What is 804noise?

804noise is a collective of artists & enthusiasts dedicated to making the Richmond community more receptive to experimental, noise, and avant-garde art/ideas. By networking with other experimental communities and artists we hope to make it easier for experimental events to take place in Richmond and other surrounding areas.

The 804noise Website [804noise.org] offers a calendar which may contain experimental/noise events outside of the (804) area code such as Washington DC, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC, and other neighboring cities to promote solidarity with the experimental community as a whole.

In addition to organizing experimental events in Richmond, 804noise is also a record label. In March of 2004 the decision to move forward with a community based label culminated in the production of a Richmond experimental and noise compilation entitled "804noise". We have since published other music from local artists and created an extention of 804noise Records called 804noise Limited. 804noise Ltd. focuses on a limited number of releases, hand created exclusively by the artists themselves for 804noise as a beneficial act of solidarity to raise funds for future 804noise Record Releases. The overall vision of 804noise Records is to publish and distribute music only from Virginia with a focus on the Richmond experimental community.

How was 804noise founded?

804noise was formed in December of 2001, founded on community and mutual aid instead of scene and posturing. Following the tradition of (areacode)noise established by the Philadelphia collective 215noise, we hoped to inspire other cities to follow suit in favor of developing an active network of open experimental communities that would make it easier for touring artists or traveling enthusiast to find experimental music in any city with an (areacode)noise collective.

What is (areacode)noise?

(areacode)noise, though open to interpretation is a movement to bring experimental and noise communities together under the guise of their local area code. Since each city has a personality of its own, there is no physical model of how an (areacode)noise collective should operate. The most important aspect of an (areacode)noise collective is that they should always be open to the public and community operated. All decisions should be made collectively.

Where are 804noise events held?

804noise is a nomadic community, which hopes to operate its own venue someday, but till then we utilize art galleries, music venues, open spaces, living rooms, basements, and even the airwaves. Since experimental music isn't the most lucrative form of entertainment/movement, it can be hard to find places to perform. Fortunately some venues we utilize will alow us to trade labor (painting, postering for their events, etc.) in exchange for use of their space. If you have some free time to dedicate to volunteering your labor or know of a place that 804noise events could potentially take place in, please get in touch.

Who do I contact about playing shows?

There are numerous organizers involved with 804noise who may be able to help you. Refer to the "contact" section of the website for a directory of individuals and their musical/media interests. Keep in mind that we are a nomadic organization without a physical venue of our own, so we're not always able to accomodate everyone we wish to have play here. Someday that will change.

How can I get involved with 804noise?

804noise hosts meetings open to the public and held on the first & last Sunday of every month. These meetings are an opportunity for people to come out and get involved, ask questions or just see what its all about. All meetings are vegan friendly potluck meals (that means bring something to share). [Meeting Minutes]

First Sunday: Focus will be on organization, special events, internal issues, longterm goals, 804noise Record Label, direction, community, etc.
Last Sunday: Focus will be on welcoming newcomers, discussing outreach, fliers, volunteering, event organizing, workshops, new ideas, community, etc.

I don't have time to attend meetings, but I would like to support the experimental community any way I can. Could I help distribute fliers or posters?

Actually, If you are interested in receiving fliers, pamphlets, and other event information to distribute in your area check out the 804resource Guide. A list of locations/establishments in and around the Richmond area that 804noise and other experimental organizers try to cover with fliers and handbills. This helps more than you could know, and there is no such thing as too many volunteers.


If there are any other questions you may have, please write to: info@804noise.org