Radio RVA

Holy River pt. 1 LIVE at Yurtananda in Buckingham, VA June 2023

Episode Summary

Nestled in the serene landscape of Buckingham, VA, Yurtantanda is a breathtaking property that offers stunning views of The Mighty James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains' foothills. Since 2000, this picturesque location has been the vacation retreat of renowned yogi practitioner Haris Harini Lender, and it now also serves as a quaint, intimate music venue. This setting provides an idyllic backdrop for the music of Holy River, a unique band hailing from Richmond, VA. In a recent collaboration with Chickenwire Guesthouse, we captured an enchanting double set by Holy River. Known for their blend of freak-folk with punk roots, Holy River's music is a meditative journey of trance-like, drone-based sounds. Their lyrics, deeply embedded in themes of nature preservation and personal spiritual growth, evoke a profound connection with the environment. The band's sound, reminiscent of Appalachian melodies, could also seamlessly complement a Scandinavian Midsommar celebration, stirring listeners with a compelling urge to dance around a Maypole. The group's distinctive sound is shaped by Price's mastery of acoustic and fretted string instruments, while Sullivan's harmonium provides the foundational drone and chord progressions, creating a mesmerizing auditory experience. Album photo by Andrea Sarcos @andreasarcosphoto Special thanks to John W Stuart ‘Stu’ Gilchrist III for recording this set. About Chickenwire Guesthouse: Stu Gilchrist runs a residency-style recording facility in Cartersville VA, about 40 minutes from Charlottesville or Richmond. Services: Record Making, Mobile Capture and Post-Production, Recording Session and Pre-Production, Pre-Tour Rehearsals, Songwriter ‘Wood-Shedding’ Place, Podcast Production. Check their website for info about equipment and rates. About RVA Magazine: RVA Mag, since 2005, has been empowering Richmond and Virginia communities by innovatively blending art, music, culture, and politics in its storytelling. It's a digital and print magazine dedicated to diverse community representation. As a cultural ambassador for Richmond, it engages readers across the Commonwealth and leads social conversations. Grateful to its supporters and contributors, RVA Mag remains committed to impactful storytelling. - where to find us - Instagram: @rvamag Tiktok: @rvamag Facebook: @rvamag https://rvamag.com