Music & Concerts
Jagged little anniversary
Classic Alanis album gets deluxe treatment
‘Jagged Little Pill’ has been re-released in a deluxe edition. (Photo by John Salisbury; courtesy Rhino)
It seems impossible to imagine that two decades have passed since Alanis Morissette made massive waves with one of the ‘90s most pivotal albums, “Jagged Little Pill.”
Potent and intensely emotional but also highly polished and commercial, “Jagged Little Pill” is one of the decade’s cultural landmarks. In celebration of the album’s 20th anniversary, Morissette has teamed with Rhino Records for a new four-CD Collector’s Edition. It includes a newly remastered version of the original album, a disc of demos and outtakes of songs that did not make the record, an entirely acoustic version of the album (which Morissette had previously released in 2005 to mark its 10th anniversary), and a CD capturing Morissette’s first live performance in the U.K. at the Subterranea in London in September 1995, just as “Jagged Little Pill” was really taking off.
Is it worth it to pay the $40 or so to pick up the collector’s edition if you already have your original CD from 1995? For most casual fans, the answer is going to be no. Yeah it’s a nice enough set and the packaging is lovely, but the most essential part of it is the album itself. While the remaster sounds nice, it’s not such a revelation that the original CD pressing should be considered obsolete. Of course, it is indeed a classic album. Morissette took to her blog recently to reflect on “Jagged Little Pill,” and she describes its meteoric impact as only she can: “There was a cultural wave swelling … a readiness, perhaps, for people to hear about the underbelly, the true experience of being a young, sensitive, and brave person in a patriarchal world… This wave was moving through culture with or without me, and I happened to grab my glittery surfboard and rode that wave like a feisty androgyne on the back of a megalodon.”
The first big hit was “You Oughta Know,” an obsessive, confrontational, angst-ridden rocker that took alternative radio by storm and then crossed over to MTV and the Top 40. It remains one of the decade’s most iconic singles, an anthem for those not content to fade away meekly after being wronged. “Right Through You” exists in the same stylistic territory, and the trippy rocker “All I Really Want” opens the album with a bang. Most of “Jagged Little Pill”, though, is engaging, well-polished pop/rock. Singles like “Ironic,” “Hand in My Pocket,” “You Learn” and “Head Over Heels” all became substantial hits, leading “Jagged Little Pill” to 13 weeks at no. 1 on the U.S. album chart and to worldwide sales in excess of 30 million copies. The album holds up very well two decades later, and it’s an enjoyable blast from the past to listen to these great songs again at full volume.
Unfortunately the three discs of bonus material are largely inessential. The collection of demos is at least somewhat interesting, but it’s clear from the beginning there is a reason why these songs did not make the album. Tracks like “Superstar Wonderful Weirdos” and “Death of Cinderella” are really just unfinished sketches, although some of them sound like they might have been quite good had they been fully fleshed out. In their current state, unfortunately, they aren’t compelling enough to inspire repeated listens.
The acoustic disc — which many fans probably already own — is rather sedate and bloodless. One of the things that makes the original “Jagged Little Pill” so great is the manic energy, and that’s missing here. Some songs work better than others. “Perfect” and “Mary Jane” are lovely, but the edgy rockers like “You Oughta Know” and “Right Through You” just sound limp. The live disc, again, will mostly appeal to hard core fans. Despite it’s status as a historic show — Morissette’s first performance in the U.K. — it doesn’t really jump out as the fierce live document that one might expect. The sound quality isn’t particularly great, and Morissette’s vocals are a bit rough at times.
Those who prefer the middle ground can get the two-CD deluxe edition which includes only the remastered main album and the CD of demos. That may be the way to go if you really feel the urge to upgrade your well-worn 20 year-old original. “Jagged Little Pill” is undoubtedly a cornerstone album that is worthy of exploration for a 20th anniversary edition. However, if you have the original CD, you can celebrate its anniversary just fine by revisiting it, preferably at as loud a volume as possible. The new 4-disc collection is a nice collector’s item for the die-hards, but casual fans will probably skip through the bonus material once and then never revisit it again, preferring instead to focus on the stellar original album, and understandably so.
