Meet this week's guest editor, Doug Nunnally! Doug is a music journalist who has spent years documenting the Richmond music scene. In 2022, he launched the Newlin Music Prize for local musicians and this past August, he was part of the team behind the inaugural Richmond Music Week. Doug's main outlet is The Auricular, a music publication he founded in 2018 that provides in-depth coverage of local music. Most importantly, Doug loves spending time with his incredible wife, doting dog, and amazing six year old daughter, who he encourages to find her own musical appreciation while also fostering a love of arts and sciences. This week, we're lucky to have Doug recommend some upcoming events that will help you explore the musical side of Richmond in an unforgettable way.
Take it away, Doug…
Mckinley Dixon
A homecoming for a young Richmond legend. After moving to the city in 2013, McKinley Dixon quickly established himself as one of the most exciting artists in town, with wide-ranging influences and a dynamic sound. In 2021, he released For My Mama And Anyone Who Look Like Her, a daring and stirring record that won the inaugural Newlin Music Prize in 2022, cementing his status as one of Richmond's most beloved and influential artists.
After that, Dixon moved to Chicago to further hone his sound. Earlier this year, he released Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?, an album that elevates his immersive jazz rap style into a truly transcendent sound. This is his first concert in Richmond since that record was released to critical acclaim and there is surely going to be a packed house down in Jackson Ward to witness an unforgettable performance. Grab a ticket now so you’ll be part of that crowd!
For 15 years, Vinyl Conflict has been the go-to place in Richmond for people who love their music loud, gritty, fast, and hard. Originally operating out of Oregon Hill before moving to their current spot on East Grace Street, the record store has been a personal favorite of mine for years and I've spent god-knows how much in there adding to my personal local vinyl collection, many of which were released by Vinyl Conflict under its own imprint. That label has some heavy hitters in its catalog, from punk band Gumming to hardcore outfit Loud Night, though its most notable entry is the vinyl release of Stuck, the 2018 album by RVA hip-hop legend Nickelus F.
Vinyl Conflict's owner Bobby Egger is just as much an institution for the local scene as the Vinyl Conflict shop is and this show is a great way to show some appreciation. It's a stacked lineup that extends far beyond VC's Richmond roots, pointing to just how important the store and label has become for punk, metal, and hip-hop scenes across the country over the years. 15 years is an important milestone and this concert is a perfect way to celebrate it. Make sure you show up.
For those well-versed in the local music scene, The Camel has established itself as a haven for musicians new and old as well as large and small in town, regardless of sound. For 16 years now, they've been hard at work trying to showcase as much talent as possible, putting on more shows each week than there are days. Lately, the team behind The Camel has been knocking it out of the park with their "staff pick" lineups and this one is no different.
Sifter released one of the more interesting releases in 2022, an album entitled Nobody Asked that darts between rock styles while still carrying an impudent punk ethos. Garage rock trio The Octavias also put out an interesting record in 2022 and have followed that up with two great singles in 2023, one of which will be released this Saturday. Finally, FLKL rounds out this bill, a sensational quartet that blends folk-punk in a crafty way. Earlier this year, they released a brilliant record called Fistful and if it doesn't instantly win you over as a fan of the band, I assure you that the opening moments of their spectacular live shows will seal the deal. Don’t miss this one!
The Auricular is a music publication that focuses on the local music scene with in-depth coverage. Reviews, interviews, and articles of all types can be found, but the site prides itself on going deeper with their coverage, whether by documenting all music coming out of the scene with a release tracker or bringing attention to notable releases from the past with "This Day In Richmond Music.”
The Auricularturns five at the end of September and will mark this occasion with two special concerts. On Saturday, September 23rd, there will be a local band showcase with Drook, Rikki Rakki, Strawberry Moon, and Hotspit performing at Richmond Music Hall (tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door). On Sunday, September 24th, there will be an acoustic showcase at Rare Olde Times featuring Tyler Meacham, Keilan Creech, Kailey Conner, Gary Luong, and Rine. The acoustic showcase is free, but reservations are encouraged.
In addition to this, The Auricularis also putting out a local compilation entitled "The Richmond Sound: 2018-2023," which includes 150 songs that will give people a great representation of the bountiful talent here in town from all genres. This will be released on a limited-edition cassette tape USB that will not be for sale, but will be given out as a free gift to all in attendance at the Richmond Music Hall on Saturday, September 23rd. Make sure to stop by so you can snag a copy for yourself!
