Over the past semester, pop-up shows around campus have served to showcase the diverse range of talent, originality, and passion that exists in Richmond’s music scene. If you haven’t been to any of these shows, you’ve almost certainly seen their promotional posters taped to lamp posts, hanging on bulletin boards, or posted to social media. They have all been completely free, accessible, and have provided a space for artists to share their music in a welcoming environment that fosters creativity and individuality.
A Magnetic Night with The Driver Era
The Driver Era knows how to dazzle the crowd with their electrifying energy. The Driver Era, genre–fluid, band leaves the night *feeling confident* on their 12th day of tour at The NorVA. Their fifth time being back at this venue and they are as energetically inspiring as ever.
A chat with Sophie Copeland about her time at VCUArts, the ideas that influence her art, and challenges as a ceramic artist.
This past week I had the pleasure of interviewing a senior in the Craft and Materials Studies department, Sophie Copeland. Sophie’s elegant and edgy ceramic pieces caught my eye, and I grew curious about the meaning behind her works.
The Style Evolution: Meet Kennedi
The past year has been a rollercoaster for everyone in the world because of the hardships the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had. The lockdown and pandemic has changed many lives negatively, but also positively. The period became one of evolution change for many aspects of life, particularly people’s fashion style. Since the ending of lockdown, students like myself have transformed their style to feel good and look good. I ask the staff at Ink questions about their style, and their style evolution before, during, and after the lockdown.
Last Night in Soho: The Evolution of Women’s Revenge Films
Recently, I had the pleasure of going to see Edgar Wright’s Last Night in Soho. It tells the story of a fashion student named Ellie starting her freshman year of college in London. After roommate troubles, she rents a room with an elderly landlady named Ms. Collins. After moving in, her dreams at night tell the story of a girl named Sandy, who lived in the very same room back in the sixties. She came to London with dreams of being a star, wanting to sing in nightclubs and be the next big thing on the London stage circuit. A man named Jack agrees to be her manager after she impresses him, and the two run off into the night.
Wolf Alice’s Sensational Performance
British alternative rock band Wolf Alice left a night to remember with their sonically powerful arrangements and high energy as performers.
Wolf Alice recently released Blue Weekend in the summer, four years after their second album Visions of a Life entered the music world in 2017. Listening from beginning to end of the new album, it really proves they carved out space to really craft their narrative within those years. Notably, they’re back with an unmatched talent with their storytelling.
The Style Evolution: Meet Noah
The past year has been a rollercoaster for everyone in the world because of the lasting hardships the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had. The lockdown and pandemic has changed many lives negatively, but also positively. The period became one of evolution for many aspects of life, particularly people’s fashion style. Since the end of lockdown, students like myself have transformed their style to feel and look good. I asked the staff at Ink questions about their style-and their style evolution before, during, and after the lockdown.
Is ‘YOU’ Season 3 Worth Binging?
The much-anticipated third season of the Netflix original, ‘You,’ dropped on October 15th. For those who haven’t watched yet, either because you haven’t gotten around to it or debating if it’s worth it, here’s a spoiler-less recap of how the season went.
The Style Evolution: Meet Farrah
The past year has been a rollercoaster for everyone in the world because of the lasting hardships the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had. The lockdown and pandemic has changed many lives negatively, but also positively. The period became one of evolution for many aspects of life, particularly people’s fashion style. Since the end of lockdown, students like myself have transformed their style to feel and look good. I asked the staff at Ink questions about their style-and their style evolution before, during, and after the lockdown.
Meet RVA: Adaora
This is Adaora, a Fashion Design major at Virginia Commonwealth University. Adaora caught my eye while I was running to my car, hoping not to get towed, and while she was late to class. Her colorful outfit and complimenting jean jacket demanded my attention, and knew I had to stop her before she slipped away.
