The Newlin Music Prize celebrates the Richmond music scene by uplifting each year’s best album produced in the Richmond-Petersburg metropolitan area. Organized by Doug Nunnally of The Auricular, the prize celebrates albums based solely on artistic merit.

Last year, it was awarded to the jazz fusion band Butcher Brown for their album Solar Music, and in 2023 it went to indie pop artist Deau Eyes for her album Legacies.

Ahead of that, Doug and I caught up about some of this year’s standout rock nominees.

Voting closes on Thursday, March 20, and the winner will be announced on Monday, March 24. An email address is required to vote.

Disclosure: Annie Parnell is a volunteer member of the 2025 Newlin Music Prize jury.