Music & Concerts
DJ Chanel Santini is bringing the heat and some gender-fluid diversity to XBIZ Miami
Pool party celebrates most charismatic personalities, creative artists in adult entertainment
Chanel Santini has crossed over to being a DJ, performing at clubs all over the country. Now known as Santini, they will be making music and hyping the pool party, DJ-ing at XBIZ, the conference for adult creators and digital players, in Miami.
Taking place on Monday to Wednesday, the event honors the most charismatic personalities and creative artists in entertainment.
“I am honestly so excited — getting to DJ in Miami Beach is literally a DJ’s dream!” Santini told the Los Angeles Blade.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity because I haven’t been around my industry peers in a long time. It’s a great event to network and show off the new me!” said Santini.
While Santini is unsure what music they will be playing, they want everyone to have a good time. “My goal is to ignite the dance floor and play great music that everyone will vibe to. My sound includes house music, bass house, tech house, and I always like to throw a little bit of hip-hop in my sets.”
Santini loves how DJ-ing brings people together.
“Music really ignites us all! It is so universal, no matter what language you speak. I think it’s the best high in the world when you play a banger track, and everybody on the dance floor screams loudly. You can’t describe that feeling until you’re up there on that stage.”
Santini describes DJs as the “modern rock stars” in today’s world.
“I always feel like such a superstar when I’m up on that stage. The best feeling is after my set when I have people come up to me and say, ‘Thank you for sharing that amazing music.’ That’s how you know that you’re a good DJ — I love when I get those types of compliments!”
While sometimes it’s hard to please everyone’s musical tastes, Santini endeavors to try! “You just have to go out there and give it your all and be the best DJ that you can be,” he noted.
Santini, who had previously identified as transgender, recently decided to transition back to being gender fluid.
“It’s definitely been a journey, but I’m definitely happier in my own skin now than I was. I don’t go by he/him pronouns. I don’t go by they/them either. I guess I just really don’t have a preference. Whatever you see me as is your opinion. I’ve learned over the years that I’m not trying to be one specific thing. I’m just Santini. I’m just me.”
Santini acknowledged they felt respected more when dressed as a woman.
“I think it’s just because femininity runs the world. When I started to de-transition, I felt like I had to just be a boy all the time. But I’ve realized over the years that I don’t need to stick to one specific thing. I am always gonna be feminine, and that’s OK.”
Recently, Santini has been embracing their feminine side more.
“I definitely feel more comfortable in female presentation, and more powerful when I’m on stage dressed as Chanel. I love DJ-ing in drag because there are so many straight male DJs in the world. It’s almost like a superhero when he puts on his cape! I think it makes me confident and stand out more as an artist.”
And because Santini loves makeup and fashion, they can incorporate that into their sets. “I’m not just bringing you good vibes and good music. I’m bringing you a show/ production!”
Santini is already working on big plans for the future.
“I’m opening up for a huge Pride block party in my hometown, Albuquerque, N.M., on June 12 and 13. It’s a two day festival and I’m super excited for this opportunity. I’m even hiring backup dancers and a choreographer.”
Santini plans to go “all out” for this show.
“It’s gonna be the biggest crowd that I’ve ever played for,” Santini enthused. “I’m putting my heart and soul into this performance, especially because it’s Pride in my hometown, and that means so much to me. I know the younger me would be so proud.”
Santini remembers going to Pride when they were younger and telling themself they couldn’t wait to be up on that stage.
“I’m truly living my dream right now, and I’m so excited for the future. The last 10 years of being in the adult entertainment business have been great and have given me major success. But I always knew that I didn’t want to be in this industry for long.”
Santini acknowledged that, in the recent past, it was a struggle.
“I’ve been trying to find myself and figure out what I wanna do next with my life. Now that I’ve found this passion for DJ-ing, it makes me want to go far in this business.”
In addition to being a DJ/artist, Santini is starting college next semester.
“I’m gonna get my degree in audio engineering,” Santini enthused. “I can’t wait to start producing my own tracks. I especially can’t wait till the day I’m headlining a major festival! I know with a little bit of patience and hard work that I can get there! I just have to continue believing in myself.”
