ROCK & INDIE




more in music

Shannon and Narducy Take R.E.M. Back on the Road

About 10 years ago, actor Michael Shannon and veteran band member Jason Narducy threw an impromptu covers set in Chicago. The two quickly bonded over a shared love of alternative rock and found themselves doing yearly shows where they would play entire albums. They...

Starting the Dream in Richmond’s Local Music Scene

Editor’s Note: This piece was written by a student at Randolph-Macon College as part of a feature writing course. Thank you to the students and to Professor Seth Clabough, Ph.D., for organizing the project. Gavin Lawton remembers the exact moment he decided music was...

The Good Road: Craig Martin on Challenging Myths Through Travel

When Richmond producer Craig Martin talks about The Good Road, he does not start with ratings or distribution. He starts with a pitch he heard on a flight more than a decade ago. “The first words out of his mouth,” Craig said of his business partner and co-host Earl...

Three People, One Volume: The Deli Girls interview

Since 2013, New York based group Deli Girls have established an electrifying, riotous legacy that dares to not only call out injustice by name, but to scream it from the rooftops.  Deli Girls’ founder, Danny Orlowski, has served as the fiery vocal centerpiece for...

The Next Generation of Richmond Straight Edge

Editor’s Note: This piece was written by a student at Randolph-Macon College as part of a feature writing course. Thank you to the students and to Professor Seth Clabough, Ph.D., for organizing the project. The storage unit smelled of sweat and wood. The garage door...

Willie Williams Shares the Real Deal on Being a Musician

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...

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Willie Williams interview with Jonathan Facka 2024

Twin Drugs’ Gaze Upon Past, Future, The Camel, Shoes

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...

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Twin Drugs photo by Tyler Eggleston 2024

You Voted And Here We Go! the Richmond Music of Right Now in 2024

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...

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The Richmond Music of Right Now 2024, photo by Duncan Shaffer

John-Allison Weiss Celebrates 10 Years of Say What You Mean

I’m half-way through my voice message when an Atlanta area code calls me back. John-Allison Weiss is pulled over on the side of the road on their way to Brooklyn when they call me back. I do something I genuinely don’t do often and open with, “do I have permission to fangirl for a moment?” Weiss laughs gently and humors me. I’ve been following...

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John-Allison Weiss RVA Mag 2023

Shit, We Gotta Start A Band! How VV Was Based On A Lie.

Local hotshots VV just went on an extensive tour and have released some new music, so CJ Payne thought it was time to sit back down with the band and pick their brains about the state of the RVA music scene, how it has changed, and how they have adapted. CJ PAYNE: So we interviewed [ VV ] back in 2018 and a lot has changed in that time. Until...

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VV RVA Mag Interview 2023

The Wes Freed Memorial Fund Needs Your Help

On September 4th, 2022, beloved artist and Richmond local Wes Freed passed away from colorectal cancer. In honor of his memory, members of the community who knew and loved him are trying to establish a memorial fund in his name with the goal of giving scholarships to prospective artists attending VCUarts. Wes Freed's Story Described by Rolling...

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Wes Freed Memorial Fund 2023

Palehound, GWAR & Drook: Sound Check

It's getting a little spooky around these parts. With Halloweekend, and the holiday itself, almost upon us, we're here to lay down for you the tunes to keep your partying fresh and well soundtracked. An indie group out of Boston called Palehound will be making their way down to The Broadberry for a Monday night of chilled out introspective jams,...

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GWAR at The National

Artist Morgan Bassichis Talks About Their Little Ditties

As of September 1, the Institute of Contemporary Art has been hosting More Little Ditties, a video installation by Morgan Bassichis. It remains until January 4, 2024. Christian Detres sat down with the artist to discuss their collection and how it relates to everything from the collective trauma of COVID-19, to the ongoing conflict in Israel...

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Morgan Bassichis x ICA 2023