One of the best parts of the Richmond scene is that there is always a good cause to support at a gig, you’re already paying the $15 for the ticket, go make it worth someone’s while.
Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? Hit me up at griffin@rvamag.com.
Nabeel, Strawberry Moon, Kitchenette, Receiver
Saturday, November 22nd
Cobra Cabana
Absolutely insane bill coming together, and guess what? It’s for a great cause. We’ve got Nabeel, Strawberry Moon, Kitchenette, and Receiver raising money for the Gaza Soup Kitchen.
Nabeel is an Iraqi indie artist currently based in little old Richmond. I found Nabeel some months ago and have been hooked on that unique indie rock sound. It’s powerful and full of life. Every chord and every beat is teeming with breath, personality, and character. We’re really lucky to have Nabeel locally. An artist like this should be on constant worldwide tours.
Up next are some hallmarks of the Richmond rock scene, Strawberry Moon. They always bring the party to any show they play. I’m always captivated by the lead vocals that propel each song forward and into space.
Kitchenette is a new-to-me band with a demo EP on Bandcamp that dropped earlier this year. This quartet goes crazy. They have a 90s punk sound akin to The Breeders. I see big things in Kitchenette’s future.
Last up is Receiver, who hasn’t released anything yet but has already made a strong mark on the local scene. They’ve got a fantastic bouncing 80s college radio sound that I adore. Definitely one to check out if you haven’t already.
Sundials, Doll Baby, All Away Lou
Thursday, November 20th
The Camel
Sundials is an RVA band that made quite an impact during their run from 2009 to 2016. They’re back for their first show in six years, a special reunion that fans have been waiting for. Their sound rips and bounces, a bit like Jimmy Eat World with more edge. The songs are so well crafted. They’re smooth and seamless, the kind that make you want to take on the world and believe in everything, including yourself. Their 2012 album When I Couldn’t Breathe is a fantastic record and showcases their talent as songwriters.
Doll Baby is another long-standing Richmond band. They’re what you’d get if you took all the good things from grunge and added genuinely great singing. They know their beats well, and the result is these spectacular moments where everything locks in and you feel like slamming your foot on the gas.
Last up is All Away Lou, an English singer with a long history in punk who now lives in Philly. Their sound captures those scenes of everyday life that English songwriters are so good at. These songs make you feel seen. They’re sincere and true, honest and sweet.
Kinda Evil, The Milestones, Heavy Friends, TV Battle Stations
Sunday, November 23rd
Banditos
Kinda Evil is celebrating the one-year anniversary of their debut album. If you haven’t heard it yet, it’s a moody and sinister record laced with spider-like guitar leads that crawl down your spine. I’m especially into the track “Teeth,” which has a bit of a Cramps feel before descending into something heavier and thicker. Kinda Evil is a cinematic band, the kind that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a 90s slasher. It’s a great one to put on when the lights get low.
Joining them on this run is The Milestones. Right out of the gate, these guys have you dancing. This is pure rock and roll with all its drama and flair. Their sound is larger than life and bellowing. The Milestones can rock.
Heavy Friends is a dreamy local group, taking full control of the ambient and folding it into a more traditional indie rock sound. You can tell there’s a lot of thought going into the tracks they’ve previewed on Instagram, where you’ll also find some genuinely great cover art. I’m excited to see where they go.
Last up is TV Battle Stations. This duo is full of whimsy and a kind of childlike innocence. You may recognize one half of the pair as Ava Cole, singer for Bucko, who brings her usual mesmerizing vocal performance.
New Tunes
‘Stay Ready’ by DJ Harrison feat. Yaya Bey
Groooooovy tune from DJ Harrison featuring Yaya Bey. Harrison’s beat is mellow and smooth, giving Bey’s vocals space to glide over the top. The instrumentation is stripped back but still warm and full, something you can pull around your shoulders on a cold night. And that bass line is downright infectious, replaying in your head and narrating your day long after you’ve taken the headphones off.
Main photo of Nabeel
Support RVA Magazine. Support Independent Media in Richmond.
At a time when media ownership is increasingly concentrated among corporations and the wealthy, RVA Magazine has remained one of Richmond’s few independent voices. Since 2005, the magazine has provided grassroots coverage of the city’s artists, musicians, and communities, documenting the culture that defines Richmond beyond the headlines.
But we can’t do this without you. A small donation, even as little as $2, one-time or recurring, helps us continue to produce honest, local coverage free from outside interference. Every dollar makes a difference. Your support keeps us going and keeps RVA’s creative spirit alive. Thank you for standing with independent media. DONATE HERE.
We’ve got merch HERE
Subscribe to the Substack HERE
And Reddit HERE
And YouTube HERE
