Weekend Frequency Vol. 3 | Garage, New Wave, Deep-cut Soul Playlist by Small Friend Records & Books

by | Mar 13, 2025 | COMMUNITY, CULTURE, MUSIC, Playlist

Music is the lifeblood of our city. The late-night sets, the sweat-soaked venues, the dusty record bins filled with sonic treasures and hidden frequencies. Richmond gets this— more than any other city in Virginia. So here’s Weekend Frequency—a weekly, reader-curated playlist built for the city, by the city.

Part revival, part continuation of our RVA Mag Weekend Playlists, which we curated weekly before the world flipped upside down in 2020. After listening to this week’s playlist, feel free to revisit our entire archive of 103 playlist created by local legends and national artists alike, each setting a vibe that is undeniable.

Dig into the full archive HERE. Otherwise, just press play below to get your weekend going.

ed. note: We want to hear what you’ve been listening to. Each week we’ll turn over the playlist to one of our readers giving you the chance to shares what’s been on your turntable, headphones, or blasting through your speakers. Drop us a line at  hello@rvamag.com with Weekend Frequency in the subject line, along with 15 tracks and one paragraph telling our readers why you chose the songs you did.


This week’s Weekend Frequency comes straight from the hallowed halls of Small Friend Records & Books, one of the best spots in the city for crate digging and page flipping.

We make a playlist every month that we send out with our newsletter, but for those we are usually focusing on new releases, bands we’ve recently discovered (or re-discovered), and what we’ve been listening to in the shop lately.

We decided that for this playlist, we’d think of it as Small Friend’s Greatest Hits and showcase some of our all-time favorites. Some of these are old standbys, some are our favorite albums of the last few years, and there are even a few of our very talented friends making appearances (shout out to Richmond’s Hagstone and Asheville’s Wagging!). If you’ve been in the store in the last seven years, there’s a good chance you heard at least one of these songs.”   


Support Richmond Independent Media Like RVA Magazine
In a world where big corporations and wealthy individuals shape much of the media landscape, RVA Magazine remains fiercely independent, amplifying the voices of Richmond’s artists, musicians, and community. Since 2005, we’ve been dedicated to authentic, grassroots storytelling that highlights the people and culture shaping our city.

We can’t do this without you. A small donation, as little as $2, – one-time or recurring – helps us continue to produce honest, local coverage free from outside influence. Your support keeps us going and keeps RVA’s creative spirit alive. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you for standing with independent media. DONATE HERE

Also, you can show your support by purchasing a t-shirt HERE

RVA Staff

RVA Staff

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.




more in music

Sound Check! Golden Fest! Nysa! Mengers! & More!

These shows got me amped. Join me and catch the wind in the sails and take off into a musical tomorrow across a sea of uncertainty. If you’ve got any tips, send them my way. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your guy at...

VHS Club | Escape from New York

Given our current political predicament, no line in cinema feels more relevant than when Bob Hauk, the police commissioner in Escape from New York, says to Snake Plissken, “The president’s gone missing.” To which Plissken coolly responds, “President of what?” ...

Hadad’s Lake to Be Auctioned in April, Starting bid $300,000

A longtime recreational and cultural landmark in Henrico County, Hadad’s Lake is set to be auctioned next month, signaling the possible end of its nearly 60-year legacy. Established in 1965 by Ronald Hadad Sr. and his father, the lake became a...

Opinion | Richmond, We Don’t Need Another Love Song

Music has always been a mirror. It tells us who we are, what we value, and, sometimes, what we’re too afraid to face. But if music is supposed to reflect the world around us, then what does it say that so much of today’s mainstream music says… nothing at all? Richmond...