Another incredible June weekend in Richmond, Virginia. Make an extra effort to support your favorite queer artists this month, and keep sending over recommendations for artists and acts you’d like to see covered here at RVA Mag. Between Pride, the World Cup, and the onslaught of great shows around town, I’m sure you’re planning a fun weekend.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Wednesday, Tombstone Poetry
Monday, June 15
The National
I am sure this is already on the radar of every quirked-up indie fan in the city, but Wednesday is back in town! The alt-country and indie rockers have become the poster child for the American music scene as of late, and it ain’t hard to see why. They spin together webs of Southern-inspired alternative tunes that make you think about your childhood and your future. For a band that released their first record in 2018, they are already having a massive impact on the American underground. You can see that influence in local acts like Bucko and Deathcat. They are like an indie Helen of Troy, “the group that launched a thousand bands.”
Coming from the same burgeoning Asheville scene as Wednesday, we have Tombstone Poetry. The group comes from a similar alt-country and indie rock background, but finds a lot of its flavor in a poppier sound, something that reverberates a little more. They are strong songwriters, and you can’t help but find a smiling charm in each of their tunes. The lyricism has a certain bounce and the voice has a certain twang. It’s intangible, but it is beautiful.
Bad Cop Bad Cop, Pretty Bitter, Deathcat
Friday, June 12
Richmond Music Hall
California skate-punkers Bad Cop Bad Cop are in town this week. The group has spent well over a decade releasing fast-paced punk records jam-packed with politically charged messages. Their sound fits right into the catalog of Fat Wreck Chords, the label they have called home since 2013. Throughout their run as a band, they have never let up on their beliefs. They continue to deliver messages of unity and freedom while keeping the spirit of protest music alive and well. I have heard nothing but great things about them live. This should be a hell of a show.
Joining Bad Cop/Bad Cop is Pretty Bitter from up D.C. way. I have heard real good things about this lot. They are bringing the synths and the pop melodies. P.B. can really capture an ethereal yet grounded sound that makes you lose yourself in the crowd. They still have quite an edge as a band, but it is a little more buried than the headliners. There is certainly a lot to unpack with Pretty Bitter.
Last up, we have the locals, a name we all know and love: Deathcat. In their few years as a group, they have quickly become fan favorites in Richmond. They can do it all: catchy indie rock, crunchy riot grrrrl, slow ballads. They had a show in March that was absolutely one for the books. I have seen ’em in all sorts of settings, and they always deliver like no other.
Niiasii, Chyna, Velvet Ruin
Saturday, June 13
Banditos
Holy stacked bill, you are not prepared.
First off, let’s look at Niiasii. This Virginia native is one of the coolest acts in the state’s rotation. She has an alt-pop sound fueled by alt-rock, R&B, and synthy textures. She is fresh off “Everybody But You,” a more upbeat track racing with energy. The tune is full of life and spite, easy to dance to and easy to love. All in all, Niiasii makes perfect music to dance your cares away to while maintaining a rich emotional core. I am always happy to see her coming back into town, and you should be too.
The hits keep rolling with Chyna. Chyna has one of the best voices in RVA, hands down. She was the vocalist for Los Malcriados and has since carved out some truly incredible solo work. At large, it is R&B, but any categorization goes out the window when you hear her sing. She is a mesmerizing performer and has an incredible backing band that does the sound justice. It is nothing but rich, rich, rich songs.
Last up, we have Richmond’s favorite goths, Velvet Ruin. This quartet is always on it. They are dreamy and mystical, with everything drenched in reverb and resonance. Their shows are equal parts concert and surrealist dream, so if you are looking to tap into something a bit more metaphysical, go see their set.
NEW RVA TUNES
‘Eurotrip’ by Belly of the Heart
While we are on the topic of alt-pop, we cannot not talk about local act Belly of the Heart. The group just released its three-song EP, Eurotrip, which is a hell of a title. The tempos are not too fast on this release, which lets you really sink into the grooves. I think that is one of this band’s strong suits: the grooves. They get you bouncing and bobbing rather than thrashing around. These songs let you ride the rails and watch the scenes unfold beyond the windows. This is one of those records that sounds great blasting at full volume, sounds great playing off your phone late at night, and I am sure sounds great live.
Main Wednesday, photo by Graham Tolbert
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