Editor’s Essentials: Brooke’s Mid-Atlantic Soundtrack
As a born as bred South Jerseyan and George Washington University graduate, my heart belongs to two cities: Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The former’s local music scene is oft overlooked in favor of the predominant sphere two hours northeast in New York City, and the mere existence of latter’s scene can be surprising as many struggle to view the capital as anything other than a hub for federal politics.
Yet the Mid-Atlantic is home to popular music institutions like World Cafe — the storied station where NPR keeps its pulse on emerging legends — Bruce Springsteen incubator The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, Washington’s illustrious 9:30 Club, and the Baltimore club scene. Fixtures like these have helped make the region’s DIY space a true force. From the Jersey Shore to the Potomac River, the Mid-Atlantic is overflowing with budding talent, and — while it’s certainly non-comprehensive — I’ve curated a playlist of some of my essential tracks from local acts from New Jersey, Philadelphia, Maryland, and Washington that need to be on your radar.