Sat beneath a shifting sun and a canopy teeming with chittering cicadas, Madison Turner and I ran the gamut. I first heard of her while I was covering the local music scene for a VCU student publication, and her angsty, self-critical, maniacally upbeat tunes spoke to...
We stepped down the cobblestone steps, our backs to that gothic tower of bricks seeing us off into a damp night. Jesse’s face was blue as he stared down into his phone and said: C’mon, I think it’s this way. It’s west? I asked. No, it’s in this direct—I mean yes… it’s west. You’re sure? He told me he was good for it. The guy who walks...
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...
It's an exciting time to be in Richmond; Spring is on the horizon, although it feels like it's been here for weeks already, and the days grow longer as we itch to get back outside. Yet, we must wait just a little while longer. I've got some music here to hold you over until then, with a weird and wonderful yet creative band drifting through town...
Soooo Herbie Abernethy. Valient Himself, Valient Thorr. There are many things one could expect of you. HEMI engine-roaring rock and roll, spitting hot oil and sweat? Sure. Loud guitars fucking louder drums, on festival stages with the gods of American angst? Definitely. A solo album filled with cover songs ranging from Neil Diamond’s “Forever in...
Some legends will be walking the streets, one of the most underrated and exciting vocal talents of her generation will grace a Richmond stage, and the local musicians keep rocking away in the clubs and alleys of our fair city. On this week's SOUND CHECK, EDM powerhouse Darude will be at Ember Music Hall, Sammy Rae and her group of friends will...
In this laid-back chat, we caught up with Willie Williams, a seasoned mix of country, pop, Americana, blues and hard rock deeply rooted in Richmond's bustling music scene as a solo musician and with Allman Brothers tribute band Skydog. We dive into the world of gigging, tackling misconceptions and dishing out some real talk about what it's like...
It’s been five years since I’ve written anything on Richmond music. A lot changes in five years, but there isn’t a soul I know who would argue that the last five haven’t been exceptionally turbulent. Some things remain in place: The Camel, RVA Mag, and my pre-interview jitters. Grateful for them all in some way and not knowing what to expect, I...
Formed before the pandemic, 1996 remained a simmering project until live events could resume. This supergroup, featuring Richmond musicians Prabir Mehta (Prabir Trio), Warren Campbell (Dead Billionaires), Britt O’Neil (Shera Shi), Greg Butler (Long Arms), Ross Wright (Wayward Leaves), Ally Khoury (The Northerners), and Jeremy Flax (JFlax &...
Thank you to everyone who participated in our voting this year. It's our first time compiling such a catalog, and it's truly been great to see the enthusiastic response with so many votes and shares. Also, we can't help but admire the incredible talent in our community. Musicians and artists are not only showcasing their own work but are also...
