BHM profile | R&B artist Shy Lennox is just getting started
Iman Mekonen, Spectrum Editor With a toy sunflower wrapped around his microphone stand, Richmond alternative R&B artist Shy Lennox performed a mix of covers and songs from his 2018 EP “Audition” on the Poor Boys stage Friday night. His unpredictable range, flavorful voice and calm demeanor bring him to call himself “a professional sad boy […]
Local band She is carving their own path in the Richmond soundscape
Nick Alfano, Contributing Writer Out of a bottomless pool of local acts clamoring to get closer to the limelight every day, one band has combined their musical originality and knack for the business side of the industry to carve a path of their own. The four-headed group, She, is comprised of singer/guitarist Liza Grishaeva, drummer/keyboardist […]
Flight Club returns with renewed energy and evolved sound
Quentin Rice, Staff Writer The loading screens in Guitar Hero 2 contain quotes about life in a band with snide humor, and one of those quotes was crucial to the future of Richmond punk band, Flight Club. “My favorite was, ‘A minifridge is more important than a bass player,’” said Flight Club lead vocalist Charlie […]
15th Richmond Folk Festival draws crowds, showcases cultural traditions
Anya Sczerzenie, Contributing Writer Charlie Constantino seemed to be having a good time yesterday at his first Richmond Folk Festival. But it was hard to tell, because he didn’t say much. “He’s 7 months old,” said his mother, Alison Constantino. “He seems to like the music and the people-watching. We’ve been here an hour and […]
Students, meet the RVA music scene
This story ran as part of a VCU Student Media Center summer special publication, The Compass, which serves as a guidebook for new students. Quentin Rice, Staff Music Writer Richmond is very obviously a beautiful city to look at. With its constantly growing collection of murals and tattoo artists, Richmond is easy on the eyes. […]
A review of Spooky Cool’s disorienting debut “Every Thing Ever”
Quentin Rice Contributing Writer Richmond-based psychedelic rock band Spooky Cool released their debut EP titled “Every Thing Ever” — a two-faced, sinister odyssey of anthemic psychedelic rock, experimental time signatures and ghastly vocal harmonies — Aug. 3. It is the band’s first official release after years of live performances. The EP opens with “Strange Rooms,” […]
Review: the RVA All Day Block Party
The Broadberry hosted the RVA All Day Block Party on April 28, an all-day music festival featuring performances from local acts such as Dharma Bombs, Night Idea, Angelica Garcia and NO BS! Brass Band. Dharma Bombs opened up the night of music with their first performance in Richmond since December. They played the hits from […]
Dharma Bombs are breathing new life into Americana music
The transition from thrash metal to bluegrass was easier for Richmond-based Dharma Bombs lead vocalist Trey Hall than one might imagine. According to Hall, the only difference between the two genres is a major and a minor key. Hall played in a hardcore band with Dharma Bombs mandolin and five-string banjo player Chris Gatens before […]
Renowned dancers and musicians perform at flamenco festival
The VCU Flamenco Festival VII brought the culture of southern Spain to Richmond this weekend. The festival consisted of three performances and one “master class,” in which a flamenco expert taught attendees the art of playing the guitar. Featuring renowned international flamenco artists — including Francisco Mesa, Ana Ines King and Torcuato Zamora — […]
Richmond and the vinyl resurgence
Richmond-native Arnold Brown settled in Washington D.C. in 1989 due to what he described as a “consequence of jobs and familial obligations.” “When I was a teenager in (Jackson) Ward we would sit around a stoop at a neighbor’s house and listen to the newest records,” Brown said. “It was like a party every […]