I had a lot of fun writing this one up. Looks like there are tons of my local favorites out and about this week, new tunes from some Richmond staples, what else could you want.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit us up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Fly Anakin, Nickelus F, Mutant Academy
Sunday August 9th at Richmond Music Hall
Insane lineup of local hip hop talent on this Richmond Music Hall bill.
First we will take a look at Fly Anakin, one of the biggest names to come out of the city. Fly Anakin is extremely talented as both a producer and a rapper and has some songs that just float around your ears. His most recent record dropped June 12 and holds your attention from the first beat. This record makes great use of those real smooth, classic soul style instrumentals that balance really well with Fly Anakin’s tired and breathless vocals. He takes some more risks with songs like “YOUGOTME!!” that pay off really well and change the pace of the album in a really refreshing way.
Next we got one of my personal favorites in the local scene, Nickelus F.. His newest record, Hardbody, dropped on the 5th and is another win in F’s catalog. He boasts some of my favorite deliveries, not just in the local scene, but in the entire hip hop world. I thought his 2025 album, Disclosure Vol. 1, was one of the best Richmond records of that year, and he is making a good case for this year as well. This record continues to show off his talent as both a lyricist and a producer, and it is safe to say he is making the city proud.
The show is being filled out by Mutant Academy, featuring Big Kahuna OG and Henny Lo, overall shaping this to be one of the most exciting shows this year.
Dogstar, The Backfires
Saturday August 8th at The National
Second week in a row that we have had a big name actor come to The National.
This week we have Dogstar, a grunge band formed in 1991 by bassist Keanu Reeves. The group can easily stand on their own without that fact. They have released four scattered albums in that time, with the most recent, All in Now, being released in May of this year.
I say grunge loosely. Dogstar has a healthy dose of new wave, glam rock, and general alternative rock influence that makes a very full sound suited for big stages like The National. I think they have really hit their stride with this most recent record. It feels totally complete and rich, something that took time but also came seamlessly into existence. There is a certain level of Joy Division and New Order influence that seems to be the final piece of the puzzle for the band, pushing them further into their own unique identity.
The Dogs are being joined by Backfires, a band first formed in London but more recently relocated to New York City. Those two locations are evident in their sound. They have the scrappiness and undefinable NYC coolness paired with the mystery and ethereal quality that the U.K. seems to churn out. There is a pop aspect to their sound that serves them quite well, but overall their catalog still feels like it fits into that modern European guitar sound coming from bands like Wunderhorse and Iceage.
Rodeo Boys, Dead Billionaires, Drunk Mother
Monday August 10th at The Camel
Michigan’s Rodeo Boys are down south this week.
The group has two albums under their belt and has built a healthy and loyal fan base around them, no surprise when you hear the quality of their work. They are working with a largely alternative country sound, something America cannot get enough of right now. Rodeo Boys sit on the more rocking end of that spectrum. I could see Mannequin Pussy and Militarie Gun serving as influences alongside Wednesday and Drive-By Truckers.
I think this group will be a big hit for the Bucko fans reading, but more than that, I think their tunes fit right in with Richmond. This is definitely one of my favorite groups to emerge from this 2020s alt-country/rock scene, and I imagine they are only going to get bigger. Go check them out at The Camel before they get too big to catch tickets.
Great duo of locals on this bill.
First we take a look at Dead Billionaires. These punk rockers break out of the gate with some overt and strong political messaging paired with their mix of Clash and Ted Leo/The Pharmacists inspired rock. Their most recent tune, a ska track called “Washed Away,” gets the blood pumping and the feet moving, two certainties at a Dead Billionaires gig.
Another certainty for the night will be the smell of stale cigarettes and fresh tears once Drunk Mother plays. This group has been nonstop on my radar for the last year or so. They are one of the most authentic outlaw country acts I have seen, and they do it well. The group has incredible songwriting chops and has delivered every time I have seen them. I am really hoping they drop some recordings soon because their live stuff is just incredible.
NEW RVA TUNES
‘If I Were The Sky’ by Celler Dwellers
Thank God we have the second Celler Dwellers record. If I Were The Sky could not have come at a better time.
Celler Dwellers is a band that is best enjoyed at the tail end of the summer. You put them on in the car with the windows down, savoring every last drop of sunlight and warm air. This sophomore record continues their legacy as an absolute earworm band. Every track has memorable riffs, a sense of freedom, and a chorus you have to sing along to.
I like that they expanded their beachy indie rock sound with some heavier moments in songs like “Sweet Emotion,” but still have those classic C.D. jangly riffs in songs like “Know Your Name.” I think, pound for pound, this is some of their best work. It is no surprise this band is as beloved as they are. They earn every tear, smile, and skipped heartbeat.
Main photo of Fly Anakin
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