✍️ Our 2024 DC endorsements (with a twist)

What's CITY Talking About?

WMATA Sued For Withholding Safety Info

Metro is being sued for failing to disclose information related to workers' safety. The agency’s watchdog, the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, says WMATA did not provide proof of an asbestos program, maintenance plans, or loading limits despite multiple warnings. [WUSA9]

Businesses Boarding Up Pre-Election

Several buildings and stores near the White House have boarded up their windows ahead of the election tomorrow, preparing for any potential fallout. [Fox5]

• Related: Mayor Bowser has said she doesn’t think boarding up is necessary, but D.C. is upping its security in other ways this week. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Maryland Issues Cease-And-Desist To Threatening Mailers

The Maryland Attorney General ordered the Voter Participation Center, a national voter engagement organization, to stop sending out mailers that threatened to publicly expose Marylanders’ voting records to drive them to the polls. [WTOP]

Your DC Local Music Guide for November

Welcome to another edition of our monthly music newsletter feature, where we highlight a local artist and upcoming shows from local acts. It’s the time of year to reflect on what we are thankful for, and local music should be one of them! From lots of new music drops to a rising country star, the DMV music scene is thriving.

🎙️ Spotlight: Luke Borchelt

Self-Described Sound:

Pop-Country

Background:

Just over a year ago – before Luke Borchelt hit over a million streams on Spotify for his song “Every Rain,” opened for Shaboozey, and toured with Medium Build – Borchelt moved back in with his parents in Maryland. Inspired by DMV rappers growing up, Borchelt moved to New York City to pursue his dream of becoming a rapper under the alias Air Bud. He struggled to find the fame though. By 22, he decided to quit music believing he would return to it naturally if it was his calling.

At 26, he returned to music with a new perspective. He gave up caring about record deals and the number of fans. Instead, he returned home to keep him grounded and inspired. With the support of his friends and family, his authentic songwriting and heartfelt vocals catapulted him to natural success. He signed with Sony Music Publishing and his first album dropped last month. Borchelt credits Maryland for his rise, stating, “I like to be able to say that I’m made in Maryland, and live in Maryland. That’s really important to me.”

Get To Know the Artist:

Which artists influence you the most?

I grew up as a DMV music fan. My idols were DMV rappers like Big Flock, Fat Trel, Wale, Shy Glizzy, and IDK. Also, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Frank Ocean, Tyler Childers, and Atmosphere.

Local artists shoutout?

Gage Rhodes and Madisun Bailey

Last song you listened to?

“Tightrope” by Josh Gilliagan

Next Local(ish) Show:

Nov. 16 | 7 p.m. | Free | HoCo Brew Hive

Nov. 17 | 6:30 p.m. | $17+ | Ashling Kitchen & Bar

Follow:

@lukeborchelt

Song to Check Out:

“Victoria”

🎟️ Other Upcoming Local Shows To See

1. Shelby Morgan (opening for Melt) (Pop) | Nov. 7 | 8 p.m. | $25 | 9:30 Club
2. NBS, KNR Co. (Jazz Fusion, Indie) | Nov. 14 | 8 p.m. | $13+ | The Pocket
3. Kinda Evil, Cherub Tree, Cal Rifkin (Alt. Rock) | Nov. 15 | 8 p.m. | $20+ | Black Cat
4. Outerloop, Lud Roes, Ari Voxx, Chyna (Girls Rock DC*) | Nov. 30 | 8 p.m. | $12+ | Pie Shop
5. Flowers for the Dead, Prude, Eraser Girl (Alt. Rock)| Nov. 30 | 8 p.m. | $15+ | Songbyrd

*Girls Rock DC is a youth program focusing on music education.

🎵 New Local Music Mentions

October was full of great music releases from several rising DMV acts. So much so that I had trouble selecting one to recommend. The solution? Recommend three.

• Kinda Evil: “Fissure” (Alt. Rock)
• Argo and the Violet Queens: “The Comedown” (Alt. Rock)
• Sam Elmore & The Ghosts: “Hunger Ghost” (Pop)

🎧 Your November Local Music Playlist

Check out this Spotify playlist we made, featuring Luke Borchelt’s songs and inspirations, plus music by the other local bands above.

What To Do