Electronic artist Gardener releases Heavy Everything in 2016, a four track synthesized odyssey captured live-to-tape that showcases the meticulous dedication of drone and the fleeting appeal of ambient.
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Experimental coterie Jono Stewart’s Big Mistake releases Vignettes Of Late Capitalism in 2018, a freeform instrumental jaunt that brings infectious improvisational charm to marbled soundscapes.
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Sassy garage punks Shawnis And The Shimmers release Whip It Out in 2023, the penultimate record from the lo-fi standouts that best portrays the irascible charm of underground music.
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Spiritual boom bap artist Tha Mark Of Buddha releases Bodhisativa in 2022, a sixteen-track beat tape that expands upon a visceral sound by drawing inspiration from Taoist and Dharmavinaya principles.
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Emo-pop artisan Frames releases their debut album, Cursed, in 2019, a bright six-track record embroidering fractured apprehension with bright melodies and wistful vocals.
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Chiming rock band Nine Mile Island release their self-titled record in 2011, a twelve-track collection that travels the gamut of the rock genre from relaxed & tender observations to shaky & bustling affirmations.
Spotify

IDM stargazer B.Ultra&Basic release Throne Raving in 2008, a dense and captivating twenty-track record that distills the radiant core of electronic creativity.
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Thrash pop trio Bicycle releases A Season In Hell in 2020, a capricious four-track record that moves from gritty punk and doom sounds to lo-fi pop and slowcore.
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Cinematic synth composer blvcklvng releases Curse Of The Widow Maker in 2024, a crawling electronic terror that grips with intense horror and delights with melodic intrigue.
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Experimental provocateur Flightbike releases Sat Urn District Attorney in 2014, a mercurial collection of electronic eruptions loosely tied to free-form rhythms and archival textures.
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Cheeky noise artist Xander Zone releases Piss in 2018, a triad of electronic larks that grow from smirking exercises into long form explorations.
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Heavy instrumental project Walnugget releases its self-titled album in 2022, an experimental amalgam of psych, blues, prog, and hard rock that surges with purpose.
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April 12th

Sharp metal troupe Inter Arma releases Sulphur English in 2019, a towering odyssey of crushing doom, sludge-soaked psychedelica, and eerie folk textures that proves their mastery of both scale and subtlety.
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The Subterranea Collective releases Sampler Volume II in 2015, another expansive collection of amorphous rock music, featuring We Never, Young Scum, Way, Shape, Or Form, Houdan The Mystic, Fight Cloud, Antiphons, Brother Rutherford, and more.
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Heavy hardcore tyrants Mutually Assured Destruction releases Hexer in 2024, a riff-drenched record that dives headfirst into swampy metal while still holding fast to their blustery punk roots.
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Gracious Americana troubadour Graham Stone releases Bad News in 2019, a forceful folk-rock album driven by strong songwriting, honest in its confessions and hopeful in its outlook.
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Richmond ambient icon VonnBoyd releases Forever Shadowed in 2018, an immersive electronica plunge into a revelatory world of sonic clarity, where whispers become mantras and grooves become emotional anchors.
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Neo-soul artisan Kristen Merritt releases Spectrum in 2019, a vibrant exploration of love’s many hues, utilizing soulful melodies and rich arrangements to capture the full range of loving emotion.
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Sonic revelers Heavy Confetti releases Afterglow in 2023, a sharp record full of modern R&B fusion, blending blues, jazz, rock, soul, and more into a seamless sound.
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Infectious indie pop group Hot Lava releases Covered in 2011, a lively collection of pop rock reinterpretations that span proto-punk, doo wop, disco, and electronica.
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Chambered singer-songwriter Patient Barney Penrose release Brave Ink in 2014, a rich four-track record that envelops crafty compositions in a cavernous blend of ambient and bedroom pop.
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Sprightly psych-rock trio Sister Planet release their self-titled album in 2024, a brisk and bouncy collection of colorful grooves, hazy in their garage roots and bold in their vision.
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April 11th

