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Mutant Academy’s Moment Has Arrived, New Album Dropped Today

We've been tracking Mutant Academy's rise from the very beginning here at RVA Magazine, and today marks a significant milestone in Richmond’s music scene as the local hip-hop collective drops their long-anticipated debut album, Keep Holly Alive. And it’s a defining...

A Vegan Feast Awaits! Discover Delicious Options at RVA VegFest

From its humble beginnings over twenty years ago, Richmond’s vegan food festival, VegFest, is returning this weekend Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 12 PM to 6 PM in Byrd Park. VegFest is a family (and dog) friendly, free event in Richmond that promotes a plant-based...

SOUND CHECK! Miramar, Wayne Graham, MDC & Horsehead

Once more, bridge the gap, dear Richmonders, or close up the gap with our Monroe Park rats… But when the blasts of indie rock blow in our ears, then imitate the beaver and fill the river stage. - Griffin Shakespeare Smalley. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply...

Pay What You Will: Unlock Richmond’s Arts Scene at artoberVA

Art is the lifeblood of any city, and if you’re in Richmond, you know we’re swimming in a sea of talent. From the quirky to the avant-garde, our city is a playground for incredible artists, organizations, and institutions that cater to every vibe and taste. As October...

SOUND CHECK! Mexican Slum Rats, Swag Fest, & Tim Cappello

Richmond is feeling like a garage this week. It’s young and clean tuff but not mean. Lean in to it, let loose, get hip, don’t be obtuse.  Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at Griffin@rvamag.com. The Camel | Tuesday,...

From the 804 to the World: Nettspend’s Meteoric Rise

Marx coined the concept of historical materialism, the idea that class struggle moves history. I am providing my own, the youth move history. If it were not for an innate audacity to change and push the norm, to delve into a new and dangerous territory, we would still be banging rocks and sticks in a cave. I am sure the first cavekid to grunt on...

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From the 804 to the World_Nettspend's Meteoric Rise by Griffin Smalley_RVA Magazine 2024

Photos from the Faye Webster, Julie and Benét Show on Brown’s Island

Faye Webster brought her alt-indie vibes to Brown’s Island a few weeks back, turning the riverside into a party for the night. She didn’t come alone. Webster rolled into town with julie, a grunge/shoegaze outfit that drips with ‘90s nostalgia, and Benét, a homegrown singer-songwriter. The night was a feast for music fans, with local photographer...

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Faye-Webster-julie-and-Benet-photo-by-Aspen-DeRosa_RVA-Magazine-2024

Lost in a Psychedelic Labyrinth with ‘Mom I’m on Drugs’

Ken Brisby, known in Richmond's electronic and experimental music scene as Stephanie AKA Steph, has been a fixture in both the local music and Virginia's film production communities, where they have worked on various movie sets. Their life experiences and creative ambitions inspired them to write a screenplay and meticulously craft the props for...

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Sound Check! Dogstar, Greensky Bluegrass & Ten Pound Snail

I am having one of those weeks where I fall absolutely head over heels in love with music and listening to these bands has done absolute wonders. Seeing Palmyra last week has me back on the grass (the blue kind) which could not line up better with the upcoming Brown’s Island Beer Fest. I am doing a bit of reminiscing at the Camel with bands I...

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Sound Check_Dogstar, Greensky Bluegrass & Ten Pound Snail by Griffin Smalley_RVA Magazine 2024

Photos from the Cake Show on Brown’s Island

Cake, presented by Live Loud, performed on Brown's Island over the weekend and photographer Benjamin Lahoussine was on hand to capture the party. The show had a unique vibe. Between songs, lead singer John McCrea would talk about democracy and media divisions, really making the crowd think—even if it was a bit uncomfortable. He got everyone...

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CAKE presented by Live Loud Browns Island_photos by Benjamin Lahoussine_RVA Magazine 2024-20

Richmond Albums | Alex Jonestown Massacre, Self Titled

Alex Jonestown Massacre. I do not know if I have met a band with a name that explains so much about them. They are an undeniably and self-proclaimed political band, full of passion and anger, but in the exact same breath, lively and funny, ready to turn to a joke on a dime, and lastly, well read and thorough music lovers. I sat down to hear about...

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Richmond Album_Alex Jonestown Massacre, Self Titled Review by Griffin Smalley_RVA Magazine 2024