Behind the booth; VCU DJs shape Richmond’s underground rave scene

Bella LoBue, Contributing Writer

The rave scene is a notable aspect of VCU culture. From house shows by local bands in basements to a DJ in a crowded backyard, Richmond offers various opportunities for students to engage with music and practice DJing while interacting with the community.

Nevaeh Hill, a third-year public relations student, or Slenderwoman, said she found a void in the party scene and wanted to fill it. 

“I was kinda disappointed with the music at events I had gone to and always wanted to become a girl DJ,” Hill said.

Though DJing may seem like a huge, expensive project, Hill said she started small.

“I decided to just jump on it and bought the cheapest board on Amazon and watched so many TikTok tutorials until I got down the basics,” Hill said. “Then I taught myself the rest while also figuring out what type of music I like to play.” 

DJing is not without its stresses for Hill, but her enthusiasm overpowers the challenges, she said.

“My favorite part about the process is after days of prepping for an event and stressing myself out, watching other people enjoy what I created and compliment me during or after my set,” Hill said.

Maeve Hickey, a fourth-year public relations student, or Shartchan, has also found a new passion in DJing. For her, the people are the most invigorating part.

“I love dancing, I love DJing and looking up and seeing people dance,” Hickey said. “I just love interacting with all the collaborators and when the music just takes over and there’s nothing else on your mind, just the music.”

Hickey said the rave scene is more than just partying, as it can provide alternative spaces for people to connect. Within VCU, small shows and raves are inclusive, low-stakes community events. Anyone can show up for a low cost and hear new music and meet other young adults.

“It’s so much more than fun, it’s a representation of a community,” Hickey said.

The rave scene is not an exclusive fashion show or a place to front, according to Hickey.

“Man, we’re all freaks. We’re all freaks and weirdos, and there’s no shame in that,” Hickey said. “That is what rave scenes are so accepting of.”

 Hannah Wheeler, a third-year communication arts student and frequenter of raves, said she noticed the difference in environment from clubs or bars.

“I feel like it’s less formal. Like if I was going to a club I’d want to dress up and look nice, but I just walk into house shows. I feel like it’s less weird to just be standing there, just chilling,” Wheeler said.

Miriam Yopp, a third-year graphic design student, said the house show scene is an important social web.

“It’s very community-driven. Even though it’s supposed to be about the music, people are just talking the whole time,” Yopp said. 

As much as the DJs seek to create a safe, fun environment for their partiers, both Hickey and Hill noted the significance of being a “girl DJ.”

“Obviously it’s very male-dominated. I always felt like I wasn’t valid, or I didn’t have enough experience,” Hickey said. 

Oftentimes, female DJs have to make their own space and find communities of their own, when they are not accepted into the larger DJ community. At VCU, they have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals to create the energy they want to experience, Hickey and Hill said.

“But what I’ve always appreciated is working with women and queer DJs, because they have a different ear, and it’s typically a vibe I can line up on,” Hickey said. “I just love working with creatives and especially ones that I’m comfortable with.”

For those looking to get involved in the scene, Hickey, Yopp and Wheeler recommended The Rabbit Hole, Lurchfest, hosted yearly by numerous venues and The Shakedown on Cary. EDM at VCU highlighted Ember Music Hall and RVA BoomBox as local venues.

Whether someone is new to the scene or a seasoned mosher, the rave scene is full of VCU students who seek not to judge but to create a space for high vibrations, both in the air and the floorboards, according to Hickey and Hill.