Soundcheck

What a fucking douchey venue, security acted like we were trying to get into the White House. Totally unorganized, they didn’t separate the ticket holder line from the door ticket line until the headliner started. Even if you had a ticket you had to wait in the cold for 30+ minutes. They let a line full of people trying to cut from the table line merge into the regular line. Full of 18 year olds making out wildly and rolling dick. Such a manufactured underground vibe but the douche oozes through the cracks so they can’t even fake it. This is exactly what I expected from a place like echostage and then I find out this place is affiliated with echostage, go figure. Thank God for uhall and flash, I’ll never come back.

When it comes to music venues, it is easy to be turned off. Wether that be the drunk underage teenagers, a dirty venue, or an unhappy staff… we have all experienced it. From the moment I arrived at Soundcheck I felt welcomed and throughout my night the place was kept clean for an enjoyable experience.
Soundcheck has created a space where you can enjoyably explore new artists with a very personable experience. Although not a large venue, the sound was adjusted well, the lights were fantastic, and you can actually interact with the performer. If you are visiting to enjoy music, this is a fantastic venue. If you are looking to hook up with singles and get wasted this probably isn’t the place for you, do us all a favor and stick to Eco stage.
The cleaning staff was respectable of the patrons space and did not come clean around our feet, they were friendly and lively which gave me the impression that they enjoyed their job. And believe it or not they kept up with any trash that was on the ground… the place was incredibly clean. I never once felt dirty. The bathroom staff was friendly and helpful as well. The bar tending staff was skilled, friendly, and quick. The security staff was alert and respectful.
Soundcheck really is a fantastic venue. Clean, friendly staff, and amazing musical experience. My first visit was to see a huge house performer that I have been itching to see for years, Mark Knight, this will certainly not be my last visit. I Strongly recommend Soundcheck, I feel confident that you will have an enjoyable night.

HORRIBLE. The environment was bad and my friend was forced to drink something that made her incredibly sick by a creepy man. Obviously, security was lacking. Beyond even that atrocity, the music was bad and there was not one redeeming quality to this breeding ground for perversion and predation.

Came here to see Matador (M-​nus) and left completely disappointed. The show started at 12am and after a bit more than an hour the guy was so frustrated with the sound issues and people picking fights in the crowd that he decided to leave.
The place tries to be underground but really it’s just a bunch of fake posse, the sound was TERRIBLE, I’ve never seen something like that anywhere and even for an artist this big.
For some reason cold air was being pushed into the crowd from the vents so if you happened to be on the wrong spot in the dance floor you’d get ice cold air right onto your head.
At some point there were fights on the floor and security did absolutely nothing to pull the violent guys out of the establishment. They just watched as if they were friends trying to talk to each other.
If you want to experience good sound and crowd go to Flash DC or even U Street Music Hall. Don’t waste your money on this place.

THE club for EDM in DC!
It’s everything I wished echo stage, 9:30club, and U street to be.
With that said, I have only been on Wednesday nights for Bassnation Wednesdays. They have some amazing edm djs — Dirtyphonics, Figure, Xilent, Skism just to name a few. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketfly for roughly $ 20. It’s cheaper if you buy it more than 24 hours in advance — usually $ 15.
Wednesday’s are pretty casual so you can go in a tshirt and jeans. It’s also 18 up with wristbands for 21+, so do expect a younger crowd, but everyone I’ve met here has been super chill!

DC has so many wonderful venues. We stopped by for a private event. The security guards were nice. The downstairs area has a giant dance floor and seating. The bartenders and staffers were nice. CAUTION: If you are entering the larger seating area with dice blocks on the floor, watch your step. There is a sudden drop with no warning. Soundcheck is nice. The calendar has a lot of artists scheduled throughout the rest of the year.

Came here on Halloween and sat with a group in the VIP area. I knew this place look familiar and then I realized it used to be Lotus. Saturday was hip-​hop night and there was a nice diverse crowd. Sound system was great and the DJ was playing all of my jams. Not the biggest club, but it got the job done. My ultimate pet peeve is a small club that is a sauna. Despite the size of the venue, the temperature was properly regulated despite how packed it got. Despite it being a holiday night, the doormen got people in a timely manner and weren’t being d-​bags and holding up the line just to make it looks like the hottest spot with people lined up to get inside. My only real complaint is that the bathroom is tiny. Like 4 stalls and was stinky. They need some ventilation up there and better attendants maintaining it. If you’re going to employ a bathroom attendant, make sure they are friendly and helpful… Don’t have them standing there useless and taking up extra space. They didn’t even supply them with anything useful. There were a few bobby pins scattered across the counter and a half used jar of Vaseline with hairs in it (what are you supposed to use Vaseline for?).

It would be a lot better if the music wasn’t so ridiculously loud. I’ve been to a lot of venues and this is the loudest. When the artist gets on the mic everyone covers their ears in pain. It really is way, way too loud at this venue. Don’t get me wrong, I love loud music. But when you can’t hear for 2 days following a show, that’s an issue.

Have been to at least ⁸⁄₁₀ shows since they opened, and I must say it’s getting progressively better each time. The first few shows I won’t be shy to say that the air conditioning was a huge issue, with people being so dehydrated. I like the small comfort of being close to the DJ though, so overall I do think it’s an awesome place.

