This latest installment of Bands in the Neighborhood is on Lightfoot, fronted by Jessica Louise Dye, who also runs the Hella Tuff vintage store in the neighborhood.
The band plays next on January 27 with Paperhaus and Lubec at Asylum in Adams Morgan — here’s more. Axum Level X Lounge (1934 9th Street, NW) at 10 PM. They have some videos as well, check them out.
If you have a band in the neighborhood, let me know.
What’s your musical background?
Limited. Ha. I really only got into music about a year ago. I’m a total newbie! But I think it’s better this way, to be self taught and motivated. I’m not jaded by doing years of piano scales.
How did you come up with the band name?
Lightfoot is actually a town in Virgina and it is located halfway between my past and my previously planned future. But it’s also a mantra, “to be tender and step lightly”.
Do you consider Lightfoot more of a band or a solo project?
Lightfoot was a solo project and I still consider myself to be “Lightfoot“. But over the last 6 months it has developed into a tightly knit band. I wouldn’t love the music I’m making without my bandmates. I am still the primary songwriter however, my bandmates really bring out the best of my compositions. But at the end of the day, if I had to move or my bandmates left me, I’d keep playing as Lightfoot, because it’s part of who I am.
How many members live in Columbia Heights? Whereabouts? (roughly)
Right now just me! But we all rehearse in the Hella Tuff Basement Boutique and Studio (which is in CoHi) and we all hangout in CoHi after rehearsals. We used to hit up Froyo all summer long, now my boys are into Ihop.
I know you practice on Fairmont, do you play any gigs in the neighborhood?
We’ve played house parties and such and I’ve played Wonderland solo. But there really aren’t any venues in CoHi yet. Some one needs to open one!
Working on any records?
I am writing and recording ideas now. I hope to release some singles and an ep this spring. As far as recording goes I’m more concerned with quality over quantity.
Any crazy or terrible tour stories?
A lady never kisses and tells.
What’s your take on the music scene in Columbia Heights and in DC?
I feel like a lot of people live in CoHi but there aren’t enough rehearsal spots or places to gig at. We’re really lucky to be in our spot. I know too many bands with no where permanent to rehearse.
And if you had to rename your band for something Columbia Heights-related, what would it be?
Oh, goodness, this is a hard one. Um? Probably “Irving Found” because the key necklace I have been wearing for nearly 5 years now (look through any photo of me and it will be there) was found amidst broken glass and dirt on Irving and 13th. I was much younger hearted then, still settling into the city, unsure of almost everything and taking a late night walk. The key found me and I’ve been wearing it around my neck ever since. Like Lightfoot, it’s become part of who I am.
