Carytown isn’t only a mile of style—it’s a living soundtrack. Murals burst into color, vintage shops spill out onto the sidewalk, and cafés buzz with chatter. Pairing that energy with music feels natural, and thanks to Andrew Cothern, founder of RVA Playlist, Carytown now has its own sonic companion: the Carytown walking playlist.
Cothern is no stranger to Richmond’s music heartbeat. For over a decade, he has written about bands big and small, championed local musicians, and curated playlists that capture the city’s spirit. His philosophy is simple—music isn’t just to be heard, it’s to be lived. That’s why this playlist feels like more than background noise; it’s a carefully woven journey through sound that matches the eclectic spirit of Carytown itself. As Cothern notes on RVA Playlist, “The joy in small things is often found in a song that matches the moment.”
The Carytown walking playlist can be streamed easily on Spotify. But for those who love something tangible, you can step into Plan 9 Music (3017 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221), one of Carytown’s most iconic stores, to purchase a physical copy. Whether you choose vinyl, CD, or cassette, the experience of buying music in the same neighborhood that inspired it ties the loop between sound and place. Plan 9 has been a cornerstone of Richmond’s music scene for decades, offering locals and visitors a place to explore not just what’s trending, but also what’s timeless.
A Playlist with Richmond Roots
So, what does the playlist sound like? It’s eclectic, just like Carytown. One track might set a jaunty pace for window-shopping thrift stores, while another slows things down for coffee breaks or mural gazing. The playlist never feels monotonous—it shifts moods the same way the street does, from lively laughter outside ice cream shops to quiet moments tucked into bookstores.
Even better, the playlist shines a light on Virginia’s own artists. Names like Matthew E. White, a Richmond-based singer-songwriter with a soulful, expansive sound, and bands tied to the region’s indie and alternative scenes, appear alongside national favorites. The presence of these homegrown talents reminds listeners that Richmond isn’t just a city that consumes music—it creates it.
My Favorite Track
Among the mix, one song stands out: “Big Love” by Matthew E. White. Its warm horns and layered vocals feel cinematic, perfectly matching the energy of strolling Carytown on a sunny afternoon. It’s the kind of track that turns everyday scenes into something almost film-like—the thrift racks, the murals, even the clatter of cups in a café take on rhythm. Everyone will have their own favorite, but this one captures the heart of Richmond’s sound for me.
Why Music Matters Here
Carytown has always been about discovery. You don’t just shop here—you hunt, you linger, you find. Music makes that discovery even richer. With headphones in, thrift stores become treasure chests, murals look like album covers, and side streets feel like interludes. The playlist doesn’t overpower the walk—it enhances it, giving ordinary moments a score.
And there’s something meaningful about being able to hold that playlist in your hands. In a streaming world, walking into Plan 9 Music to buy a physical copy is a reminder of why Carytown matters: it’s about connection. To history, to art, to music, and to community.
So next time you plan a day in Carytown, don’t just bring your wallet—bring your headphones. Stream the Carytown walking playlist, or better yet, stop by Plan 9 Music to pick up a copy. Let the sounds of Richmond carry you down the street, because Carytown deserves more than silence—it deserves a soundtrack.
A big shout-out to Andrew Cothern for creating this playlist. You can find him and his work here:
- Instagram: @rvaplaylist Instagram
- Substack / Blog: RVA Playlist (Andrew Cothern) RVA Playlist
- X (formerly Twitter): @rvaplaylist X (formerly Twitter)
