While we love supporting all kinds of events, at our core, we’re live music fans.
And if you’ve witnessed the professional music community in Virginia at any point, then you know that this state is bursting with talent. It feels like an impossible task to choose just a handful of artists for this list, but take our word for it: this is just the tip of the iceberg. Get out there to some local shows, read local music publications, and start showing up at open mics and songwriter events– there’s so much out there.
If you’re producing or booking a festival, we’re here with a shortlist of artists and bands you should be looking at.
Need help booking local talent or producing a concert or festival? Get in touch.
1. Best Local Rock Band: Virginia Man
Genre: Rock
Gritty, honest, and fun– that’s what you can expect from this three-piece rock band hailing from Fredericksburg, VA. Packing a punch of engaging live shows and painfully reflective lyrics, these guys are only evolving upwards- continuing to find their sound and find new fans in the process.
Our pick: Jericho
2. Best Fusion/Jazz Band: Weekend Plans
Genres: Jazz, R&B, Fusion, Funk
Just like their name, seeing this band live is something to look forward to when you’re bogged down by mundane daily life. Remember Pharrell’s band in La La Land? They’re *kind of* like that, except real, and so much better (no offense to Pharrell’s fictional band). Book them before they blow up– because they will.
Our pick: Dance with Me
3. Best Local Songwriter: Ms. Jaylin Brown
Genres: Jazz, Americana, Rock & Roll, Blues, Soul, Gospel, and R&B
You’ve probably taken it easy a few times in your life, but guaranteed, you’ve never taken it easy like you will listening to the sounds of Ms. Jaylin Brown. Multi-talented, vulnerable, and leading with gentle vocal strength, she’s a force any audience will lock into every time she takes the stage.
Our pick: Spring Song
4. Best Country Artist: Cody Christian
Genre: Country
Want to boot scoot n’ boogie but also get some free therapy? Then your country music festival needs Cody Christian. With songs like “Why’d It Have to Rain Today” and his newest single “Modern Railways”, he demonstrates songwriting range that takes audiences on a journey through his set and leaves them asking, “what’s that guy’s fixation with trains all about?” We bet Chris Stapleton was misunderstood, too. And look where he is now.
Our pick: Modern Railways
5. Best Local Indie Band: Caroline Vain
Genre: Indie, singer/songwriter
It’s great when you can tell a band genuinely loves playing music with each other, and the second-to-last one on this list is led by the band’s cool, calm, and multi-talented leader, Caroline Vain. The band’s collective musicianship paired with Vain’s vulnerable and soft songwriting brings all the best vibes to any live show.
Our pick: Consumed
6. Best Local Hardcore Band: CONTACT
Genre: Metal, hardcore
Who says dads can’t mosh? Hardcore with a mission: that’s Contact. If you find yourself clinging to music that fights the system (think: Rage Against the Machine), then they’re your next listen. Guaranteed to have the floor moshing at your next hardcore festival.
Our pick: Engine
If you’re producing a festival or putting on a concert, we’d love to help make it happen. Hit Play provides sound, lighting, video, and staging for shows big and small. Email us at hello@hitplay.co and let’s get to planning!