A Night of Luxury with Marilyn Pham and Local Talents
Marilyn Pham, a local Richmond musician, released her album, “Luxury,” on Sept. 23. The eight-track project contains a plethora of self-reflective ballads that are sure to get stuck in your brain. Following the album’s release, Pham hosted a night of lively performances filled with an infectious energy. Other local talents like Martial’s Law, Pinot and […]
Spellling at the Songbyrd in D.C. 10/13/22
Spellling fans gathered around the stage of the Songbyrd for the very first show of Spellling’s October tour. Washington D.C’s very own, AUTOLOLA, opened with his auto-tuned vocals and experimental production, hyping up the crowd in preparation for Spellling.
Album Review: “Grilled Cheese Pyramid Scheme” By: The Background Action
When the Background Action officially formed in the fall of 2019, it was because of a prescient offer from lead singer Emilio Tognelli. He was directing and acting in a film that required backup musicians, and it seemed obvious that he should reach out to a few friends who had formed a three-piece months prior.
Clairo and A Soft Dream at The National on 2/2/22
Singer/songwriter and multi-faceted artist Claire Cotrill, who performs under the name Clairo, leaves the crowd feeling enchanted with her delicate voice, warm stage presence and bubbly personality. With the accompaniment of her band and undeniably cool set design, the night was charmingly memorable.
Sampling (Music): A Way to Reimagine Songs
The highlight of my middle school days were flipping through channels in the 900s range on Cox Cable. I would spend countless hours listening to music on the Music Choice channels. The service accompanied an endless range of genres from Rock to Soul, and with it, I was constantly immersed in new hit sounds.
Black History Month Unsung Heroes: The World of Rock
The influence of Black culture on music in the past 100 years is not only obvious, but priceless. From Robert Johsnon to Bad Brains and Duke Ellington to Thundercat, Black musicians across the globe have time and time again influenced the trends and directions of music, like Coltrane’s solo on “Giant Steps” and Hendrix’s use of the dominant 7 sharp 9 chord.
MUSIC REVIEW: The Dune Flowers – Tired of Being Nothing
The newest single from The Dune Flowers, a D.C. based project created by songwriter Tyler Drager, may at first seem like a departure from their characteristic sound. Where songs off their self-titled album rely on clean guitar tones and easy going, catchy ear-worms, “Tired of Being Nothing” employs more electronic elements and experimental production. Despite the track’s novel sound, Drager’s succinct and heartfelt songwriting style remains the same.
Music Review: “No More Kim Kelly” – Death Plumes
Death Plumes (formerly known as Rocket Vomit) have taken the opportunity over the past few months to play gigs big and small. From the concrete steps of VCU’s Commons, to DIY home venues, and more traditional settings like the Camel, the three-piece have managed to make a name for themselves with their fervently abrasive punk sound that blends the traditional bluntness of the genre with a refreshingly heartfelt sensibility.
WHEN NOTHING IS EVERYTHING
Philly shoegazers Nothing tore up Richmond Music Hall on Tuesday, December 7th. Highlights of the show included a guitar- specifically a newer-model Fender Jazzmaster- being thrown into the audience, cheesy dad jokes while frontman Dominic Palermo fixed his pedals, and yours truly getting right up in the band members’ faces for pictures.
Artists to Watch: RVA Edition
Giving artists their flowers while they can still smell them
Pop-up Show Spotlight: 12/12 at the Compass
Over the past semester, pop-up shows around campus have served to showcase the diverse range of talent, originality, and passion that exists in Richmond’s music scene. If you haven’t been to any of these shows, you’ve almost certainly seen their promotional posters taped to lamp posts, hanging on bulletin boards, or posted to social media. They have all been completely free, accessible, and have provided a space for artists to share their music in a welcoming environment that fosters creativity and individuality.
A Magnetic Night with The Driver Era
The Driver Era knows how to dazzle the crowd with their electrifying energy. The Driver Era, genre–fluid, band leaves the night *feeling confident* on their 12th day of tour at The NorVA. Their fifth time being back at this venue and they are as energetically inspiring as ever.