Apocowlypso releases Posthum(or)ous in 2022, a remastered version of a lost 1987 album featuring true freewheeling art rock energy from local legends Brooke Saunders & Dika Newlin, the namesake for the Newlin Music Prize.
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Rhapsodic MC Illa Styles releases Illavation in 2011, a dynamic showcase of lyrical agility and musical ambition from one of Richmond’s most versatile voices and resolute artists.
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Musical wizard Russell Lacy releases Charlestown in 2012, a collection of twangy country stomps and rousing rock grooves from a seasoned melodic craftsman, all rooted in a deep reverence for the timeless art of songwriting.
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The Exposit compilation is released in 2022, a mind-altering anthology of sound exploration and mood manipulation, featuring Christian Luke Brady, Beauty Czars, Philip James Murphy Jr., Elastic Medium, & more.
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Vaulting jazz quintet Vanilla Summit release their first album, Expedition, in 2015, a smooth expression of technical grace, flowing through an air of melodic capriciousness and rhythmic finesse.
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Lush dreamscaper 秋 releases Path To New Guidance // Eternal Pitch Shift In 2022, symphonic avant-garde told in three acts that fuses free jazz with digital manipulation, resulting in a spellbinding narrative of sound and abstraction.
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Drum and bass artisan Will Miles releases Compass in 2019, a restless and sprawling electronic record that features his sharp production that carries just as much melodic intrigue as it does rhythmic compulsion.
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Bluegaze conceptualist Weird Sister releases Everything’s Funeral in 2022, an atmospheric presentation of rage and comfort, delivered through a unique blend of shoegaze, grunge, doom, post-rock, and even bluegrass.
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Psych-rock carousers Piranha Rama release their debut record, Beach Body, in 2018, a two song EP that distills their sun-kissed sound into crisp, infectious garage pop gems.
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Experimental rock duo Promethean releases Snow And Bodies in 2012, a sharp instrumental record full of nervy grooves that contort with delight and twist with surprise, an astonishing display of math-infused prog-rock precision.
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April 10th

Folk-punk luminary Tim Barry releases 40 Miler in 2012, a raucous yet reflective record steeped in bluegrass grit and working-class candor, showcasing his knack for vivid storytelling and rugged, rootsy charm.
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Shoegaze mavens Keep releases their self-titled record in 2020, a mesmerizing descent into swirling melodies and textured soundscapes, shimmering in its hazy attraction yet piercing in its rich intensity.
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Twangy garage rockers gnawing release their second record, Shaky, in 2020, a fuzzy five-track EP that deftly threads the rock needle, combining elements of grunge, alternative, college rock, and lo-fi into a rousing package.
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Hardcore criminal enterprise U.S. BASTARDS releases Out Of Luck in 2016, a blistering sprint through speedpunk, hard rock, and unhinged punk chaos that can only be described as full-throttle, no-brakes crime metal.
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Punk trailblazers The Catalyst release Marianas Trench +9 in 2008, a compilation combining their debut album with tracks from splits with Mass Movement and Brainworms, chronicling their ascent to the forefront of Richmond’s underground vanguard.
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Versatile hip-hop artist DooF releases ViLLAiNOUS VAGRANT in 2013, a gritty glimpse into a restless creative mind, powered by an all-star roster of producers and unfolding as an electrifying eighteen-track trek through the depths of underground rap.
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Industrial hip-hop duo BLACKHANDPATH releases Unreleased Sounds in 2020, a volatile blend of breakcore, digital hardcore, and horrorcore that channels unbridled creative freedom through decaying, chaotic soundscapes.
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Metallic grunge duo Hewolf releases Age Of Extinction in 2022, a record brimming with hard-hitting grooves that surfs a sleazy tide of shadowy allure and unapologetic grit.
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Death metal quartet Eradicant releases Cult Rapture in 2024, a roaring onslaught of rhythmic brutality and razor-edged melody that scorches the senses and stirs chaos with every pulverizing note.
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Infectious indie pop group Hot Lava releases Iceland in 2013, a concise three-track gem that gracefully wrapped up their dazzling first era while quietly sowing the seeds for a radiant return over a decade later.
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April 9th

Matthew E. White & Lonnie Holley release Broken Mirror: A Selfie Reflection on Spacebomb Records in 2021, a communion of experimental soul and avant-garde gospel that challenges perception while reveling in collective spirit and Southern surrealism.
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Groove metal outfit Vice Or Virtue release Enlightenment in 2013, a shifty yet thrilling trek through progressive terrain, fusing jagged melodies with immersive atmospheres and a hard rock edge that keeps listeners on their toes.
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Compelling post-punk project Grass Panther release Vignette in 2016, a restless record that channels garage grit, punk ethos, and rock charm into a lo-fi burst of mood-shifting energy and spirited resolve.
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Energetic garage rockers The Yahmi’s release The EP in 2020, a snug four-song set that captures the band’s dynamic range, balancing surging riffs and swaying detours with heartfelt lyrics and sharp, cohesive playing.
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Honky-tonk marauders Derelicts Of Grace release their self-titled record in 2019, a rowdy yet reflective ride through outlaw country, bluegrass, and Americana traditions, packed with grit, soul, and Southern storytelling.
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Droll art pop artist Gordon Grippes release I Suffer in 2021, an eccentric yet layered four-track EP that wades through conflicted notions of impulse, self-loathing, and yearning.
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Diligent rock trio Wake The Captive release Rogue in 2011, a textured fusion of hard rock grit, ambient post-rock atmosphere, and grounded pop sensibility, striking a bold balance between approachable hooks and adventurous songwriting.
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Dreampop designer Energy 2000 release Afterburn in 2019, a cosmic thrust into the sonic macrocosm, soundtracked by transmission relics and directed by a boundless soul.
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Ace MC iTSNITTI release MY TIME in 2014, an eleven-track hip-hop record that infuses lyrical wit into club ready tracks, a fun cross-section of snap, crunk, trap, and hyphy.
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Electromagnetic recording project Cosmic Microtonal Background Vibrations release Cosmic Microtonal Background Radiation in 2022, an instrumental ode to the buzzing relics of our universal origin.
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April 8th

