by | Feb 6, 2025 | MUSIC
UPDATE! February 10th, 10am: Voting is now closed. We’ll be reviewing the results over the next few days to ensure everything was fair and accurate. Thank you for participating and supporting the local music scene.
Let’s be real—thank you. Independent media doesn’t survive without people like you—people who want more than the algorithm-fed content most outlets churn out. So, yeah, we truly appreciate you.
Honestly, part of me feels like releasing this poll right now is a bit ridiculous, given everything happening in the country. But at the same time, I’m exhausted from doomscrolling the news, and maybe you are too. So, here’s our Richmond Music Poll. I hope you enjoy it, have some fun, and maybe even discover a new local artist to get into.
Now, about last year. Yeah, we had few issues. For one, it’s a nightmare trying to slot everyone into the “right” categories. If we messed up and stuck you somewhere you don’t belong, just hit us up—email, DMs, whatever—and we’ll fix it.
And yeah, some folks cheated. Our system isn’t perfect, but we’re not blind. We saw the shady stuff, and if we catch you pulling the same moves this year, we’ll erase you from the poll. Period. If we’re wrong, we’ll work it out, but don’t push it. Play fair, because this whole thing only works if people believe it means something.
So, there it is. Vote, share, discover, and—most importantly—keep making noise. We’ll be here, doing our best to amplify it.
— Anthony
This year’s project was another beast. Over 1100+ comments tagging local musicians were made on the post we threw out a few weeks back. Over a thousand. And we have been going through every single one. Every tag, every track. No shortcuts, no skimming. And even though we are posting this today, we are still adding acts to the poll, so let us know if we missed someone. We want everyone to have a fair shot.
Could we have just thrown together a list of our own personal favorites? Sure, but where’s the fun in that? Where’s the soul? That’s not what this is about.
You—our readers, our neighbors—are the ones in the venues, the basements, the DIY spaces. You know the stories, the sounds, and the people making them. You’re the ones who should shape this. So, we followed your lead.
So, what we’ve got here isn’t perfect, but it’s a decent reflection of the amazing music scene we have here in the city.
Here’s to 2025.
Oh, and if you are interested in Richmond music history, check out our THE RICHMOND MUSIC CATALOG 1980-2021 series from a few years ago! And last thing, check out our Sound Check local music video series HERE
Last, last thing, before you jump in, you can take a look back at last year’s results down below or read the full write ups HERE.
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
I believe a bunch of bands from Richmond have it in ‘em to drive off into the future, and I see a few of that lot on these shows right here. I can’t wait to say, “I saw so-and-so at Bandito’s, and now they’re headlining Coachella!” Got a show coming up? New single?…
The first time I saw Shera Shi was after stepping back into Richmond’s music scene, following a few years away during the quarantine-era shutdown. One of the best things about catching live music in RVA is stumbling onto “new to you” bands while showing up for the…
There comes a time in every person’s life when you have to ask the question: Should I spend an evening in close proximity with a 6’7″ comic working through their personal issues? The answer, is of course, a resounding yes! Now that we’re all living in this space…
I love finding a wild card for this column. This week we have one of my favorite sings of my youth, a lovely collection of locals, and a little harp because I have free will and so do you. Got a show coming up? New single? Simply want someone to talk music? I am your…
The Bloody Beetroots were never meant to fit neatly into anyone’s playlist. Born out of punk rage, electronic chaos, and the restless energy of Italian musician Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo, the project has spent nearly two decades stomping over genre lines and…
Last weekend in Richmond, Remi Wolf took Brown’s Island and didn’t give it back. Her sound doesn’t fit in a box — pop, funk, soul, indie — all smashed together and dragged through the dirt. Openly fluid, proudly weird, she’s built a world where you don’t ask…
Caravan Palace hit 9:30 Club in DC a weeks ago and blew the place open to a packed house. No speeches, no slow build — just lights up, beats heavy, and bodies moving. The French group has made a name twisting swing and electronic into something reckless and alive, and…
Richmond gets it. More than any other city in Virginia. So here’s Weekend Frequency, a weekly, reader-curated playlist built for the city, by the city. Weekend Frequency is part revival and part continuation of our RVA Mag Weekend Playlists which we curated…
CONTACT US: hello@rvamag.com
Copyright © • InkWell Ventures Inc.