Harmonies on the Hilltop: Power-Pop, Indie Slop, and the Revival of Campus Music

In an oversaturated music scene, it can be overwhelming to find new music. Sometimes, though, the best kept secrets are right on your doorstep. Literally. At Georgetown, you can find student-run bands and independent artists producing original music and performing at shows in townhouses just a block away from your dorm. 

But that’s only the part most people see. On a recent Friday afternoon, I found myself navigating the winding, backrooms-esque corridors of New North, landing in a studio space in the basement. Herein lies the hidden heart of the Georgetown music machine, and it’s where student-run band Hieroglyph was deep in rehearsal. Watching them practice felt electric—it was all catchy riffs, good vibes, and a polished pop-rock energy that feels ready for a stage much larger than a basement. The band consists of David (Ruoxing) Yang (CAS '26), Jack Griffin (CAS '29), Ethan Freed (MSB '28), and Anthony Wassink (CAS '26), and they had plenty of insights to share. 

While the original idea of the group leaned toward a heavier metal sound, the band has shifted into what Yang calls “power-pop” territory. The transition culminated in their recently released album, (the) Hieroglyph (2026), an impressive feat to manage while simultaneously balancing the rigors of Georgetown’s academic schedule. After recording half of the album at the Grammy Award-winning Bias Studios in Springfield, Virginia, and the other half at Upstart Studios in Brentwood, Maryland, Yang tapped into his own production skill to mix and finalize the tracks. 

Hieroglyph embraces the “underground” nature of student music as the band’s greatest strength. “It’s important, as a musician, to have different ways for people to enjoy music,” Wassink noted. “Concert tickets are expensive, but this is a way to watch people play—and even hiccup—live. I think it adds more character.” They describe the current music community at Georgetown as being in a period of massive growth—Griffin pointed to the music group JAM as a great “springboard” to be able to play live on campus and find your way to other groups. The music groups at large are a welcoming bunch, with Griffin admitting that he “did not expect at all to already be in a band and playing gigs” in just his second semester, but credited the “welcoming community” of bands and musicians with making it all come together. 

Hieroglyph is determined to stick with performing their original music rather than covers, even though it may come with its challenges. Yang remarked that “in general, for original music, which is what this current scene is kind of dominated by, it's kind of an uphill battle to fight. And I’m really proud of all the bands going around that have been sticking with the original music.” As for the future? Expect more original music, more shows, and even a gig at Songbyrd Music House on March 22nd.

If Hieroglyph provides the high-energy soundtrack for a Friday night, M.E.N. provides the soul for the low-key afternoon. Comprised of Maxine Messina (CAS ‘29), Elliot Anderson (CAS ‘28), and Nick Hasbun (CAS ‘28), the trio describes themselves as “your least favorite indie artist’s favorite indie slop trio: no drums, just guitars, pianos, and a side of clarinet.” The group formed to fill a specific void in the sonic landscape. They recognized that while the rock scene was thriving, there was a lack of representation for the more intimate, “sad indie” genres. By focusing on singer-songwriter arrangements and “band-wide harmonies,” they’ve carved out their own niche in the student music world. 

Their creative process relies on a specific division of labor: Maxine handles the core songwriting and vocals, Nick supplements with guitar lead lines and chord structures, and Elliot brings the “insane piano progressions and clarinet for spookiness,” as described by Hasbun. This blend of folk influence and orchestral elements gives M.E.N. a sound that feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. 

Beyond his own music, Anderson views the growing music community at large as a vital counter to Georgetown’s notorious “pre-professional” culture. “Georgetown’s music scene is a shining source of expression on this campus,” he remarked. “Student bands have helped to raise immense amounts of money for various causes over the past few years, proving both that this campus will show up for a cause and the power live music has here.” As they transition from covers to original songwriting, M.E.N. is poised to bring even more “love for the folky music,” as Messina puts it, to a campus that desperately needs it. Their recent performances (both on and off campus) were just the start– they have hopes for a small event in collaboration with the INDY in the future. 

Despite their different sounds, the common thread between these groups is their appreciation for the growth of music at Georgetown. However, being a student musician isn’t without its obstacles. Last year, there was significant pushback received from Residential Living, with regulations threatening to stifle the D.I.Y. concert culture. This year, things feel more optimistic. The audiences are engaged, the bands are organized, and the “uphill battle” of playing new material is slowly being won. Groups like Margin, The Candidates, and Smite (to name a few) are keeping the scene alive alongside Hieroglyph and M.E.N. From the basement of New North to the crowded living rooms of 36th Street, the sound of Georgetown is changing.  

The music groups of Georgetown see performing as more than just a hobby—it is a vital organ of the campus’ social and creative life. It’s a space where the distance between the performer and the audience is a five dollar cover instead of a 500 dollar concert ticket. The main thing these groups thrive on is your support. Take a closer look at the flyers you see around campus, follow  these bands on social media, and listen to the causes they advocate for. I know I’m not the only one who takes pride in being able to say “I knew them before they blew up” when recommending a band, so take it from me: start exploring the campus music circuit. You might just find your new favorite artist. 

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Natalia Gonzalez-Chelala is a freshman in the SFS. She has no musical talent but is prone to leeching off of her friends.