Music & Concerts
Not-so-triumphant return
New M83 album ‘Junk’ frothy but uneven
M83 mastermind Anthony Gonzalez has finally released the outfit’s new project ‘Junk.’ (Photo courtesy Naive-Mute)
Half a decade has passed since M83, the project of vocalist, songwriter, producer and electronics wizard Anthony Gonzalez, released the landmark double-album “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming” and its wonderfully ubiquitous international hit “Midnight City,” a retro synthpop rave-up that was a constant fixture on global dancefloors for years after its release.
The album was one of the year’s most acclaimed, scoring numerous mentions on year-end critics list. In 2013, Gonzalez released a soundtrack under the M83 name for the film “Oblivion,” but that didn’t really satisfy the need for a new M83 album. His latest, the just-released “Junk,” is a frothy electro feast for the senses that does have some great moments, but is ultimately not as compelling as it could have been.
Given that it’s been five years since “Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming,” it is perhaps not surprising there are some changes. Longtime vocal collaborator Morgan Kibby is no long with the project. Texas-based vocalist Kaela Sinclair, whom Gonzalez discovered online, will handle vocal duties on tour, while the album features a bevy of vocalists including Mai Lan (who appears on four tracks, including the infectious single “Go!”), 19-year old newcomer Jordan Lawlor, the exquisitely talented Swedish singer/songwriter Susanne Sundfør, and Beck, who appears on the track “Time Wind.” The album was co-produced by the great Justin Meldal-Johnsen, an Oregon-based bassist, producer and songwriter of some renown who’s worked with giants like Beck, Nine Inch Nails, Air, Garbage, Tori Amos and many others.
When one must follow-up an album widely perceived as a classic, it can be an intimidating process, and unfortunately — although “Junk” does have its moments — Gonzalez isn’t really up to the challenge. The album is inconsistent and at times maddening, even when it tries hard to be likable. “Junk” opens with the hyperkinetic first single “Do It, Try It,” a dynamic showcase for Gonzalez and his studio trickerations with a prominent bass line. It’s clever, engaging and a natural for the dance floor. It’s also wise to open the album with such an encouraging slide of positivity in a world that increasingly can use some smiles.
“Do It, Try It” is a fun teaser single, but the second single, “Solitude,” is a much more ambitious piece. At over six minutes, it’s hypnotic and trippy headphones music that’s not particularly commercial. As a slow burning piece, it’s not about to light up the pop charts, but it’s admirable for Gonzalez to show some versatility and artistic depth. “Solitude” almost has a prog-rock vibe — there’s a keening synthesizer solo that wouldn’t be out of place on something ELP or Yes might’ve put out on the ‘70s. The sonic textures are there, but what’s missing from “Solitude” is much in the way of melodic interest.
As for potential pop and dance-floor success, the third single “Go!” is the real deal and probably the album’s best hope for a major hit. It’s a glimmering electro-pop gem with a terrific vocal by Mai Lan. The chorus is engaging and singable. “Go!” really should have been the album’s lead single. “Junk” hasn’t exactly jetted up the international charts, and perhaps “Go!” would have helped had it been released in advance of the album.
While “Junk” stays within the lines of electronic pop, there is some blurring. “Moon Crystal” sounds like a television theme-song for some cheesy ‘80s romantic comedy that maybe lasted half a season before being banished forever. It’s a curious inclusion to say the least.
Much better is the ballad “For the Kids,” a track dripping with sincerity and featuring a lovely sax solo, though it’s melodically lacking. Apart from “Go!,” the album’s strongest moment is probably the Beck collaboration, “Time Wind.” Beck sounds at home in any musical discipline, and his smooth computer-treated vocals glide winningly over a solid beat and Meldal-Johnsen’s funky bass line.
Despite an endearing quirkiness to “Junk,” it never fully jells.
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.
Music & Concerts
Queer mega stars (and allies) ready to take D.C. stages this fall
Watch LGBTQ icons light up stages across the DMV as they sing, dance, and drag their way through spectacular shows.
One of the best ways to welcome fall is by catching LGBTQ performers (and their allies) lighting up some of the D.C. area’s biggest stages. From country and pop to drag and rock, the season is packed with shows you won’t want to miss.
Maren Morris – The country, rock, and pop diva—known for hits like “The Bones” and for standing up against Nashville’s anti-LGBTQ voices—takes the stage at Wolf Trap (1551 Trap Rd, Vienna, Va.) on Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $64.
RuPaul – The mother of modern drag and host of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will spin a DJ set at Echostage (2135 Queens Chapel Rd NE) in Northeast D.C. on Sept. 20. Before RuPaul swaps wigs for headphones, Trade and Number 9 owner Ed Bailey will warm up the decks. For tickets and details visit echostage.com.
