“It’s heavier on guitar and there are few synthesizers” says Chang Won Chang about his newest project, Perihelion. “It’s like a caveman diet.” Chang, known on stage as Dr Neanderthal, says his creative process is much like the prehistoric nature of the paelo diet- heavy on the proteins and light on the carbs.

Chang’s five- track album is audibly dark and primitive, influenced by the ambient sounds of Brian Eno and 90's drum & bass. Chang doesn’t sing, but rather howls and echoes his lines. Lyrically, the album is based on the theme of perihelion - the point in orbit in which the Earth is closest to the sun. “Life is a cycle, and sometimes it can be really intense,” explains Chang. “And that intensity is different for different people.” So in his songs, the subject matters are left up to the interpretations of his listeners. “The songs can be about love or even your job.”

The D.C. based musician is currently working on a brighter, "poppier" album he is hoping to release next year. For now, take a listen to the unique sounds of Dr Neanderthal’s Perihelion below. -- Sade A. Spence

Black Bananas, the alternative rock band lead by the fur-adorned, aviator-wearing, erstwhile DC heroine Jennifer Herrema, has released the music video for "Creeping The Line" on September 11th. The band formerly known for their rock roots as RTX, garnishes laid-back auto-tuned melodies sung over an electric guitar. The Jess Holzworth directed video is creatively intriguing- prepare your eyes for crazy pops of color, 1 gigantic teddy bear, 2 very-skilled pole dancers, and 3 chic-looking dogs! Be sure to check out the rest of the tracks off their summer album Electric Brick Wall, out now. And if you’re heading to Los Angeles, catch them October 23rd at Los Globos in Hollywood. – Sade A. Spence

The track sounds “a lot like electronic and indie pop, but not” describes Tigers Are Bad For Horses pianist, Lyell Evans Roeder. When his rock and classical roots paired up with Mellen (Mary-Ellen) Funke’s folk-vocals, the duo created a sound all their own. Influenced by Bonobo, Alt-J, and Daft Punk, “Recovery” is a beautiful blend of Funke’s sultry voice and Roeder’s relaxing electro-jazz melodies.

Tigers Are Bad For Horses, a name created by Roeder’s "crazy-but-brilliant" Russian college roomie, have only been working together since April 2014, but already have a lot in the works. They are currently producing a second single, which they plan to release before the drop of their EP; both are expected this fall. The pair say they are dreaming big, but for now, they are looking forward to performing in the D.C. area in the next few months. If you haven’t already heard “Recovery” on Sirius XM Chill, take a listen below. --Sade A. Spence

Sultry singer-songwriter, Dannie has found her way into my Soundcloud playlist with her debut single. Smooth vocals coupled with a down tempo feel track prove that Girls Time is reminiscent of feel good R&B seemingly from an era past. The track features a strong Hip-Hop collaboration by D.u.b.b., and together Dannie and D.u.b.b. bring the art of story telling in music to the forefront. Vocal melodies similar to 702 and Aaliyah draw the listener in to experience a new brand of R&B that is unafraid to stay true to the roots of the genre. In a time where pure R&B (in my opinion) is virtually non-existent on the airwaves, this singer-songwriter delivers a fresh perspective. She gained a fan out of me, and I look forward to watching her evolve as an artist.

Want to hear more? On September 16, the singer-songwriter plans to drop a new single entitled "Wait 4 It."    

Catch Dannie live on September 5th at 9:30pm at Box Seats Sports Bar & Grill in Fredericksburg, VA. --Opal Rose

Noleac Yahsin’s recently released music video, “Back In Five”, utilizes simplistic yet clever videography directed by Devyn Young and Alvin Daughtrey to complement Noleac Yahson's incredibly diverse sound. Beautiful vocals compliment the beat as she manages to blend rock, hip hop, R&B, trance and pop into a tightly wound electronica brand package.

You can find Noleac Yahsin on Facebook and YouTube. --Hannah Brady