Richmond has always produced world-class talent and just as often, watched it leave. That cycle was exactly what Warren Jones, performer and co-founder of Prison Religion, and Christian Detres, filmmaker and longtime RVA Magazine contributor, set out to change. Their...
When the Ultimate Rap League brought their Survivor Series to Richmond this past January, it marked the first time that a national battle rap group established a platform for the talented emcees of my hometown. The group, known as SMACK/URL, has an international following for their battles, which they usually host in New York City and Los...
A debut album is a singular act of creation, ushering in a brand new version of the universe. A blank slate. A new map, with contours distinct from all the cartography that came before. With her debut full-length, Moonchild, Richmond jazz vocalist Kenneka Cook has projected a heartening vision of the world -- one in which people, genres, and...
FEATURED SHOW Friday, April 20, 8 PM 420 at G5, feat. Battlemaster, Night Idea, Unmaker, Haircut @ Gallery 5 - $8 It's always weird to live through a holiday you don't celebrate, and hipster holidays like 420 are no different. That said, just as you don't have to be a Christian to enjoy getting presents on December 25, you don't have to be a...
This week, Dr. Dog will descend on Richmond as part of their lengthy 44-spot 2018 Critical Equation Tour through North America. Beginning their run in early March, the tour will precede the release of their upcoming studio album, Critical Equation, the Pennsylvania-based indie outfit's tenth LP, set for release April 27. The new album, a...
The return of beloved bands from past eras is always a thrilling occasion and this weekend at Strange Matter was no exception as mid-90s Richmond punk legends Action Patrol returned to, er, action. This hyperactive quartet, whose trademark was the orange jumpsuits the members wore onstage, mixed spastic nerd-core freakouts with a surprising...
These reviews were originally printed in RVA #32 Spring 2018, you can check out the issue HERE or pick it up around Richmond now. Windhand/Satan’s Satyrs Split (Relapse Records) Split with Satan's Satyrs by Windhand In a world that focuses on stardom, split albums are a decidedly underground phenomenon. Instead of elevating a particular artist...
FEATURED SHOW Saturday, April 14, 7 PM SCAN Benefit, feat. Gull, Alfred., Womajich Dialysiez, DJ Jafar Flowers, DJ Synthia Slimez @ Champion RVA - $6-10 donation Music is at its best when it is used to help make the world a better place. And musicians tend to understand that, which is why you see so many benefit shows taking place over the course...
The Broadberry is kicking off spring right this month with an all-day indoor and outdoor music festival filled with some of Richmond’s finest acts, along with beer, food trucks, yoga, a record fair, an outdoor bar, and more. RVA (All Day) Block Party will feature performances from 10 musicians and bands including crowd pleasers and headlining...
FEATURED SHOW Thursday, April 5, 5 PM Official United Blood Pre-Show, feat. Naysayer, The Flex, Arms Race, Primal Rite, Hangman @ Strange Matter - $12 (order tickets HERE) The 12th annual edition of the United Blood hardcore fest is happening here in Richmond this weekend, and I did not make it our featured show. There's a reason for that -- I...
