Sure, megastars like Katy Perry and Pharrell release hit after hit but, simply put, they all sound the same. There’s something about original music that connects with the soul. Check out these best singer-songwriters in D.C. and find a musical artist that really speaks to you.
Eric Scott
www.ericscottmusic.com
Winner of two 2013 Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) Wammies, Eric Scott is a touring bassist and vocalist who has performed on numerous stages throughout the country as well as in Europe, Canada and Central America. His first three solo albums have been critically acclaimed. His latest album features neo-soul, funk and pop with intimate lyrics and intelligent arrangements. His single “My Heart Belongs to You” is featured in the 2013 film “The Frozen Ground.” Eric’s music is also included in the upcoming season of the Nat Geo Wild “The Incredible Dr. Pol” and “The Dog Whisperer” television series.
Taylor Carson
www.taylorcarson.com
A seasoned veteran, Taylor Carson turns to songwriting in order to help himself and others find their identity and community in the world. His albums tell tales of personal struggles and family tales including the hit “Moonshiner” which tells the story about his great-grandfather and what life was like during the Prohibition era while living in a farming suburb in Atlanta. His album “Defending the Name” won an Independent Music Award and provided him the opportunity to tour with Edwin McCain and Virginia Coalition. His latest album, “With Innocence,” captures the beauty, grace and wonder that comes with childhood.
Related: Best Cover Bands In The DC Area
Ken Wenzel
www.kenwenzelmusic.com
Ken’s dusty, wheat-cracked voice brings a little Americana and country jazz to the DC area. Originally from Illinois, Ken’s songs tell the tale of what it’s like to move from town to town and examines his past and present desires and dreams. Ken has performed with many of music’s greatest including Frankie Avalon, Carlos Santana and Bobby Parker. He has also toured all over the world including Las Vegas, Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan, Europe and Africa. Ken also performed in the 2004 Montreux Jazz Festival. In addition to performing, Ken also runs a studio that provides private saxophone and guitar lessons.
A creative artist, LEA blends gospel, country, jazz and rhythm and blues into a genre she likes to call SoulFolk. Recognized as one of the DC area’s best vocalists, songwriter and recording artist by the WAMA, LEA’s music talks about life, love and discovering one’s purpose in life. LEA comes from a musical family, with her father playing the trumpet for Black Heat and her mother a member of the Jones Family Gospel Singers. LEA has been featured at a variety of venues including the Kennedy Center, the Music Center at Strathmore and various clubs and cafes throughout the DC metro area. She is also a music teacher at Little Acorn Patch preschool.
Related: Best Late-Night Activities Beyond Bars In The DC Area
Gideon Grove
www.gideongrove.com
With his album “Wildfires,” making the iTunes Best of 2012 list, Gideon Grove is definitely one of DC’s best singer-songwriters. His music features the sounds of unique melodies, contemporary guitar and folk and tells the tale of self-discovery and emotionally freeing oneself from the inside out. A DC native, Gideon started playing music at a young age and discovered his passion for playing the guitar and song writing while in college on a music scholarship. Critics of his latest album acclaim his unique and memorable melodies and music that feels good.
Susan Diranian is a freelance writer living in Ashburn, VA. She is covering Travel & Outdoors. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
Clik here to view.