Brooding post-punk decadents Dead Fame releases Vicious Design in 2014, a sleek and shadowy EP pulsing with synth-laced tension, theatrical vocals, and irresistible darkwave allure.
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Atmospheric black metal trio TVLPA releases Walk With Me in 2022, a dynamic record that surges from the creative underground with surprising emotional depth, all within a menacing soundscape, earning a nomination for the 2023 Newlin Music Prize!
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Idiosyncratic indie rockers The Wimps release their self-titled debut album in 2016, a shapeshifting blend of punk, folk, and garage instincts, spun with clever flair and performed with subtle precision.
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Americana paladin Chris Leggett & The Copper Line releases From The Idle Mind in 2022, a rousing record that blends heartfelt storytelling with sweeping folk melodies, capturing the complicated concepts of love, loss, and growth.
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Hip-hop stylists Johnny Ciggs & Ant The Symbol releases The Great White Hype on Gritty City Records in 2022, a slick collaboration between two Richmond rap pillars, delivering rhythmic punches and lyrical knockouts across its robust ten tracks.
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Musical alchemist Curt Sydnor releases Heaven Is Begun in 2022, a daring blend of gospel and avant-jazz that probes mortality and mysticism with fearless invention.
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Crust punk powerhouse Under Attack releases their demo record in 2019, a fierce and unrelenting burst of hardcore aggression, steeped in raw intensity and old-school punk spirit.
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Rootsy folk musician Jonathan Vassar releases Take Away Everything in 2019, a collection of home-spun compositions, delivered in intimate proceedings and tender grace, allowing each word to come across with its own saturated tone.
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Seething punks Crucial Taint releases their self-titled record in 2024, a fuzzy froth of flaring hard rock, born from pure garage grit and echoing timeless strife with every scorched note.
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Musing hip-hop artist hernbean5150 releases Lab Work in 2024, a coaxing six-track project rich with alluring loops, immersive samples, and sharp bars that both entertain and prompt.
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April 7th

Punk legends Avail release their fourth album, Over The James, in 1998, an anthemic dive into Richmond’s gritty spirit, mixing introspective lyrics with their signature rowdy, melodic sound in all its underground glory.
Spotify

Sleek electronic trio Belly Of The Heart releases Leech! in 2023, an electrifying surge of toxic purification that fuses techno, hyperpop, and synthpunk, earning a 2024 Newlin Music Prize nomination.
Spotify

Antifolk singer-songwriter Benjamin Shepherd releases This Was Supposed To Be Temporary in 2023, a stark lyrical digest brought to life through vibrant Americana soundscapes and delivered with a thoughtful voice and precision.
Bandcamp

Melodic marvels Ralston, Parker, Ungerleider release Blind Love in 2023, a collection of heartfelt instrumentals blending jazz legends and doo-wop icons in its affectionate sound.
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Musical mystic Innate releases As So in 2023, a dynamic record that pushes exuberant jazz through fluid soundscapes, each vivid, nervy, and captivating in their rich progression.
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Feral mathcore quartet Donald Shimoda releases their self-titled record in 2023, a sharp lo-fi presentation that retains all the punch and sting of the band’s turbulent sonic frenzy.
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Pulsing punk quartet Lowlife Tea Party (now known as ScanSlow) releases Grey Tuesday in 2020, an alt-rock gem that shimmers with grunge, pop punk, garage, and emo, all within a distinct core sound.
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Jagged punk rockers The Barbed Wires releases their self-titled record in 2023, a slashing and sawing rock record that delivers grit from every musical angle across 11 driving tracks.
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Avant-garde radicals Kenopsia release their self-titled record in 2021, a sharp blend of free jazz, death metal, and dark ambient that carves a unique sonic space, equally menacing and enlightened.
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Stargazey rock band Rikki Rakki releases their self-titled record in 2018, a two-song solo offering from Erika Blatnik that reveals expansive intimacy, later deepened through collaborations with Matt Luger, Andy Brown, and Jay Kole.
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April 6th

