ROCK & INDIE




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A Deep Dive of the James River Film Festival 2024

The James River Film Festival, now in its 30th year, spanned two weekends in April 2024. It began with screenings at Studio Two Three, then moved to the Richmond Public Library, the Grace Street Theater, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and concluded with a full day...

GoFundME for Gallery5! Support A New Chapter For A Richmond Icon

Gallery5, a cornerstone of Richmond's First Fridays celebrations, commemorated its 19th anniversary last week—a milestone shared with us at RVA Magazine. This cherished institution is not just a gallery but a community hub, known for its unwavering support of local...

Adam Scott and GWAR: Merging Time and Music in Photo

We are back to Waynesboro, Virginia to catch up with photographer Adam Scott on his latest project. Adam has been superimposing vintage GWAR photos onto their modern-day locations in Richmond highlighting the city's evolution, or de-evolution, depending on your...

Illiterate Light, PBGRenegade w/ Téy Renae & 4la7la: Sound Check

I'm keeping it local this week, because once again the local talent here is just so powerful and concentrated in Richmond that I can't help but talk about every artist at length. On this week's SOUND CHECK, you might actually be able to get tickets to an Illiterate...

Congrats 821 Cafe! A Favorite Richmond Hang Out Turns Twenty

821 Cafe, the unassuming diner/restaurant/bar on the corner of Cherry and Cary streets - where Oregon Hill and the Fan meet - turns 20 years old in its current incarnation. Andrew Clarke and Chip Cooke bought the place from its previous owners back in 2004, and have...

The Motet, Low Phase & Erin & The Wildfire: Sound Check

I know you're itching to get back outside as much as I am, but while the rain clears up we'll have to wait just a little while longer. We're almost in festival season where outside concerts seemingly never end, with sunshine and tunes galore. Until then, we've got an...

Sammy Rae, The Hurricane Party & DJ Harrison: Sound Check

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...

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Sammie Rae_photo by Mia Isabella Photography 2024_Sound Check RVA Magazine

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...

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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,...

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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...

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GWAR at The National