Santini wanted to thank all of their fans for their support. “Truly, if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to fund my art in the way that I have. I’m truly grateful. And I’m excited for the future!”
Music & Concerts
Gaga, Cardi B, and more to grace D.C. stages this spring
Shake off your winter doldrums at a local concert
D.C. shakes off its winter blues this spring as the music scene pops off. We all know the big star is coming: Lady Gaga will perform at Capital One Arena on March 23. But plenty of other stars, big and small, will grace D.C. stages, including many LGBTQ and ally artists.
March
3/15, 9:30 Club, St. Lucia – Indie electronic music project known for its synth-pop sound, which blends ‘80s influences with electronic and indie rock elements.
3/31, Lincoln Theatre, Perfume Genius – Indie/pop singer/songwriter Mike Hadreas, also known as Perfume Genius, has toured with a full band, but he is stripping things back for this tour.
April
4/8, Capital One, Cardi B. Cardi B, from New York, unapologetic and proud, is the first solo female artist to win the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. This year, she’s on her Little Miss Drama Tour, in support of her second studio album, “Am I the Drama?”
4/13, Lincoln Theatre, The Naked Magicians. Australia’s The Naked Magicians are two performers who deliver live magic and laughs while wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile.
4/18, Capital One, Florence and the Machine. Longstanding indie rock back from Great Britain, much-loved for lead singer Florence’s powerful vocals. On their Everybody Scream Tour.
4/16, Capital One, Demi Lovato. Singer/songwriter from Texas, who came out as nonbinary, is traveling on her “It’s Not That Deep Tour.”
4/21, The Anthem, Calum Scott. Platinum-selling gay singer/songwriter Calum Scott released his latest project, Avenoir, last year. Scott rose to fame in 2015 after competing on Britain’s Got Talent, where he performed a cover of Robyn’s hit “Dancing on My Own“.
4/26, Atlantis, Caroline Kingsbury. American queer pop musician from Los Angeles. She released her debut album in 2021, and has two additional EPs. She’s played Lollapalooza 2025 and All Things Go 2025, as well as gone on a co-headlining U.S. tour with MARIS. Shock Treatment is her latest EP.
4/26, Anthem, Raye. This bisexual artist, known for her current chart-topping “”Where Is My Husband!” single, blends pop, jazz, R&B, and more.
4/30, Union Stage, Daya. This bisexual singer/songwriter is on her “Til Every Petal Drops Tour,” touring the album of the same name that was released last year.
May
5/1, The Anthem, Joost Klein. Eurovision comes to D.C. in Joost Klein: Originally a Youtuber, he was selected to represent the Netherlands at Eurovision in 2024 with his song “Europapa.” He released a new album on New Year’s Day.
5/1, Fillmore, MIKA. MIKA is on his Spinning Out Tour. Born in Beirut and raised in both Paris and London, MIKA sings in multiple languages and has co-hosted Eurovision.
5/7, 9:30 Club, COBRAH. Clara Christensen, is a Swedish singer, songwriter, record producer, and club queen, making electronic dance music.
5/19, Atlantis, Grace Ives. New York-born singer/songwriter, known for her high-energy synth/electronic, bedroom-pop-style music.
June
6/2, The Anthem, James Blake. English crooner got big from his self-titled debut album in 2011. He won two Grammys and just released his 7th album,Trying Times, in March.
Music & Concerts
Washington chorale kicks off Christmas with vibrant program
‘Thine Own Sweet Light’ concerts planned
The full Washington Master Chorale will return for its annual holiday concert tradition with “Thine Own Sweet Light” on Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 21 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (D.C.) and Church of the Epiphany (D.C.).
The concert will feature the rich sounds of the 50-voice, a cappella chorus performing lush, seasonal choral music inspired by the theme of light. Highlights include Edvard Grieg’s “Ave Maris Stella,” Eric Whitacre’s “Lux Aurumque,” and Christopher Hoh’s “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts.” The program will also present a new work by Barcelona composer Josep Ollé i Sabaté, along with charming holiday folk songs and seasonal favorites.
For more details, visit the Washington Master Chorale website.
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