Metal icons GWAR release their seventh album, We Kill Everything, in 1999, an infamous entry in their storied catalog that features a chaotic mix of styles and comedic excess.
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Pop-rock unit Pat McGee Band releases their third album, Save Me, in 2005, a record marking a shift from their acoustic roots to a fuller, more electric and dynamic sound.
Spotify

The Subterranea Collective releases Sampler Volume One in 2012, a boundless offering of bold shifting musical waves, featuring Night Idea, Way, Shape, Or Form, Houdan The Mystic, Cheyenne, Brother Rutherford, and more!
Bandcamp

Delphin garage rockers Hot Dolphin releases Hotter Dolphiner in 2013, a potent wave of fuzzy, lo-fi rock that surges with off-kilter charm and infectious energy.
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Veiled avant musician GULL releases The Thin King in 2009, a disorienting swirl of looped percussion, jagged guitar lines, and unorthodox vocal theatrics.
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Mathcore rascals Black Matter Device releases their debut album, Modern Frenetics, in 2018, a thrilling and disorienting display of pure noise, covering post-rock, progressive metal, and deathcore with its sprawling mania.
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Surging lyrical artisan Ro$$eTTI releases RAW in 2023, a brash lyrical showcase over tempered beats, dusky in their fidelity yet immersive in their ambiance.
Noise-drenched singer-songwriter Gavin Crockett releases Styx in 2022, a southern-infused blend of shoegaze, with hazy soundscapes, folk-inspired themes, and a piercing, resonant intensity.
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Prog-rock troupe Conebuds releases Evolution in 2021, a capricious swirl of metal and funk, pushing on the boundaries of stoner rock and psych-rock with crafty compositions and nuanced skill.
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Resonant balladeer chloe p releases the chloe e.p. in 2020, an exquisite presentation of tender compositions that come to life through glowing layers of sonic emotion, delivered by the co-host of River City Sounds.
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April 5th

Chaotic mathcore ensemble DOTGIFFROMGOD releases …defragmented…reformatted in 2016, an exceptional sonic menace that captures the visceral exhilaration of emo-violence and relentless fury of grindcore.
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Dexterous MC Young Flexico releases The New Flexico Album in 2019, a genre-blurring hip-hop showcase of Southern grit and Richmond soul, rich with eclectic production and a voice steeped in raw charisma.
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All-star ensemble Old New Things releases Ghosts in 2011, a genre-blurring collection of American folk, European chamber-jazz, and avant-garde influences, swirling into a textured offering of originals and reimagined classics.
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Hip-hop virtuoso Ohbliv releases We Must Survive in 2024, a three-track instrumental collection infused with optimism, offering a sense of grounded resilience that counters any looming existential uncertainty.
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Hardcore fiends Red Vision release their self-titled record on Edgewood Records in 2016, blending intense riffs, raw energy, and unfiltered aggression while addressing societal issues and personal struggles.
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Cosmic folk gazer Christian Luke Brady releases Creative Practices For Peace in 2020, a meditation blending healing frequencies, mindful melodies, and daily musical offerings designed to inspire peace and balance.
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Americana paladin Chris Leggett releases his debut self-titled record in 2017, a vibrant and reflective blend of folk, country, and rock that explores inner conflicts and existential themes.
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Lo-fi punk delights Added Dimensions releases Time Suck / Hellbent in 2024, a jangly, hook-laced EP that distills modern malaise into scrappy anthems, brimming with charm, grit, and existential bite.
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Remarkable singer-songwriter Jenna Kole releases her debut album, A Scapegoat For Your Apple Eating, in 2019, a vivid exploration of personal growth, emotional numbness, self-deception, and the search for connection.
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Indie troubadour dietz releases heatsick in 2024, an ear-turning collection of power pop bursts, alt-country spins, whimsical synth-pop, & vibrant jangle rock.
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April 4th

Nascent metal titans Burn The Priest release their self-titled record in 1999, an unrestrained and ferocious blend of thrash, death metal, and hardcore, paving the way for Lamb of God’s iconic sound.
Spotify

Local hip-hop icon Noah-O releases his debut full-length album, Monument Avenue, in 2014, a confessional & rousing narrative recounted over Taylor Whitelow’s soul-driven production, sparking honest dialogue about Richmond’s truths and dreams.
Bandcamp

