Musicians don’t see many major-label talent scouts in the DMV. Local stations don’t seem to have too much interest in area artists. But there is plenty of great musical talent in D.C., and Harmony Muzik wants the world to know it. “I think we are a model for the independent movement,” says the Virginia-based singer. “People need to come here and see how we do it.”
That’s why Harmony started the Law of the Few Record Pool in December—-an occasional networking event-cum-concert at which local hip-hop and R&B artists can pass on their music to local DJs. The second record pool takes place tonight at Twelve Restaurant and Lounge. “I feel like a lot of independent artists lack knowledge,” Harmony says. “If you’re not presenting it in the right way, it’s never going to get heard.”
Scheduled to perform (one song each): SmCity, Alison Carney, Levi Stephens, and others. One new feature of tonight’s record pool is a “cipher” round, in which six notable DMV lyricists—-including Pro’Verb, Flex Mathews, and Kane Mayfield—-will each spit a 16-bar freestyle over the same instrumental. Harmony has also dropped a 20-track mixtape in conjunction with the record pool, which includes music from X.O., Whitefolkz, and others.
The record pool begins at 6 p.m. tonight at Twelve Restaurant and Lounge, 1123 H St. NE. Admission is $10 before 8 p.m.; $15 afterward.