Right Around the River Blog

Music's in the Family for Rocketts Red Glare Performance

Post Date: 09-01-2011

Our inaugural Labor Day event, Rocketts Red Glare, is right around the corner, and we can't wait to celebrate with Richmonders at Rocketts Landing!

One of the features we're excited to see (and support) is our opening act, Colin Healy. A native Richmonder, Colin is also the son of Kevin Healy, who owns The Boathouse at Rocketts Landing. At 21, Colin is one talented and driven musician. As a solo act, he is an acoustic-driven singer-songwriter who writes catchy pop ballads he describes as "music that's good for a car trip." He predominantly plays guitar and piano but is also versed in the drums and bass. And he's quickly garnering attention locally and regionally as an up-and-coming musician.

So, to learn about the inspiration fueling his talent and the upcoming performance at Rocketts Red Glare, we sat down for a quick Q&A to learn more about the man behind the music.

Rocketts Landing: How long have you been making music?

Colin Healy: I started about eight or nine years ago, when I got a guitar for Christmas. I think the first day I got it, I tried to write a song — and it was horrible. But, I’ve been writing ever since then. In fact, my first day of high school [at Trinity Episcopal School], my freshman year, my sister (who was a senior) signed me up to play at our lunch band sessions, without me knowing. She started putting all these posters up, and so I had no choice but to play! That was my first experience playing for everyone. And I’ve been playing since.

RL: What musicians/bands do you draw inspiration from?

CH: I guess that you can always say the classics, like The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash. For more modern influences, one thing I actually do — that a lot of people don’t — is listen to the radio. I like to stay on top of what’s happening in music today. The radio always has the new single out, whether good or bad. I also grew up listening with my family to [Richmond’s] B103.7. The songs I listened to in the ‘90s are also where I get my inspiration from everyday.

RL: How does Richmond’s creative scene contribute to or influence you as a musician?

CH: Everything. I wouldn’t be a musician if Richmond didn’t have such an awesome art community. I started at a young age and got so much support from everyone — friends, family and Richmond, in general. A few years ago there was this show called Community Service on Y101 that played local bands. Being featured on local radio and playing shows around town, and seeing the songs catch on, made me realize I could do this for my career.

RL: Can you provide insight into the songs you’ll play at Rocketts Red Glare?

CH: I’m definitely playing a couple of original songs, but I also understand not everyone knows those songs yet, so I’m going to play some recognizable tunes with my own spin. When I cover a song, I try to turn it into something else and play the music as I hear it.

Colin is currently recording his first solo album, and while he doesn’t yet know the release date, he says his upcoming record reflects a more mature side of himself as a musician that a lot of his fans haven’t seen before.

To get a sneak peak into Colin Healy’s music, check out the video below. You can also find more of his music at his YouTube page Colin Healy Plays Music or learn about upcoming shows at his Colin Healy Fan Page on Facebook.