Black metal behemoth Prisoner releases Beyond The Infinite on Forcefield Records in 2017, a visceral sonic assault that blends noise-damaged hardcore, industrial madness, and atmospheric post-metal fury.
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Cloud rap luminaries MFK & Blvckkr4y release coc4ine & Icecre4m in 2012, a hazy, experimental journey through distorted beats and laid-back flows, showcasing the distinct sound of the nascent Goth Money Records days.
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Veiled avant musician GULL releases Lurcher in 2017, a stark album exploring social justice and spirituality, featuring minimalist production and maskless performances, marking a new creative phase in his amorphous sound.
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Electronic auteur PERMANENT releases Voices in 2024, a cavernous digital beckon from the sprawling subconscious, captivating with rhythmic allure and haunting with melodic mystery.
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Emo art pop project Emil и Cosmonauts releases Ketamine Tuesday in 2022, an acoustic-electronic fusion that resonates with aching emotion and elusive genre boundaries.
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Cunning shoewave trio Canary oh Canary releases Release (Live In Jackson Ward) in 2020, capturing a 2014 River City Recording Studio session in all its raw, unfiltered energy, highlighting the band’s distinct command of genre-blurring dynamics.
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Visceral cloud rapper Vulse releases Barely Alive in 2021, a harrowing yet cathartic collection of songs drawn from the wreckage of personal crisis, mental illness, and survival.
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Profound folk songstress Hannah Buckley releases To: Virginia in 2019, a poignant exploration of identity and longing, relayed through introspective lyricism and delicate instrumentation.
Bandcamp

April 3rd

Magnificent songbird Erin Lunsford releases The Damsel in 2020, a deeply personal and empowering album that explores vulnerability and resilience through powerful and rich Americana melodies.
Spotify

Slick maestro Ant The Symbol releases From Simple to Symbol: 2008-2015 in 2015, a rich compilation that surveys the impressive catalog of Just Plain Ant, laying the groundwork for the next stage of hip-hop prestige.
Bandcamp

Progressive underground producer JAK3 releases hellworld area tokyo, matrix in 2018, a twenty-track collection of distorted grooves and hypnotic melody that feels like a festering beckon from the sonic void.
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Hardcore revenant Richmond Vampire release their demo record in 2022, a hardcore spree of gothic rage that feels cathartic in its release and unfiltered rawness.
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Salient hip-hop producer profound79 releases OntheflipSide. in 2013, a soul-soothing beat tape that digs deep into the crate to extract looping grooves that refresh and remedy the heart and mind.
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Experimental musician reid releases Suicide + Dogwalking in 2015, a sprawling lo-fi odyssey steeped in apologetic yearning and hopeful melancholy, fueling its wry, conflicted sound.
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Grave hip-hop artist KTO Quante releases Untamed Aggression in 2023, a musically raging record directed by a tempered lyrical flow and booming production.
Spotify

Aqueous MC Zayd releases Zaydism in 2016, a sharp hip-hop manifesto that refines a wry perspective into a crisp, cohesive sonic vision.
Bandcamp

Electronic dauber FM-FM releases synthRUSH in 2019, a four-act chiptune suite portraying a titular struggle between unseen characters clashing through lively digital compositions.
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Skate punkers Speedwobble releases Byrd And 5th EP in 2024, an ear-turning three-track record that offers a downhill skim with hints of nardcore, pogo, and street sub-genres.
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April 2nd

Hip-hop virtuoso Ohbliv releases Rugged Tranquility Volume 1 & 2 in 2021, a thirty-six (!!) track beat tape that elevates crate-digging sampling to an uncanny art form.
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Venturous hip-hop artist LIL UGLY MANE releases THING S THATARE STUFF in 2018, a spastic three-track eruption that captures the visceral energy & charm of his erratic catalog.
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Fuzz rock resonator Dazy releases The Crowded Mind in 2021, a noisy sonic pleasure that swirls with crunchy hooks and crackling melodies, driven by raw conviction.
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Textural electrorock mavens Opin releases Hospital Street in 2021, a thirty-six-minute digital symphony marked by intricate sound layering and meticulous sonic exploration.
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Richmond music pillar DJ Harrison releases Pen Eyes 💨 in 2021, a nine-track beat tape that refines its sonic edge with dusky, crackling sounds full of delight.
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Sly & ingenious musician Ben Ferrell releases Pink Skies in 2021, a pastiche of moods and observations stretched over laid-back jazz grooves and ambient tours.
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Richmond sonic visionary Tennishu releases MIXTAPE UNLIMITED EP in 2021, an exercise in blending lyrical refinement and nuanced beat-making, effortlessly syncing into a standout collection.
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Electrofunk collective Former Champions releases Special FX Machine in 2013, a forceful record that explores varying emotions and sentiments atop a shifting sonic surge.
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Charged punk band Winning The Loser’s Bracket release their first album, Bronze, on Running Around Records in 2013, a freeform indie explosion blending emo, slowcore, and folk into their own sonic language effortlessly.
Bandcamp

