After traveling the world + experiencing international music hot spots for 10 months, a VCU alumni couple decided to start HearRVA as a way to shine a brighter light on Richmond’s music scene. Elijah Hedrick + Rian Moses-Hedrick created the platform to help musicians get off the ground and find the resources they need to launch and expand their career.

How to get involved

Music can always be sent to their website for use in playlists and promotions. Musicians can tag performances or recordings on social media using @HearRVA. The team also tracks local events and shows going on across the city, and connects musicians to local recording studios, record stores + equipment.

For non-musicians, they have ways to support and connect with your favorite local artists + discover new tunes through curated playlists.

What’s special about HearRVA’s playlists?

HearRVA uses Spotify, YouTube and Apple Music to showcase its unique playlists ― featuring all local bands ― to get your groove on all over town.

Here are some of our favorites:

🎶 Slip in Shockoe: A bunch of high-energy songs from all sorts of genres, perfect for a run through the Low Line.

🎶 Evenings in Maymont: A variety of jazz, funk + soul-fueled love songs to romance your honey through some of RIC’s beautiful gardens.

🎶 James River Flow: A laidback mix of Americana to hip-hop for a day chilling at Belle Isle.

Pro tip: You can also get matched with your perfect playlist by taking HearRVA’s MixTape Quiz.

What Elijah + Rian are listening to

Song on repeat: “Shape” by Erin & The Wildfire, a Charlottesville funk/pop band.

Artists to watch: Butcher Brown, Smyth Knight, Weekend Plans, Tyler Meacham + Angelica Garcia.

Favorite live music spot: The Hofgarden — they dig the rooftop bar + pizza too.

Coming up for HearRVA

Elijah says the crew just wrapped up season 1 of a video interview series called “Liner Notes.” In each episode, Elijah and Rian speak with Richmond musicians about the local arts community + how they aim to create the soundtrack to the city. The team also has plans to work with dance groups for potential music videos soon. Stay groovy, Richmond.