I'm keeping it local this week, because once again the local talent here is just so powerful and concentrated in Richmond that I can't help but talk about every artist at length. On this week's SOUND CHECK, you might actually be able to get tickets to an Illiterate...
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Attacking the World: An Exclusive Q&A with Richmond Rap Legend, Nickelus F
Interviewing legendary Richmond rapper, Nickelus F, is an unreserved journey into a vast and uncharted creative wilderness. From the moment you start talking — you talk — about everything — from culture and politics to theology and secret histories to quantum mechanics and the expanding universe. The distance you can travel in conversation...
Chandler Has Gone Viral, Again
When your friend from far away Portugal hits you up with a message like, "Have you seen this? Do you know this guy? He's from Richmond and he is all over TikTok!" you can't help but check it out. And when you discover it's Chandler Matkins, it's almost a given—of course, it's him making waves. He's been at this for a while, as we uncovered in...
King Kaiju, Lockedinkee & Nickelus F: Yo! Hip Hop RVA
Hey y’all! I know it’s been a few months since my last YO! HIP HOP RVA write-up, but the hiatus was necessary because wedding planning was consuming my life. As of a few weeks ago, I’m off the market! Now, without further ado… this week’s edition of YO! HIP HOP RVA features King Kaiju, Lockedinkee, and Nickelus F. If you’re looking for good...
Virginia Icon Pharrell Williams is Coming To Town
A musical based on Pharrell Williams' childhood is set to be filmed in Richmond. It's a coming-of-age story set in 1977 Virginia Beach, drawing from Williams' upbringing in the Atlantis Apartments. Williams will produce, and Michel Gondry, known for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, will direct. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07-QBnEkgXU...
Sleepwalkers’ Austin York Animates DJ Harrison’s ‘Galaxy’
Austin York, co-founding member of one of our favorite Richmond bands Sleepwalkers, has delved into the realm of animation by teaming up with the renowned DJ Harrison on the track "Galaxy" from Harrison's latest album, Shades of Yesterday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxZYD64JVzw The collaboration didn't just happen by chance. Austin...
It’s Back! And We’ve got Your Friday Cheers 2024 Lineup
It's that time of year again! The weather is warming up, the sun is setting after 7:00 PM, so that can only mean one thing: it's Spring. My favorite time of year when the weather is perfect, the trees are blooming, and hope and revival float through the air along with the pleasant aromas of sprouting flowers. Music lovers know what Spring...
‘Solar Music’ Shines Bright with Butcher Brown on NPR Tiny Desk
For those who've been following the mag coming out of the pandemic, it's no secret that we've got respect for Butcher Brown. This crew embodies much of what makes us love our city — authenticity coupled with a DIY spirit, and an unwavering love for Richmond, VA. A city known for birthing legends such as D'Angelo, Lonnie Liston Smith, Lamb of...
Tennishu, Booby Bash 3 & Prabir Trio: Sound Check
I'm so excited by what's happening in the city these days it's hard for me to pay attention to anything else. I've got more all local for you on this week's edition of SOUND CHECK. Friday Booby Bash 3 comes to Gallery 5 to raise money to benefit the queer community, then come Monday Tennishu hops into The Camel bringing along two very unlikely...
Ant The Symbol, Chandler & Lucid Evolution: Sound Check
It's all local all the time this week, so get ready for an onslaught of local talent from all ends of the spectrum. With two options for how to spend your all too rare leap day, it's a packed week. Ant The Symbol and friends take on Richmond Music Hall, while just down the street Chandler Matkins celebrates his 7th birthday with a show at RVA...