Gotta say I was pretty impressed with soundcheck tonight. They gave me free water all night (tipped the bartender for being so sweet), didn’t see anyone too fucked up, security was very nice as always, and the sound system was killer! Overall great night and great first experience at soundcheck but next time I will bring earplugs my ears were ringing for a good hour after

The city needed this. A serious upgrade in sound, lights and design! This place looks nothing like its former self, lotus. Feels like an intimate version of Echostage with techy and edm type shows. The sound system is undoubtedly the best I’ve heard for its relative size. Staff is pretty standard, easy to get in and out. Can’t wait to see the fall lineup!

This is an isloated review on Soundcheck’s Sunday Afterglow.
So, after a few years having passed by since my last detailed nightclub review, I have decided that I was going to get back into the groove. Between then and now, I have been involved with nightclub consulting from mostly eastern European venues as well as dj coaching for new producers turning djs. My consulting is in terms of overall night development rather than the financial aspects. So in this review, I will separate it into two parts: General, vs Critical. This way, those that are not so deep into the clubbing world can get an overall picture whilst allowing a bit more dept for the others that are involved within the industry. I will also have a follow up video review on youtube. So shall we begin?
General– ⁷⁄₁₀ Stars
Authenticity (overall underground culture and cultivation efforts) — ⁴⁄₁₀
Loyalty Factor: ⁵⁄₁₀
Soundcheck is built like a recording studio soundproofing, 1 large bar, and a sound system that does the job. In addition, there is a tight little VIP area but it isn’t so exclusive as to maintain a perfect VIP/​main floor relationship. Keep in mind that there is no dress code and it is 18+ so you can develop your own perception.
So as far as generalities go for the DC area, Soundcheck does the job. There is a slight resemblance to that of the lower floor of the late Lima Lounge, which has recently closed. But other than that, if you are in the area or a looking for an über underground alternate than that of U-​Street or Flash on Sunday or just another top40 vibe during the week and on fri/​sat, then Soundcheck is an option.
Afterglow creates an Event Driven Culture by bringing in guest djs weekly without having a resident dj to set the texture and identity of Afterglow. While clubbers will return to see their favorite isolated acts, Soundcheck doesn’t create a loyal clubber culture in that given the option on any given sunday night, people may attend another venue such as Public Bar or Eighteen Street Lounge to see their favorite talent. That being said, If you have been to a club venue glow event within the past few years, apart from Echostage, you have been to soundcheck. Again, bear in mind that because of the no dress code and 18+ policies, there is an inter-​cultural exchange in that there is no clear-​cut distinction between glow’s core college night, EDM, top40, and after glow audiences. Not for now at least.
Personally as a seasoned clubber, dj, and consultant, other than an isolated act on Sunday, there is nothing memorable about the venue that I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. The only connection that I authentically felt was with local superstar bartender: Ioana E Simu. She is absolutely one of the best DC bartenders.
But for the general audience, it’s certainly a change of pace from ultrabar or if you are heading to work late on Monday in wanting to catch an isolated act. But, this is strictly my opinion so check it out for yourself. Be sure to look out for my in-​depth industry review which will be posted soon.
Johnny Fontana
Veteran Dj (Booth Rider)
DJ Coach
Nightclub Consultant
Dj/​Producer as Rockey Bellini

I came here for Alan Fitzpatrick, who got on at midnight. I danced my butt off! The sound is system is nothing to write home about, though it sounds pretty decent if you’re very close to the front.
The bar lines one large side of the space, so there’s easy access. The bartenders were efficient ($ 8/​can of beer).
There are bathroom attendants, though the stalls were still a bit of a mess by the end of the night.
This is more about the DC crowd than the venue, but expect to be pushed around by other patrons who act super entitled.
Still, this venue clearly is bringing in some good names. It was a very fun night.

This place does it for me!
By far the best sound system I’ve come across In the d.c. industry. Great job!
Another thing I really liked about this place, is the soundproofing… music is loud but you are still able to converse if need be without having to yell. major plus!
Their line up for Glow Thursdays is phenomenal with Audien this thursday. definitely I must see!
Décor is amazing with plenty of room to dance. Bartenders are hot and friendly. Staff is very welcoming and professional.
Lights show is on point! The owners thought of everything for this venue. This place definitely reminds me of «the good ‘ol days» of how clubbing used to be. Will definitely be visiting this venue when ever I’m in town again!
Highly recommend it

Miami in DC.
I am a HUGE fan of EDM music, so needless to say why I was there opening weekend. After having low expectations, I was quite pleased. This «Miami Electronica» vibe is palapable with the impeccable sound system that is not only great acoustics but excellent soundproof design. Will sure be memorable for future shows and experiences in the District, especially compared to it’s predecessor — Echo Stage.
You have left me with a great first impression.

A girl talked to me, i’ll be back for sure!

Brought to you by the owners of Echostage, Soundcheck is DC’s newest intimate music venue for fans of electronic dance music. Located at the corner of 14^th and K (at the space formally occupied by Lotus nightclub), Soundcheck is built like a recording studio with an abundance of soundproofing and is all about that «small room, big sound.»
Once you go down the stairs, you feel like you’re in a different era. The club itself is decorated like the clubs of the ‘80s-‘90s and their high-​quality sound system and lighting is ON POINT. There’s two shiny disco balls hanging down form the ceiling, one long bar next to the dancefloor, in addition to a private bar exclusive for the table area. There are tables located right in the back of the club as well as to the right of the DJ.
Their lineup is already out for the next few months and they’re bringing a ton of big acts that I’m looking forward to seeing. I can’t wait to come back again soon!