Bogart’s Ghost is an immersive audio adventure using collective memory as the backdrop for underground music discovery in Richmond’s historic Fan neighborhood.
Our map of The Fan serves as a living archive of diverse local music and the stories of those who have made (and continue to make) the Richmond music scene so vibrant - and all you need for access is a smartphone.
THE BACKSTORY
Bogarts Backroom, a landmark music venue established in Richmond, Virginia’s historic Fan neighborhood in 1970, is credited by many as the spawning ground from which a diverse music scene grew and expanded, impacting the musical landscape of Richmond today in complex and intersecting ways. Despite its relocation in 2009 and its permanent closure in 2019, Bogart’s memory echoes through the songs and stories of musicians who once graced its stage - a palpable energy, like spirits in a state of unrest.
Prompted by movement and location, each choice made by the listener will set a unique course within a maze of ever-expanding and evolving connections, guided by hyper-local music, exclusive artist interviews, and rare audio gems.
As we continue to gather the stories, memories, and wisdom of local artists, the map of collective memory will expand, unfolding new connections with each release.
Participants can collect and share what they hear along the way by creating their own mixtape - an aural history of their journey - right within the web-app. What is curated and shared could be the key to bringing the spirits of Bogart’s Backroom to rest.
THE DETAILS
Each route takes the listener through the story of a local musician in their own words, detailing their origins, influences, and how the legendary venue Bogart’s Backroom shaped their musical trajectory.
Glowing audio “Gems” are scattered around the fan, containing B-reel segments of wisdom, stories, and general hilarity that can win you exclusive artist giveaways - concert tickets, music, merch, and more.
Explore our featured musicians’ catalogs and purchase their music directly from the source.
Collect and share mixtapes of your experience using the FTR app’s recording feature. Capture favorite quotes, musical excerpts and answers to trivia for FTR’s monthly challenges.
Bogart’s Ghost’s ever-evolving and expanding map will change periodically as we collect and archive more music and memories - follow us on instagram and sign up for our email list below to stay in the know!
Bogart’s Ghost is created by For The Record, Inc., in partnership with Recursive Arts, and is made possible by the amazing RVA music community.
