When it comes to Richmond music, there has been a sense recently that something great lurks in the wings. Bands are taking to the occasion to really step up their game as far as releases and touring are concerned. There are a few candidates to be the band that will get recognized and hopefully share the wealth with the rest of the musical community: Black Girls, The Trillions, The Diamond Center, Noah O, or a host of other able-bodied bands. But there is a dark horse candidate, who maintained his credo and made a huge leap that might just take the world by storm. This would be the inimitable Matthew E. White, with his debut release via Spacebomb Records.
Photo by Shawn Brackbill
When I spoke to a few of the cats at Spacebomb, they mentioned how important it was for them to get this first release right. They needed to be patient and take their time leading up to this unveiling. After a series of leaps and bounds, they are finally on their way to put out "One of These Days." This seven-inch release will be the preface for White’s upcoming full-length, Big Inner, which is dropping in August. The song “One of These Days” is a telling sign of what’s to come from this celebrated Richmond icon. Its gentle, smooth nature helps to create a world of majestic beauty and romantic notions. It’s a pleasant spot to relax and find yourself in. It’s exactly the kind of song that could make a huge dent as it gets added to more and more playlists. It probably doesn’t hurt that the song is seeing some coverage on Pitchfork, or that White has been asked to perform a set at this year’s Hopscotch Festival. That performance is billed as Matthew E. White: One Incantation Under God, and promises to include as many as forty musicians, who will accompany White from Richmond to celebrate this triumphant accomplishment.
Photo by Sara Padgett
The long victory lap for the Spacebomb crew all gets started Tuesday night at Balliceaux (203 N. Lombardy St). The label has put together a shindig celebrating the release of White’s seven inch vinyl single, as well as featuring a live performance from White. The show opens with a performance by the always-glorious Josh Small, and DJ Mixie will keep the sounds going throughout the evening. It’s a really good time to be a fan of local music, and what better way to let everyone know you mean it by dropping by Balliceaux to tell White how excited we all are to see where the next few months will take him and Spacebomb Records.