Music Spotlight: Indie Band Heartmeat Talks New Music and Inspirations

Rebecca 'Rain' Rodriguez

Indie band Heartmeat hail from the Richmond/DC area. What started as a means to hang out soon turned into a talented band creating music and performing. 

They’re currently working on new music and took a minute to chat with us for our music spotlight series about their upcoming music, goals and even the uniquness of their band name.


Heartmeat is an interesting band name. Where did it come from?

Heartmeat came from a play off my friends Lilly’s last name back in the day (Hartmetz). It was funny too me because it made us sound like a death metal band which we are pretty far from sonically.

Tell us about the beginnings of the project and where are you located?

We are from Richmond/DC area. The beginning was pretty standard we played open mics and partied more than actually playing music I felt in the beginning. But then we kinda matured into it, I guess. We meshed well together and it kinda worked out that we became life long friends through this journey.

Which comes first the lyrics or the music composition?

Usually always the music. I’ll either come up with something then try to pair lyrics I already wrote that I thought works well. Or I’ll just kinda freestyle something while playing. Usually that’s my main MO. Stream of Consciousness.

If you could tour with any artist (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Well when I was a kid I’d say Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, or Cat Stevens. Now I’d say The Magnetic Fields, Neil Halstead, Jose Gonzalez, or Laura Marling. It’s really hard for me to nail it down, there’s a lot.

Who are your greatest inspirations in music?

Kinda going back with the above list back in the day it was for sure Led Zeppelin and Hendrix. But as I’ve grown it’s been The Magnetic Fields, Jose Gonzalez, Laura Marling, Neil Halstead (all projects), Mike Kinsella (all projects), the list goes on

Any dream venues you hope to play?

Dream venues would probably like 930 in DC or The Broadberry in Richmond, or The Jefferson in Charlottesville.

Upcoming plans for Heartmeat?

Right now we are about to release new music and play around a bit. Hopefully down the road record more and plan a more extensive tour.

Please list all of your social links and where can our readers download or stream your music? 

SoundCloud https://m.soundcloud.com/sexauer-1