Music & Concerts

New band LAYNE blends pop-rock sounds with nonchalant sexuality

‘I want people to walk away feeling something heavy’

Published

10 years ago

August 28, 2016

Mariah Cooper

LAYNE is Layne Putnam, left, and Alexander Rosca. (Photo by Brandon Wolford; courtesy ReyBee Inc.)

LAYNE

DC9

1940 9th St., N.W.

Wednesday, Aug. 31

Doors 8:30 p.m.

Show: 9 p.m.

$12

Inspiration isn’t always easy to come by and while others seek it out in the walls of a coffee shop or by taking a late night drive, Layne Putnam’s creativity flowed into her songwriting in the woods.

Growing up in Black Hills, S.D., Putnam, 21, admits the music scene was “almost nonexistent.” So Putnam, who grew up playing mostly drums and guitar, had to make her own and used her environment as her musical canvas. She says music was always in her life, and also her blood as her father Kenny Putnam was a fiddle players for the Red Willow Band and toured with country legend Roy Clarke. For Putnam, music was just “part of living and breathing.”

Putnam has since taken her musical ambitions from sparse South Dakota to Los Angeles as half of the indie pop-rock band LAYNE, which she formed with fellow bandmate Alexander Rosca. The band is on tour and LAYNE makes its D.C. stop at DC9 on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Putnam, who moved to Los Angeles three years ago, met Rosca there through someone they were both working with and says the connection was instantaneous.

“I needed a drummer and he was like, ‘Hey, I’m a drummer.’ We met and had coffee and it was like immediate, instant,” Putnam says. “We looked at each other and we were dressed exactly the same and we listened to the same music and he understood things like I did. I played him some stuff and he was like, ‘I’m there.’ We’ve hung out pretty much every day since. He’s like my best friend. We just clicked, and now we’re a team.”

The pair created a system with Putnam on vocals, synths and guitar, and Rosca on drums. Putnam says their collaboration is different every time. At times, Putnam sings a track and takes it to Rosca to create a drum beat and other times Rosca comes up with a drum beat for Putnam to build around.

“The Black Hills,” named after Putnam’s hometown and the duo’s first EP, is the finished product of their collaboration. “Good” and “Somebody” are two singles that have already been released as previews to the release with both music videos receiving thousands of YouTube views. Putnam says the EP, which will be released Aug. 26, is a collection of songs from the past year. Some of the tracks have the tell-tale mark of Putnam’s love of nature. She says the two got sound bites from the lakes, wind and trees from the areas Putnam grew up in and sampled them on the track.

Putnam says the EP chronicles their creative journey from the last year.

“I was in a midway point kind of transitioning and really honing in on the sound,” Putnam says. “So it really encapsulates the last year of what we’ve been doing creatively. We didn’t necessarily sit down at one time and do it. But I think that’s cool because it kind of sums up our last year.”

The EP reflects the pop-rock sound of the band which Putnam has always admired. She says she has always enjoyed both and likes to pull bits from each genre. The happy medium felt “natural and right for her.”

Putnam credits musicians like Prince, Joan Jett, Bjork and St. Vincent as musical favorites, but for more than just their songs.

“People like that their entire project is an art project, you know? From the music, to the visuals to the videos, it’s all a part of it and all encompassing,” Putnam says.

Although the band is just kicking off its career, Putnam has been open about being a lesbian from the start. Being out and proud at the onset of her career is something Putnam has no problem doing, but doesn’t want her sexuality to be a reason people listen to her music.

“I feel like we’re at a point now where the best thing you can do is just be equal,” Putnam says. “We’ve fought as a community to be treated the same way and I think now I’m in a place where I don’t ever want to openly say, ‘Listen to me because I’m a gay artist.’ I don’t want that to be a thing. I want to say, ‘Hey, listen to my music, and also I’m gay.’”

Putnam says she is “very proud to be part of the community,” but doesn’t want that to be the defining characteristic of her as a musician.

“People think it’s such a huge part of who you are as a person. And the message I would like to send is, it’s not a huge part. We’re all the exact same,” Putnam says. “So I wouldn’t necessarily come out and say, ‘I’m a gay artist’ but I’m not going to come out and say, ‘I’m not.’ I think there’s power in just acting like we’re equal. We are. There’s no reason to further put yourself in a minority or group when we’re all the same.”

That doesn’t mean Putnam isn’t focusing on her sexuality in her music. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Putnam admits she is always writing about her own experiences and relationships. Letting out her emotions in her music is deeply personal and writing about her relationships with women is bound to come out. But, Putnam believes her songwriting is universally relatable no matter what a person’s sexuality may be.

“I’ll say she, I’m not afraid of that. I like to listen to artists where I can relate to that. I absolutely have no fear in that. But I feel all relationships are the same. I write about my relationship and I feel anybody can relate to it if they’ve been in a relationship,” Putnam says.

At their upcoming DC9 show, Putnam is excited for her audience to connect with LAYNE’s music and simply feel that universality.

“I want people to feel empowered by feeling because that’s something that makes us superhuman, our ability to feel, and to hurt, and to be mad and be happy and all those things. I want people to feel either totally stoked or feel like, ‘Wow, that was heavy’ or think, ‘Wow, that made me sad.’ I want people to walk away feeling something heavy.”

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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

Published

3 weeks ago

May 10, 2026

Susan Hornik

DJ Chanel Santini (Photo courtesy of Miss Lainie PR)

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!”

*DJ Chanel Santini / Photo courtesy of Miss Lainie PR*

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

Published

3 months ago

March 13, 2026

Evan Caplan

Lady Gaga plays Capital One Arena on March 23. (File photo courtesy of Might Real Agency)

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

Published

6 months ago

December 5, 2025

Tinashe Chingarande

(Photo by orson/Bigstock)

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.