Music & Concerts
SPRING ARTS 2019 ALBUMS: Melissa, P!nk, Reba and more
As more artists take surprise approach, spring season harder to predict
Two-thousand-nineteen seems so far to be a quieter year for major pop releases, but there’s still plenty of new music to look forward to in the coming months.
First, some recent releases you may have missed.
Ariana Grande just released “Thank U, Next,” her second album in six months, on the heels of “Sweetener,” which won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album. R&B legend Chaka Khan came out with her 12th solo studio album, “Hello Happiness,” her first in 12 years.
On Feb. 22, non-binary artist Beth Jeans Houghton, known as Du Blonde, released a third album entitled “Lung Bread for Daddy.” And Australian folk rocker Julia Jacklin, who is also the frontwoman for Phantastic Ferniture (which released its self-titled debut last year), released her second solo album, “Crushing.”
Young Norwegian singer and songwriter Sigrid is coming out with a debut album entitled “Sucker Punch,” on March 1, following the release of her 2018 EP “Raw.” For the project, she’s working with writer and producer Oscar Holter, who has co-written and produced music with artists such as Tiësto, Carly Rae Jepsen, Katy Perry, P!nk, Troye Sivan and Charlie XCX. On the same day, American rock band Weezer is scheduled to release its 13th studio album, entitled “Weezer (The Black Album).”
On March 8, the English pop singer Dido is expected to release a new album entitled “Still On My Mind.” This would be her first release since her 2013 album “Girl Who Got Away.” Lead single “Give You Up” was released in January and landed at no. 22 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. It’s a sign of some momentum for a singer who has been out of the spotlight in the U.S. since 1999 (though she has remained a fixture in Europe).
On March 29, Ben Platt releases his first solo album, entitled “Sing to Me Instead.” Platt is well known for his major Broadway roles, most recently as Evan Hansen in the acclaimed musical “Dear Evan Hansen.” He also played the role of Benji Applebaum alongside Anna Kendrick in the movies “Pitch Perfect” and “Pitch Perfect 2.” The same date will see the release of the legendary Marvin Gaye’s “You’re the Man,” an album that was recorded four decades ago but never released.
While there’s no official release date, P!nk’s “Hurts 2B Human” is expected to be released this April. The first single, “Walk Me Home,” from the singer’s eighth studio album was released last week, signaling the arrival of the new album relatively soon.
On April 5, country music legend Reba McEntire will release her 29th studio album, entitled “Stronger Than the Truth.” And on the same date, American psychedelic-pop singer Weyes Blood will release her album “Titanic Rising.” Weyes Blood has risen in popularity since her most recent album, “Front Row Seat to Earth,” and has been touring extensively in Europe and the U.S. The new album is her first on the Sub Pop label (Warner Music Group), which signed artists like Nirvana and Father John Misty.
Sara Bareilles will likewise release her new album, “Amidst the Chaos” on April 5. Bareilles has been enjoying the spotlight a lot recently, following the Broadway production of “Waitress,” for which Bareilles wrote lyrics and music. She also recently appeared in the widely acclaimed television adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Jesus Christ Superstar.” “Amidst the Chaos” is Bareilles’ first album since the 2015 release of “What’s Inside: Songs from Waitress.”
Lesbian rock icon Melissa Etheridge releases “The Medicine Show” April 12. She said in a Blade interview last year the album contains some of her strongest-ever writing.
Welsh singer Marina (formerly Marina and the Diamonds) is slated to release a new album on April 26 called “Love+Fear.” It’s her album since the 2015 “Froot.” Marina remains popular among gay audiences and has performed at New York Pride.
On May 10, Chicago artist Jamila Woods is scheduled to release her second album, “Legacy! Legacy!” Woods, who is regularly collaborates with Chance The Rapper, is producing music that directly engages with her home in Chicago. She is definitely someone to keep an eye on.
New album releases are rumored for Adele, Frank Ocean, Carly Rae Jepsen, Sheryl Crow, Vampire Weekend and Madonna, though there have been no official announcements. And there will most certainly be a few unexpected releases along the way.
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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