Interview: Matthew Byars for Seventh Stanine Festival @ Rhizome DC (6/14/25)

The Caribbean (Photo Credit: Kevin Johnson) — DC’s The Caribbean perform at the Seventh Stanine Festival 6/14/25 (Photo Credit: Kevin Johnson)

The Seventh Stanine Festival takes place at Rhizome DC on June 14^th.

This festival celebrates independent music, creative resilience, and underground artistry. It was founded in 2016 by the DC band The Caribbean, and co-produced by the Essential Tremors podcast. The event continues to spotlight boundary-pushing artists who make music out of passion, not profit.

2025 Lineup

Tyondai Braxton & Ben Vida (Photo Credit: Joey Weiss)

Lineup Includes: Tyondai Braxton & Ben Vida, Lucy Liyou, Wendy Eisenberg, Deakin (Animal Collective), and The Caribbean. DJ sets from Geologist (Animal Collective), Jonathan Williger, Paul Vodra, and Lee Gardner.

Interview

Matthew Byars, a member of The Caribbean and one of founders of the Seventh Stanine Festival, graciously answered a few questions for the blog about the festival and his band.

A DC Journey: What reaction or feedback that you received so far from an attendee of the Seventh Stanine Festival has been the most encouraging or most eye-opening?

Matthew Byars: “The curation was thoughtful, intentional, and not just thrown together. There’s a purpose and detectable vision.”

ADCJ: Since Seventh Stanine means higher-than-average, what above average lesson have you learned over the course of organizing this festival since 2016?

Matthew: It costs money to put together a good lineup.

ADCJ: Aside from the great lineup already announced for 2025, do you have any local DC bands or artists that you would be excited to see join for future versions of this festival?

Matthew: Would love to have our close friends Beauty Pill back at some point for sure.

ADCJ: As a member of the local DC band The Caribbean, what has been your favorite experience so far as a musician/artist?

Matthew: Likely playing the Kennedy Center.

ADCJ: What was the last song you couldn’t stop playing on repeat?

Matthew: “Look Out for My Love” by Neil Young.

Read more about the artists and get your tickets here.

Tickets are $50 for the festival (but they offer a sliding scale option between $30-50). Festival is 1-9pm on June 14^that Rhizome DC (6950 Maple St NW, Washington, DC 20012)