When You’re Strange

STRANGE MATTER arts & culture

Addison Herron-Wheeler Photos by Christi Addison

In today’s unstable economy, many independent businesses and venues that support the arts are struggling, creating an unfriendly environment for up-and-coming establishments. Strange Matter, however, is not only a recently opened vegan restaurant and venue, but one that is thriving against all odds. The concept seems strange at first, since even restaurants that serve carnivorous entrees are going out of business, and Richmond is infamous for failed venues that force shows into the personalized yet sometimes cliquey world of the house show.

After enjoying a delicious, affordable vegan lunch or catching an awesome show at Strange Matter, however, it is clear why the business is thriving. The actual building is decorated from floor to ceiling with local art, the bar tenders are all friendly and always have great drink specials, and the food is decadent, crueltyfree, and affordable. The show atmosphere is also really inviting; the place is big and clean and the sound is great, but it’s just cramped and makeshift enough to feel like a good, old-fashioned independent show. To get more insight on how Strange Matter manages to be so on top of their game, I spoke with Mark Osborne, an employee who books most of the shows and is privy to the behind-the-scenes workings of this fine establishment.

In your opinion, what is it about Strange Matter that makes it a success? Other businesses in their location have failed, as well as other D.I.Y. restaurants and venues, but Strange Matter seems to be off to a more successful start.

I think what makes Smatter a success is that it is a very inviting space. Cheap/good food, our sound is improving more and more every month, all the video games are cheap, and the staff stays positive and friendly. I don’t think all the other businesses failed though. Of course, the illfated Bagel Czar, but just because they aren’t around doesn’t mean they failed. Smatter owes a debt of gratitude for those who set the precedent of 929 W Grace being an inviting punk club, and I think the scene’s familiarity with the space has a lot to do with why people are excited about returning.

How do you go about booking shows there, and how easy is it to do? Are they very open to the idea of different styles of music being showcased there?

Me and Eric do booking there, along with help from Bobby and Jen. We try to cater to different crowds, but of course we host what we are familiar with. We are open to anybody playing, so long as we can get a few people in the door and you have your act together. Simply send an email to strangematterbooking@gmail. com . Do bear in mind that we get a lot of requests and don’t always have time to respond to them all because we all have other jobs as well. However, sending us reminder emails is always helpful if you don’t hear back.

What are some of the best shows you have seen come through recently, and what are some in the future that you are excited about?

My bookings lean towards metal and heavy rock, but I do switch it up from time to time. Some of my favorite shows to come through Strange Matter so far have been Torche/Cannabis Corpse/Street Pizza, The Body/ Cough/Bad Dream, and Mondo Drag/Diamond Center/Main St. Gospel/Caves Caverns. Cool bands coming through in the future to look out for: White Hills, Jucifer, Weedeater, Radio Moscow, Cults, Obits, Heart of Winter Fest, Winter Apocalypse Fest, and lots more.

What are your hopes for the future of Strange Matter? What are some things they are trying to do long-term, or that you would like to see happen?

I would like to see us continue to host awesome events, attract different people to Smatter, and make it a positive/fun place for people to spend the evening. We try to keep the quality up on all ends of the place, from the art to the games to the food to the entertainment.

If you had to try and sum it up, what do you think Strange Matter’s philosophy would be in a sentence? What is their ultimate goal?

Lots of us involved grew up seeing awesome shows and having great memories at 929 W Grace, so we want that option to still be around for the kids who need something like that now, and we enjoy being the ones who are making it happen. Venues tend to come and go in Richmond, but I think we have something good, and can only hope it’s the very beginning of something good.