Starting the summer with some big shows. Kanawha Plaza is looking like the spot to be this season, but there is still plenty happening in the clubs around town this week. Lastly, Happy Pride! I’d love to feature as many LGBTQ+ artists as possible this month, so if there’s someone you think deserves a spotlight, make sure to reach out.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Hot Mulligan, Joyce Manor, Saturdays at your place, Koyo
Wednesday, June 10
Kanawha Plaza
Michigan’s greatest contributors to the emo world are taking the big stage in Richmond. Hot Mulligan have been a staple in the Midwestern scene for a decade and have put out a number of incredible albums that have probably spawned thousands of groups. The group has really nailed that emo whine vocal that has come to define the genre and pair it with some great pop-punk/post-hardcore instrumentals. I think this will be a great way to start the summer and provide an energetic opening to Kanawha Plaza as the big outdoor space this year.
Joyce Manor is a band you would see at a sweaty house show and just know that they are going to be huge. The California group has its roots firmly planted in punk, but they definitely have been an inspiration for many in the emo, pop punk, and indie world. They are definitely a lifestyle band, one to which people are fiercely loyal.
Next up we have Saturdays At Your Place; what a name. They have got to be the youngest band on the bill, and they are absolutely packed with passion and energy. They lean more on the indie rock end of the spectrum with this bill. Just as their name invokes, they have a sense of youth and freedom that is quite exciting. I think they should be great live.
Last up is Koyo, jumping full force into the pop-punk sound. The party will definitely kick off when these guys go on. I would imagine a lot of dancing, a lot of singing along, and a memorable start to a memorable night.
WIFIGawd, Key!, Molt, Yonder
Sunday, June 7
The Camel
Always a good time when The Camel hosts some hip-hop. WifiGawd is DC through and through, but he has said in interviews that Richmond was the first city to give him the hype he deserves. Before he was getting millions of listens, he was playing VCU house parties and building up a loyal following here. He has a distinct slowed-down style that plays to the classic stripped-down DMV style. These are tunes you put on as you and your friends start gearing up for a big night, turning it up a bit louder as the hours go by.
Coming up from Atlanta is Key! The rapper has a real wide sense of taste and a deep lyrical catalogue. He is fresh off a new record, Epiphany Man, that is hit after hit. His deep voice and confident delivery really makes every track hard-hitting. I think his set should get nice and rowdy, get the whole crowd moving.
On the topic of rowdy, we have Molt. This was an awesome addition to see on this bill. Molt is a local hardcore punk group that delivers some of the best shows in the genre. Consider them in between the sounds of Militarie Gun and Regional Justice Center for a gauge on how heavy they are getting.
Last up we have Yonder (aka Earl from Yonder), who put out The Black Punk earlier this year. The Baltimore rapper leans into a more electronic and techno-esque sound. His style is faster-paced, almost hyper, creating an incredibly eclectic but alluring and distinct sound. Editor’s note: We interviewed him way back HERE.
Heavy Friends, Saint Frances, Upholstery, GuZum
Saturday, June 6
Banditos
Local grungers Heavy Friends are about to release their debut EP and are gearing up for a big show to celebrate. They released their first single in April, and it is a hard-rocking heater. They definitely have some 90’s influence but find their own angle in it all. If you like loud and crunchy guitars, you will dig their stuff. I think the name Heavy Friends is spot on. The group is heavy, but they retain a charismatic and cool attitude which you cannot help but gravitate towards.
Next up is someone that has been on my sonic radar as of late, Saint Frances. They have a great singer-songwriter sound that is a mix of melancholy and warmth. It remains close and distant at the same time; there is so much depth in these tunes. Lyrically, it is pure poetry. Saint Frances will be getting you emotional and sincere this Saturday.
Coming on down from the City of Brotherly Love is Upholstery. Their sound is dark and ambient, like driving into the empty part of a new town at night. There is some strong new wave inspiration, but they definitely are more than that. If you are into a mix of goth and experimental music, you should enjoy their set quite a bit.
Finally, we turn our attention to GuZum, a local act who recently opened for the iconic Pentagram. The group does not have any music out yet but have been getting a good amount of local hype as of late. The group self-describes as “Earth Core Sludge Trudge,” so let your mind run with that for a while.
NEW RVA TUNES
Light up a Room by The J.O.B.
The J.O.B. has been releasing music in RVA for over ten years and are back with their newest track, “Light up a Room.” The single is a sweet and easy listen of power pop power. The group is definitely focusing on the positive with this one, leaning into the things worth living for.
Main photo of WifiGawd
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