Conan Gray – The queer pop prince, celebrated for his Gen Z anthems like “Heather” and “Maniac,” brings his Wishbone Pajama Show to EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA, (4500 Patriot Cir) on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $113. For more info visit shop.conangray.com/pages/tour.
All Things Go Music Festival – With a lineup that includes Noah Kahan, Lucy Dacus, Kesha, Clairo, Doechii, and more, the beloved LGBTQ-friendly festival takes over Merriweather Post Pavilion (10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, Md.) Sept. 26–28. For tickets and details visit allthingsgofestival.com.
BERTHA: Grateful Drag – This unique tribute brings drag artistry and the sounds of the Grateful Dead to The Atlantis (2047 9th St NW) on Sept. 27. Tickets start at $47 at theatlantis.com.
Peach PRC – Rising Australian pop star and out lesbian, whose confessional tracks like “Perfect for You” and “Forever Drunk” have made her a queer TikTok darling, performs at The Atlantis on Sept. 29 at 6:30 p.m. The show is general admission only. Additional details are on theatlantis.com.
Addison Rae – The TikTok star-turned-pop princess, who’s crossed over into music with glossy hits like “Diet Pepsi” brings her sold out show to The Anthem (901 Wharf St., S.W.) on Sept. 30. Tickets are sold out, but resale options start around $80. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary – Celebrate the cult classic that’s been a queer midnight-movie staple for decades, with Barry Bostwick (a.k.a. Brad Majors) at the Warner Theatre (513 13th St., N.W.) on Oct. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $41 via Ticketmaster.
Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight & Stephanie Mills – Four legends, one stage. Between Khan’s funk, LaBelle’s soul, Knight’s R&B, and Mills’ powerhouse vocals, this concert at Capital One Arena (601 F St NW) on Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. promises pure diva magic. Tickets start at $103. For more details visit capitalonearena.com.
Lorde – Joined by The Japanese House and Chanel Beads, the Grammy-winning New Zealand singer-songwriter behind “Royals” and “Solar Power” returns to The Anthem on Oct. 4 at 7 p.m. Lorde has long been embraced by queer fans for her dreamy pop and subversive lyrics. For more info visit theanthemdc.com.
Andy Bell (of Erasure) – The British queer rock icon, best known for synth-pop classics like “A Little Respect” and “Chains of Love,” brings his Ten Crowns Tour to the Lincoln Theatre (1215 U St., N.W.) on Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $90.45.
Doechii – The self-described queer “Swamp Princess”—and WorldPride 2025 headliner—continues her breakout year with the Live from the Swamp Tour at The Anthem on Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. Known for blending rap, R&B, and avant-garde performance art, Doechii is one to watch. Tickets start at $153.
Neon Trees – The out-and-proud Utah rockers behind “Everybody Talks” and “Animal” perform at the Lincoln Theatre on Friday, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. Lead singer Tyler Glenn, who came out publicly in 2014, has become a strong queer voice in alternative rock. For tickets and info visit impconcerts.com.
Sasha Colby – The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15 winner strips down on the Stripped II Tour at the Warner Theatre on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets available now on Ticketmaster.
Lola Young – The bisexual indie-pop sensation, whose raw songwriting has earned her millions of TikTok fans and multiple chart soaring hits visits The Anthem on Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. Tickets are still available.
Opera Lafayette
Featuring Mary Elizabeth Williams as Dido
+ Elijah McCormack, Chelsea Helm
Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Sixth & I
PostClassical Ensemble
The Pale Blue Do: A Musical Voyage Inspired By Nature
Featuring National Geographic’s Enric Sala, Guest Curator
Wednesday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Terrace Theater
Washington Concert Opera
Starring Kate Lindsey, Theo Hoffman, John Moore, and Fran Daniel Laucerica
Nov. 23, 6 p.m.
Lisner Auditorium
Washington Master Chorale
An intimate a capella concert taking place in an architectural jewel, featuring cherished choral gems from Anglican and Catholic tradition and early American hymns. The concert will also present the world premiere of Christopher Hoh’s Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of Hosts, and hymn singing featuring Robert Church, organist and choirmaster at St David’s.
Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.
October 19, 5 p.m.
St. David’s Episcopal Church
Music & Concerts
Cyndi Lauper ready to have fun in Virginia
Superstar to bring final leg of farewell tour to Jiffy Lube Live
Superstar Cyndi Lauper will bring the final leg of her farewell tour “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” to Bristow, Va., on Thursday, July 24 at Jiffy Lube Live.
Lauper’s international Farewell Tour – her first major headlining run in a decade – kicked off in North America last October, and included her first time ever headlining (and selling out) Madison Square Garden. Lauper’s performances have earned raves from the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and many more, and surprise guests have included Chaka Khan, Sam Smith, and Hayley Williams. The tour just visited the U.K. and Europe, and will head to Australia and Japan in April.
Tickets are available on Live Nation’s website.
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