The DMV’s own indie-rock artist Arlie returned to the District on Wednesday for a show at Union Stage by the Wharf. The alias of Northern Virginia-born Nathaniel Banks, Arlie began in 2017 with the release of singles “big fat mouth” and “didya think”. An EP, Wait, and 2022’s Break the Curse followed, promoted by multiple tours. The Someone You Can Believe In Tour promotes Arlie’s upcoming album of the same name, set for release at the end of the year. Nordista Freeze is joining Arlie on tour, opening the Union Stage show alongside Jeff Draco.
Jeff Draco and Nordista Freeze opened the show with two very different sets. Jeff Draco is a Maryland-born singer, now based in the District. From growing up in Mt. Airy to attending the University of Maryland, Jeff Draco’s ties to the DMV run deep. His music is a dreamy blend of indie-pop with rock elements. Assisted by a full band, Jeff Draco’s stage presence captured the room. The group cracked jokes throughout the set and chatted with audience members between songs. Jeff Draco’s connection with the crowd felt authentic and genuine.
Nordista Freeze’s set is best described as delightfully bizarre. He began with a solo acoustic set, relying solely on a painted guitar for support. After mentioning his longtime friendship with Arlie, the headliner came out to perform “Wysteria” together. The acoustic set had primarily folk sounds, with some indie-rock blended in. Things took a turn later in Nordista Freeze’s set, when the set shifted to an electro-pop performance, complete with an outfit change and flashing lights. The second half of the set felt vaguely ironic and theatrical. Reminiscent of Bo Burnham. Nordista Freeze’s set seemed to use overly-produced pop music as a medium for social commentary.
Arlie returned to the stage for his set shortly after Nordista Freeze finished. The setlist featured several yet-to-be-released songs from the upcoming Someone You Can Believe In, as well as picks from Wait and Break the Curse. Despite warning the crowd that he was coming down with a cold, Arlie’s vocals were incredibly clear and his energy was insanely high throughout the night. A talented multi-instrumentalist, Arlie stunned the crowd with an extended saxophone solo. Towards the end of the show, Arlie was finding every elevated surface on the stage and jumping off of it in dramatic fashion.
Arlie’s hometown show was an intimate affair, with plenty of audience interaction and shoutouts to family members in the crowd. Arlie, Nordista Freeze and Jeff Draco put on a fabulously D.C. show, using music as a unifier in unsettled times. Someone You Can Believe In is slated for release on December 12th, 2025. Arlie will continue touring through October, wrapping up the Someone You Can Believe In Tour in Arizona.
Final grade: A+
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