Over the past year, Charity Sound System has taken their local collective to national heights with several major deployments, wonderfully curated shows, and thousands of dollars donated to charity. The last time we spoke with them, the DMV-based crew was planning a show with Smigonaut, Bread Winner, and Audio Goblin in addition to an upcoming deployment at Fire Lights Festival.
Today, we re-encounter the collective as they double down on their presence with an upcoming show in Baltimore and lots of new updates regarding their mission.
The Lineup
Right off the bat, the first thing we noticed with this recent lineup announcement was an exploratory step in the direction of psybient bass. With names like Humandala, Dillard, and Wicker’s Portal, we’re expecting soundscapes filled with otherworldly harmonies, spacey synthesizers, and psychedelic motifs throughout.
“I feel like the entire evening will be a journey; working its way up in tempo until Humandala, tailing back down for some beautiful downtempo goodness from Dillard, then a modular synth journey set from the wizard – Wicker’s Portal, and finally a massive B2B with all the Charity Sound System homies.”
- Nick Lawrence, Co-Founder – Charity Sound System
In addition to the headliners, one name on the bill we are excited to check out is Pennsylvania’s Sqonk. A student of Crawdad Sniper, a new addition to the Charity Sound System roster, and wielding an ambitious and creative mind, 2024 is looking like a big year for the rising artist.
He most recently dropped his third EP in the two short years he’s been active – Back to The Swamp – a quartet of neuro and glitch-hop-influenced compositions. The sound design is certainly on it’s way, the arrangement is on point, and it’s clear to tell he’s confident about the direction of the project.
Sound System Upgrade
What’s making this show particularly exciting is the debut of Charity Sound System’s new speaker upgrades. Recently, the crew grabbed four Funktion-One resolution 4 mid-high loudspeakers to be able to run in conjunction with their HSD rig. For the show on February 10th, they will be running four Battleaxes (HSD subs), four cannons (HSD kicks), and Four Res 4s (F1 mid-highs).
Venue, Vendors, & Visuals
Taking place at Checkerspot Brewery’s new location in Baltimore, right near the stadiums, the venue boasts a large industrial space with plenty of space for debauchery.
As far as vendors go, Continuum Coffee will be on site slinging canned cold brew (roasted & canned in Federick, Maryland), Seasons Grill will be serving up Puerto Rican food, an unnamed clothing vendor will be selling their wares, there will be live painting by Raf Matta, and lastly, the Cheesecake Man!
Adding to the ambiance, artist Nate Poindexter will be setting up an install featuring a pair of 9’ ft tall wooden flower sculptures for projection mapping magic. Hyperspatial and a few guest VJs will be holding down digital duties as the night progresses.
Harm Reduction Efforts
Last but certainly not least, the DMV’s local harm reduction team – Safe Circles – will be on site providing drug awareness education and outreach as well as supplies and support services.
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What makes their presence even more special is the fact that Charity Sound System will be donating 100% of the event proceeds to their efforts. The event is donation-based as well so attendees are asked to pay what they can to get in at the door – this means there are no presold tickets. Similiar to the last event, Charity Sound System will also be running a food and item drive for the homeless with House Party Presents.
Running from 10 – 5 AM, the event goes late, so make sure you come with plenty of energy to go deep into the night. Keep up with everything Charity Sound System has going on in the links below.