Sunday night’s show on Brown’s Island felt like a ritual, maybe even a communion, as a field full of strangers came together under clear skies and perfect weather. Modest Mouse, The Flaming Lips, and opener Friko gave the crowd exactly what we came for. Modest Mouse...
Last year we took a look at our favorite records to come out of the city in October of 2022. That was a while ago, so we here at RVA Mag felt that it was time to take a deep dive into the scene again to bring to the light some music releases that deserve the spotlight. Our goal is to cover releases that either didn't get enough attention at the...
The city of Richmond has been quietly fermenting a musical movement, a kinetic uprising of creativity and community, and no one represents this dynamism quite like Tyler Scheerschmidt and Dillon Douglasson of Hourglass Sessions. Founded during the chaos of the 2020 COVID pandemic, Hourglass Sessions has achieved a real milestone: 50 videos...
Sweeping into Brown's Island, the now-annual Over The James showcase ignited the night, with local legends AVAIL leading the charge. Amidst the sweltering heat and an unforgiving sun that emerged after a summer rain, thousands of fans converged, their energy crackling like a high school reunion electrified by rock 'n' roll. Avail, delivering a...
It’s the early '90s. If you could push your way through the flannel and step over the many Doc Martens in the way, you’d find another musical movement. The domain of floppy middle-parted haircuts, long sleeve button-downs buttoned ALL the way up, tucked into belted acid-wash jeans, begat the alternative indie folk pop of the day. Sincere snark,...
In embarking on any endeavor to decide who is the best, those engaged in the activity must recognize, and by extension acknowledge, that it is futile. Subjectivity holds sway over every aspect of any art form, and to dub someone the singular best of anything does a disservice to the area being dubbed. One person might possess an undeniable...
In the River City, when the summer sun dips below the horizon, the nightlife ignites, pulsing with a rhythm all its own, a rocking vibe that captures the city’s true spirit. Our on-the-ground lensman, Jody Adams, has been out there, guitar pick in one hand, camera in the other, hitting everything from The Camel's fiery live shows to City Beach's...
There are lots of celebrations in the Richmond music world coming up, and what could be a more fitting way for musicians to commemorate milestones and successes then by having a day filled with music. If you’re overwhelmed by all the exciting things happening around town, then look no further because I will be giving you the full run down on all...
Meet Smyth, a Richmond-based artist and founder of Kidz At Play, who we wrote about earlier this week. His latest solo album, Paperface!, serves as his emotional canvas. Drawing from suburban experiences and cinematic influences, Smyth crafts a vibrant, psychedelic world, transforming the mundane into the otherworldly. Paperface! isn't just an...
Hey, Richmond, ready for a shot in the arm? Well, next week, prepare for the maiden voyage of Richmond Music Week, a coordinated strike from some of the city's stalwart music institutions — HearRVA, Ignited, The Auricular, RVA Playlist, Shockoe Records, and Virginia is for Music Lovers. It's a bold move, attempting to bottle the lightning that is...
