Road to SXSW: Meet D.C.'s Hometown Hero Sneaks

Bred from the DIY communities of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Sneaks proves to be the sonic amalgamation of the cities' soundscapes.

During her time at an international school in the district, Eva Moolchan became involved with the local music scene and connected with future pioneers of its latest generation. This era produced the likes of JPEGMAFIA, Butch Dawson, Priests, Downtown Boys, and more. In traditional DIY fashion, she landed in many bands, namely Shit Stains and Young Trynas, before expanding on her solo project — now known as Sneaks — while attending art school in Baltimore.

Her debut album Gymnastics was originally released on Sister Polygon Records in 2014, then re-released on Merge Records in 2015. Maintaining their relationship since, Sneaks' 2016 album It's A Myth served as her first original on Merge. It’s A Myth finds Sneaks’ experimental identity becoming more solidified as she adds to her signature bass-driven, post-punk sound and explores themes of hip-hop, pop, and ambient music.

Her latest effort, Highway Hypnosis, catapulted Sneaks into my “Best of 2019” contender list. Featuring production from DC-bred, NY-based hip-hop producer Tony Seltzer and Ava Luna’s Carlos Hernandez, Highway Hypnosis’ is Sneaks’ best work yet. It slightly departs from her historically bassy punk sound and focuses more so on trappy rhythms and babble-like rhymes. Similarly to Baltimore and D.C., Sneaks’ discography has naturally grown alongside the experimental, genreless DIY movement. It echos the state of a unifying people and sound in the face of divisive leaders.

Make sure to catch Sneaks playing Highway Hypnosis live at SXSW!
WED 3/13 • 10pm • Palm Door on Sabine (A2IM) info | map
THU 3/14 • 11:10pm • Cheer Up Charlies (She Shreds / Nylon) info | map
FRI 3/15 • 4:40pm • Hotel Vegas (Romancing The Wax) info | map
SAT 3/16 • 1:45pm • Weather Up (Thrasher / Vans) info | map