Post-punk pop stylists Positive No releases their demo record in 2012, three tracks that cleverly highlight the band’s unique, capricious take on indie rock.
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April 1st

Dynamic indie-pop group Erin & Wildfire release Touchy Feely in 2022, a vivid record filled with soaring grooves, captivating melodies, and powerful vocals, earning a 2023 Newlin Music Prize nomination!
Spotify

Stirring punk sentinel Ann Beretta release New Union…Old Glory in 2001, a gritty and melodic album that blends political insight with rock-n-roll energy and raw punk attitude.
Bandcamp

Piercing emo quartet Engine Down release Demure in 2002, a brooding album blending seething instrumentation and angst-filled vocals, capturing youthful cynicism with sensational depth.
Bandcamp

Electropop sensation Lobby Boy release their debut album, Pretty Songs / Pursuits Of Personhood, in 2022, a melodic journey through romantic tales, followed by the companion album PURE P.o.P. in 2023.
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Fluid jazz ensemble Charles Owens Trio release The Music Tells Us in 2024, a sonic marvel that brings together original compositions and sharp reinventions, all the while dazzling with refined skill.
Bandcamp

Crossover thrash icons Iron Reagan release Spoiled Identity in 2014, a blistering EP of grindcore-length tracks with sharp riffs, aggressive vocals, and precise drumming, embodying Richmond’s punk legacy.
Bandcamp

Punk luminaries Inquisition release Ideas Are Bulletproof in 1994, a four-track EP that perfectly captures the roaring dissent of the band’s rowdy & rousing sound.
Bandcamp

Death metal trio Disrotter releases Restless Death in 2024, a ferocious four-track premonition that dissects societal decay with relentless intensity and visceral brutality.
Bandcamp

Vibrant electronic guru Fake Fever releases Runoff in 2021, a collection of B-Sides from 2020’s Surrogate that explores different sonic realms, released in the lead-up to the re-issue of that breakout record.
Bandcamp

Masked egg punks Shagg Carpet release Live at The Camel in 2024, capturing a fiery set of dance-punk grooves and synth-punk energy delivered from the stage of Richmond’s indie music haven.
Bandcamp

February 6th

Brusque MC Granada releases Dark Dynasty in 2020, a crowing EP that exudes confident lyricism and intricate beats, delivering sharp resonance and compelling vitality.
Spotify

Alt-country orators Exebelle release Vivement l’Automne in 2010, a heartfelt Americana album inspired by literary giants like William Blake and John Steinbeck, delivering a profoundly evocative work of art.
Bandcamp

Couches and Vagrancy release their split record in 2013, a whirlwind emo discharge that encapsulates the depth of a full album’s worth of lyrical and musical expression in just three bold songs.
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Enterprising producer Conscious Beatz releases Beat Terrestrial in 2012, a pulsating instrumental romp that splices vintage tones and novel grooves into a consuming listening experience.
Bandcamp

Idyllic stringband Sturgeon City releases Those Green Shores in 2017, a pastoral jaunt combines traditional folk charm with sharp contemporary skill, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present.
Bandcamp

Gilded hip-hop artist Topaz releases Alienated in 2019, a canny record that delves into deep, personal introspection while surrounded by plush tones and ornate soundscapes.
Soundcloud

Experimental artist 7V D E V R releases Sublime Prehension in 2015, a whimsical exploration of contemporary plunderphonics, revealing the expertise required to breathe new life into buried musical treasures.
Bandcamp

Metal punks Vulcanite releases In Gold in 2022, a pounding patrol of core heavy sounds that forges molten riffs and blistering rhythms into a sonic crucible of raw power and aggressive splendor.
Bandcamp

Caustic hardcore punks Dismissed releases their demo tape in 2013, a three-song onslaught of serrated riffs, bellicose vocals, and pummeling rhythms that astounds and alarms.
Bandcamp

Indie five-piece Skindles releases By Hippies, For Hipsters in 2011, a satirical exploration of both classic and contemporary counter-culture, stemming from a creative burst during a 24-hour songwriting session.
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February 5th

Twee rioters Atta Girl releases Fuck The Sun in 2016, a sparkling melodic punch of flippant spunk packed in a tight garage sound with catchy flourishes.
Bandcamp

Intriguing guitarist Alan Good Parker releases Fakie in 2021, a seamless tapestry of stringed compositions drifting through jazz, folk, and country-western landscapes with effortless melody and honed skill.
Bandcamp

Textural electrorock mavens Opin releases Media & Memory Remixed in 2021, a welcome revisit to their 2020 record featuring striking reimaginations orchestrated by FM Skyline, Gardener, Skinquarter, and more.
Bandcamp

Electrofunk collective Former Champions release Harbinger in 2013, a piercing blend of jazzy synthrock filled with infectious grooves and vibrant instrumental interplay.
Bandcamp