Wallpaper Interview
Whether you’ve only caught a fleeting glimpse of their flyers, been to every show, or you’re just hearing of them now, Wallpaper is the sound on the street that no one can seem to turn away from. The band started last year at the height of quarantine and has managed to amass a dedicated fanbase, put on unique live shows, and spread their music through the streets like wildfire. I got to sit down with the band members, Andrew Milhorn, lead guitarist and singer, and drummer Jack Lwin to ask how Wallpaper has become the experience it is and what they plan to do next.
I forgive you, red-rimmed Erin.
When I remember your name, I still feel the foot-shaped bruise on my 9-year old stomach. I remember the muffled tears, the bus hopping, and the huddling in the left 12th row seat. Instead, I’d rather recall our time as sisters, cheek-to-cheek during the 40-minute rides on bus 52.
Humans of RVA: Vol. 2- Herbalicious Yogi
Kathleen Meier is a studying herbalist. Here, she shares her journey in finding herbs and where she wishes her practice to go, as well as voicing her opinions on the rise of herbal medicine in the Western world.
Artist Spotlight: Time Warp Drag
It was the first live show I’d been to all year. Everyone was spaced out for safety, wearing masks, sitting outside the dining hall and yet I barely noticed all that. For the first time in months the restrictions of the pandemic weren’t weighing down on my experience. All I could think about was clapping louder, and how fabulous the queens performing before me were. Did I mention it was a drag show?
Humans of RVA: Vol. 1- RVA Community Fridge
Meet Taylor Scott, the rockstar behind the RVA community fridge. She led the initiative to put up the first Richmond fridge, and, along with countless fridge volunteers, now has a second one up. Scott walks us through what it means to the Richmond community to have this fridge, and where she hopes it will go.
Richmond’s Graffiti Gentrification: The Underlying Effects of Street Art
When I moved to Richmond two months ago I was amazed by the art that seemed to pop up on every street corner. Everywhere I went, people were spraying murals and messages, like the city was their canvas. Having grown up in suburban neighborhoods, street art was a foreign concept, something only found in a “real” city. I had always associated murals and street art with a symbol of rebellion, the voice of the people who don’t care about the bureaucracy and the rules.
Twyla’s Memory
“Twyla’s Memory” is a seven-photo photo series exploring narrative elements in Toni Morrison’s short story, “Recitatif.”
The Reemergence of Vivienne Westwood, and Punk Fashion’s Relevancy in 2020
Vivienne Westwood was known as a style icon, specifically having heavily influenced punk fashion in the ‘70s. She was adored by the youths of the time, those who wanted to rebel against the prim and proper “squareness” associated with rule followers and government supporters and find styles that opposed the wide lapels and flared denim they so ferociously despised.
Who Wants to be a Billionaire
Every person has an ideal amount of money that they aim to make to feel comfortable and live the life they desire. People who throw the word ‘billionaire’ around aren’t using it lightly. Crossing that threshold takes an extreme level of intentionality.
Clotheslines: A Practice Unperceived
The whole process defamiliarized the weekly routine of laundry and after some time, the household chore became almost ritualistic and meditative.
Who Will Survive in America?
The year I turned thirteen, I became radicalized. I was not radicalized in a literal sense, as I was too young and too naive to understand the power I wielded. However, the year I turned thirteen, my innocence was ripped from my grasp and I was left to nurse the fleshy open wounds of fury and fear.
Sækyi Drops “Girls”
In a time-lapse to the past, Richmond’s SÆKYI releases new single “GIRLS” out May 11th.
Live from the Living Room: with DJ BoyGirl
DJs and Artists takeover Instagram Live to pass the aux, host listening parties, studio sessions, sets, and hangouts–all without leaving the house. COVID-19 self-isolation forces musicians to pin-up their side hustle by canceling gigs, but their sound is not muted that easy.
One VCU Master Plan: The Anatomy of Gentrification and VCU
Languishing in the sunshine while sprawled on the campus green sounds reminiscent of cinematic depictions of college campuses. However, with every added building and landscape, local families are left with no place to call home. Finding a place in the sun is easy, building a home isn’t.