No shortage of good causes this week. It makes me so happy to know how many Richmonders are willing to come together to try to help their communities through music, never stop being you Richmond.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Courtney Barnett, Truman Sinclair
Friday, May 8th
The National
Australia’s lyrical laureate is making her way through Richmond this week. Courtney Barnett has been one of the most game-changing indie artists of the past ten years. It’s hard to match her wit or her ability to let a few notes linger in your head for days. Each track plays like its own small movie, with characters you end up rooting for and imagery that sticks with you. It’s all deeply relatable, but told in a way that feels entirely her own. Barnett has a knack for expressing those everyday feelings that usually go unnoticed. Her new record, released at the end of March, points toward what should be a strong live show.
Barnett is joined by Truman Sinclair, who brings a more emo edge into the indie mix. His music is raw and full of feeling, packed with emotional weight. At just 23, he already has a catalog that goes deeper than you’d expect, and he should be a solid way to open the night.
Richmond Reproductive Freedom Fest
Saturday, May 9th
The Camel
We’ve got an insane one right off the rip. Richmond Reproductive Freedom is an all-day benefit kicking off at 3 PM and running late into the night. Proceeds from the show go to the community organization of the same name, a group working to protect the freedoms of people across the region during a time of real political uncertainty.
The bill is stacked, with 10 bands covering a wide range of hardcore, metal, noise, and more. There’s some serious talent here, so swing by The Camel and catch a set if you get the chance.
Justin Golden, Arthur Terembula, Johanna Wacker, Jonathan Paige Brown Jr.
Sunday, May 10th
Gallery 5
Alright, let’s slow things down and get a little softer. Let’s give some attention to Justin Golden is a real fan favorite in the local blues community. He has incredible chops on the guitar and a powerhouse voice to boot. There’s something very down to earth and friendly in his music. It’s warm, close, and brings a smile when you’re down.
Arthur Terembula is bringing a real ’20s ragtime style of country blues. Great sounds for those sunny summer days when you have to hunker under a tree and watch the day pass. He definitely has that storyteller attitude, with real good tunes to get lost in.
Coming down from NYC is Johanna Wacker. She’s building off a long and storied tradition of Appalachian folk music, but definitely puts her own twist on it. She modernizes the sound while holding onto its roots. Her lyricism is strong, balancing the topical and political with the whimsical and romantic. She brings a new light into a genre that can often get boxed into its own corner.
Last up, we have Jonathan Paige Brown Jr. This local singer-songwriter has two singles out, and people are already asking for more. JPBJ holds incredible power in his songwriting. It’s a true visceral force, and I hope we get more recordings from him soon.
Ramona and the Holy Smokes, Mose Wilson, Cassidy Snider and the Wranglers
Friday, May 8th
Get Tight Lounge
Let’s get honky-tonking. Ramona and the Holy Smokes are bouncing along with a deep Southern, swinging bar sound. They’ve got some really beautiful pedal steel in their tunes that gets you reminiscing about a time you never experienced but always dreamed about. It has that classic Hank Sr. feel, but it still comes across as current and relatable. If you want to swing around and dance with someone special, this is the time to do it.
Next, we’ll take a listen to our touring act, Mose Wilson. Give it a few seconds and you won’t be surprised he’s coming out of Nashville. He’s a healthy blend of different Southern styles, pulling from Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Jerry Reed. He’s a hell of a guitar player and an energetic songwriter who keeps your toes tapping.
Last up, we’ve got one of my favorite local voices in Cassidy Snider and the Wranglers. This bluesy outfit is always wild live, incredibly talented, and hard to forget. I never get sick of hearing them and hope we get some new releases soon.
Bleed Out, Lacking, Polluted Tongues, Die Standing
Saturday, May 9th
Gallery 5
Not enough hardcore benefit shows for you? Here’s another one. We’re talking Bleed Out, Lacking, Polluted Tongues, and even Die Standing. These four groups are coming together to help ease the burden for two community members facing the daunting reality of medical bills.
When you’re up against something like that, you need an outlet. Luckily, this show delivers, with a lineup rooted in hardcore and powerviolence, about as good a place as any to let off some tension.
This bill is stacked with hard-hitting, heavy bands. If you’re looking to mosh, this is the place to be.
NEW RVA TUNES
“Benevolent” by Dayfiction
This is a local band that I absolutely adore. I first saw them at a house show almost two years ago and was blown away, and ever since I have been a religious supporter of Dayfiction. Lucky for people like me, they just released the lead single from their upcoming EP.
“Benevolent” is the band at their peak. The lyricism is incredible waxing poetry, sonically the band takes a position between melancholy and joy, something comfortable but still hurt, it is quite compelling. I want to just leave some lyrics here and let you decide yourself: “There ain’t much to be left now, it’s all departed to the martyrs, malevolent and weak.”
“Honeybee” by Box Factory
As Box Factory rounds the corner of half a year of first Fridays at the camel, they give us “Honeybee.” It is a little bit gentler than I was expecting but there is something really calming and endearing about it. It makes me feel like I am floating down a lazy river, spots of green vines draping above me. The band balances electronics with analogue instruments in a really seamless way that compliments both. In my eyes this is easily the best Box Factory tune yet.
Main photo of Courtney Barnett by Mia Mala McDonald
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