Tonal experimenter The Sound Of Machines releases their second album, Meanwhile, in 2018, a dynamic blend of art rock and electronic tinkering, channeling a restless spirit of exploration into captivating, genre-defying tracks.
Bandcamp

Idiosyncratic melodist Draw the Back of a Cloud releases The complete drawings in 2024, a vibrant display of indie music’s offbeat allure, brimming with winsome prose, cozy melodies, and irresistible charm.
Bandcamp

Sound artificer Stephen Vitiello releases Soundtracks for Lynne Sachs (Volume 1, Film About A Father Who, Tip of My Tongue) in 2021, a collection of works crafted for two of Sachs’ films, highlighting his ambient mastery and cinematic sensitivity.
Bandcamp

Speed punks Wetwork release their debut record, 3 Songs, in 2022, a blistering blast of hardcore thrash that barrels through with such electrifying intensity, it demands immediate replay.
Bandcamp

Sound designer Baccharis releases Down From The Cloud, Singles Vol. 6 in 2023, a presentation of autonomous tracks captured in 2021 that illuminate his expansive creative vision and deft artistry.
Bandcamp

Vibrant producer Profound79 releases Thug Library Vol. 4 in 2017, a dense beat tape full of rhythmic magnetism that slide out of their gritty foundation into a realm of captivating curiosity.
Bandcamp

February 4th

Poignant powerhouse Hotspit release Memory Of A Mirror Image in 2023, a masterpiece in musical expression that skillfully employs cathartic tones and cerebral lyricism, delivering a moving collection of spectacular songs.
Bandcamp

Resonant wordsmith Michael Millions releases his fourth album, Ghost Of 20 Dollar Bills, in 2014, a bold, introspective record that demonstrates the inherent artistic richness of hip-hop through raw narratives and powerful beats.
Bandcamp

Mathcore rascals Black Matter Device release Autonomous Weapons in 2022, a chaotic concoction of metalcore, jazzcore, and a dozen other manic “core” sub-genres, solidifying their status as heavyweights in the hardcore scene.
Bandcamp

Hip-hop aces Koncept Jack$on & Unlucky Bastards release Deluxe Schematics in 2017, a brisk record that provides more lyrical punch and rhythmic magnetism in a half hour than many achieve in lengthy two-hour compilations.
Spotify

Sonic alchemist Samuel Goff releases Transmissions on Cacophonous Revival Recordings in 2020, a multifaceted sonic trek through irregular styles, climbing from sparse minimalism up to distressed noise.
Bandcamp

Sunny artisan Ty Sorrell releases LongLeafPalms in 2022, a pensive hip-hop exploration into the mind of an innovative musician shaping his own sonic identity in a vibrant scene.
Bandcamp

Heavy multi-instrumentalist Erik Larson releases Everything Breaks in 2022, an assertive sludge punk record that uses an all-star line-up of guest drummers to direct its sonic sprawl.
Bandcamp

Vibrant MC 3waySlim releases Golden Child in 2022, an auric hip-hop showcase featuring regal rhymes dancing over carefully curated samples sourced from meticulous crate-diving, lending the album a timeless charm.
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The Big Virginia Noise Compilation is released in 2016, a fifty track record inspired by the One Nation Under Noise project that features a dozen errant musicians from the Richmond area.
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Sonorous producer Swellthy releases Share The Swellth Vol. 1 in 2014, an eleven minute beat tape that soundly lives up to the musical mission statement of mental, physical, and spiritual prosperity.
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February 3rd

Crossover thrash icons Iron Reagan release their third album, Crossover Ministry, in 2017, a potent blend of punk and metal that captivates with its musically gritty equilibrium and a lyrical fusion of anger and sarcasm.
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Shoegaze luminaries Keep releases Happy In Here in 2023, a transcendent album offering textural splendor that spellbinds with ethereal brilliance, earning a nomination for the 2024 Newlin Music Prize!
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Punk melodists Dead Format releases Write Your Own Story in 2019, a searing album that skillfully navigates the space between hardcore and pop punk, thanks to an instantly captivating emo compass.
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Venturous hip-hop artist Lil Ugly Mane (under the moniker ‘various’) releases Register in 2017, an experimental compilation of noise exercises, exploratory compositions, and “non-music” sketches.
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Vaulting jazz quintet Vanilla Summit releases their self-titled record in 2017, a smooth yet cogent record that gracefully maneuvers intricate harmonies to deliver an exciting array of instrumental marvel.
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Crooning collective The Vassar Family Singers release Old Time Gospel in 2014, a heartfelt fusion of Southern gospel, old-time traditions, and bluegrass harmonies, brought to life through their profound love and unwavering reverence.
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Hip-hop virtuoso Bradford Thomas releases Bradventure 5 in 2023, an exhilarating exhibition of beatmaking, sampling, & looping that solidifies the crafty producer’s standing as “the man with the golden groove.”
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Art rock trio Reverse Yr Curse release their self-titled record in 2024, a five-track gem that captivates with its eccentric charm, blending nervy yet inviting melodies with angular, resonant tones.
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Psych-grunge five-piece Baby Help Me Forget release Live From The Goodbye Sprout Show on Cherub Records in 2012, a live record that captures the incendiary style of their mottled rock sound.
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Gauzy electronic artist Wafers 3D release Musicorum in 2020, an exuberant album highlighting a continuously morphing sound that skillfully decorates the realms of vaporwave and IDM.
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February 2nd

