guttural, yet hearty vocals, these guys are guaranteed to surprise. Closing out the night, headliners The Milestones hail from Baltimore and have mastered their unique blend of alt and dance rock. Make your Saturday night awesome and check out these great bands at Ottobar, doors at 9pm, just $10. -Jonathan Goodwin

Kicking down the door right away with heavy percussion and cascading guitar work, Ménage À Garage‘s debut EP is a treat, put simply. With vocals ringing like They Might Be Giants’s John Flansburgh and cutting lyrical content, some of the largest classic tropes of punk prevail throughout the record: some storytelling, some angst, and a critical eye for life. You’ll be tapping your foot to the beats before you know and then banging your head with the crescendos along with anyone else listening to this fine group. Ménage À Garage has been very busy, playing show after show at staple DC venues, so look out for announcements for spring and summer gigs! -Jonathan Goodwin

Looking for hot beats? Gaithersburg-based Bakalis pumped out this sick single a few weeks ago and it should be blasting through everyone’s speakers right this moment. He’s been busy the past year, laying out new tracks every couple months. Barely pausing for breath but spilling out lyrics flawlessly, Bakalis has somber backbeats that serve to emphasize the strength of his message and make your head start bopping along. He’s talented and industrious, so keep this guy on your shortlist for quality DC rap. -Jonathan Goodwin

You’ve heard a lot about them from me, but Wylder is just too good to not write about. That said, here’s a little treat to get you through the week: their new music video for Swells. A lighthearted, hopeful track, the music video is equally playful and invokes classic tropes of awkward male friendship and mismatched romantic pairings. Give it a watch because Friday’s almost here and this dash of good vibes is just what the doctor ordered. -Jonathan Goodwin

Singer-songwriter Melanie Edwards‘s release of this new single, ‘What Happened,’ is an introduction to her ninth studio album and asks the painful questions following regretful breakups. It’s a walkthrough of the dark, inevitable backtracking of the all-too-familiar, guided by Melanie’s tearful and honest vocals and somber melody. This single is not only a reminder of her experience, but an ode to a broken heart. -Justin Bieggar

Carefully vacillating from somber to exuberant, the first album from DC’s space pop quartet Fall Seattle is one that takes the listener on a quasi-spiritual journey. If The Smiths heavily experimented with shoegaze elements, this is probably what they’d sound like. Mixing melancholy and merriment, this album feels like a manifesto; it combines more than two years of writing and recording by the group and it’s apparent from the striking dissonance between tracks. Sure to inspire reflection and emotional reconfiguring, this album is worth several listens, so push play already and keep an eye out for upcoming gigs from Fall Seattle. -Jonathan Goodwin

Indie R & B group Gully Waters released a new single last month and it is one soulful track right from the pages of a diary. Vocalist Yaya Bey lays it all out with a voice that cuts deep, and is backed by a crying guitar masterfully played by Ajene Harley. This is only a demo and I can’t wait to hear the promising final cut. The group will grace the stage at the Velvet Lounge with Cruzie Beaux February 28th. Don’t miss it. -Justin Bieggar

At first listen, you’d expect a loud crash somewhere within the minute, but stick around and you’ll find mellow and soothing folk in homage to an entire decade: somewhere around the 60’s. Three-piece Waterplanet paints landscapes with one broad brush. It’s a somewhat familiar sound, but the smooth vocals and cleansing strings delivered by Millie Landrum, James Hesser, and recently added Gregtape, keep it interesting. From ‘Go Go Go’ and its nod to Violent Femmes to the Latin guitar twist and mixed lyrics of ‘Get Lost’ and the psychedelic chants in between, they’re setting your sights on Baltimore for the next gig. Check out their new entry to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series below!-Justin Bieggar

The Deli Magazine’s SXSW annual print issue is coming out soon and DC’s The Walking Sticks are featured! If you haven’t heard of this awesome indie dance band or their genre-flexing music, you’ve had your buried in the sand and under a rock. Vocalist Chelsea Lee has been on the scene for a few years now and her siren pipes grew a fanbase all their own. Now artfully flanked by some inventive electronica, her trained voice rings out, gripping your attention and moving your body for you. As this group has blown up, they’re playing sold out shows around town, so catch them soon! -Jonathan Goodwin