Piercing emo quartet Engine Down releases To Bury Within The Sound in 2000, an evocative exploration of tempered hardcore that uses ambient sounds and intricate melodies as conversant guides.
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Rock polyglot Valient Himself releases Crooner Jukebox in 2024, a bold artistic statement shaped as a carefully curated playlist, where the charismatic singer tackles songs from MC5 to Neil Diamond, joined by a stellar lineup of musical guests.
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Potent egg punk quartet Shagg Carpet release their debut album, BUGGED, in 2024, a thrilling post-punk record brimming with anthemic energy, sharp lyricism, and a raw yet youthful exploration of modern anxieties.
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Hip-hop virtuoso Ohbliv releases Bradventure 8 and Life Infinite in 2024, twin records that distill the essence of hip-hop through masterful sampling and hypnotic grooves.
Bradventure 8 & Life Infinite

Prolific hard rock outfit Dead Panda releases Year Of Dead Panda in 2019, a voltaic record that sharpens the feedback fuzz for a potent blend of electrifying riffs and visceral energy.
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Brainworms & Dynamite Arrows releases their split record on Rorschach Records in 2008, an idiosyncratic collaboration between two hardcore punk bedlamites delivering a cacophony of rebellious intensity.
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Lush dreamscaper 秋 releases サンシャインポップス in 2021, a radiant interstellar journey through sunshine pop, infused with jazzy diversions and soulful, exploratory twists.
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Lo-fi wanderer Erik Phillips releases One in 2018, a poignant melodic expression delivered through sliding acoustic strums and tempered backing that immerses listeners in refreshing contemplation.
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Punk crusaders XED OUT releases No More Blue Skies, a compelling piece of polished grit, showcasing power-pop melodies infused with raw energy across the boundless punk spectrum.
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Jabbing MC Madam V releases Cypher Sessions in 2022, an effusive compilation of snappy freestyles and roaring statements over rolling beats, all born from the teeming RVA Rap Elite community.
Spotify

February 1st

Rap titans Noah-O & Big No drop Richmond Brave in 2023, a masterful collaboration that fuses their unique narratives into a bold and unified musical journey, earning a 2024 Newlin Music Prize nomination!
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Jazz multi-instrumentalist Victor Haskins releases his second album, Showing Up, in 2019, a skillful display featuring his Skein ensemble that effortlessly blends traditional jazz elements with contemporary innovations.
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Venturous hip-hop artist Lil Ugly Mane releases Playaz Circle in 2011, a satirical yet reverent nod to Memphis hip-hop, blending crafty production with sharp commentary on horrorcore tropes and violent bravado.
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Masked avant musician Gull releases Skull in 2012, a clear representation of no wave, a musical statement that lives a half-life in the visual space, each visceral in their frenzied resonance.
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Rhapsodic MC Illa Styles releases Art Imitates Life II in 2016, a stomping lyrical march through errant soundscapes and classic beat, earning the moniker claimed by athlete Allen Jones: phenomenal.
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Downbeat maniacs Ordinance release their demo tape in 2023, a turbulent hardcore assault that bombards eardrums with a sonic maelstrom, leaving listeners both wearied and invigorated.
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Snug singer-songwriter Keely Burn releases I’ve Never Been More Aware in 2019, a crisp assortment of endearing melodies relayed through an idiosyncratic vocal tone that’s unpredictable and charming.
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Grime & grind MC Johnny Ciggs releases Hotel Kanade on Gritty City Records in 2019, a dashing album that offers lyrical finesse gliding over sleek production, capturing the essence of polished underground.
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Noise peddler Vera releases Level Ultimate on Lustmurder Records in 2023, a corroding collection of bubbling and seething compositions, each a lesson in melodic decay and rhythmic deterioration.
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Electronic artist Severed Skies releases their second album, Dimensions, in 2019, a sprawling array of dazzling digital soundscapes that are underscored by a sneaky augural murmur.
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