Whether you're a dedicated follower of Richmond's music scene or just beginning to explore its sounds, the 2026 Short List offers a compelling glimpse into its exceptional talent.
@floraandthefauna.band @madisonturner.bsky.social @radioblitz.bsky.social @tysorrell.bsky.social
Each member of the jury will now review the 20 records and submit a ranked ballot, which will be used to determine the winner.
A jury of 175 Richmond-area musicians, artists, journalists, photographers, and activists nominated albums for this award. From there, an 11-member committee reviewed the nominations and determined the official Short List of 20 albums.
There was no submission process or entry fee required from local musicians, labels, or studios.
The 2026 Short List was chosen from albums released by Richmond artists in 2025 that either exceeded 25 minutes in length or contained at least five songs. All albums released under these parameters were considered for the award.
You can view the 20 albums on the 2026 Short List here & find more information at NewlinMusicPrize.com.
The winner will be revealed on March 23, 2026, with the winning artist receiving a cash prize of $2,500. Additionally, each of the remaining artists on the 2026 Short List will receive $250 for their selection.
Founded in 2022 and named after storied musician Dika Newlin, the Newlin Music Prize is awarded to the best full-length album from the Richmond metropolitan area based solely on artistic merit without regard to style or popularity, as decided by members of the local music scene & fans.
Voting is currently underway by members of the Newlin jury as well as the general public who can vote on our website now.
The Newlin Music Prize is excited to announce the 20 albums on the 2026 Short List in consideration for this year's award that celebrates excellence in music from Richmond, VA.
@floraandthefauna.band @madisonturner.bsky.social @radioblitz.bsky.social @tysorrell.bsky.social
Huge thank you to the incredible team at RPAA for coordinating, to each of the tremendous performers, to Dave Parrish for capturing the magic, to Nick Fradiani for swinging by before hitting the stage that night, and to the amazing audience who took time to connect with the sounds of Richmond's own.
The Newlin Music Prize recently partnered with RPAA for their Night On Broadway series, hosting a special pre-show event ahead of A Beautiful Noise at the Altria Theater featuring past nominees Deau Eyes, Erin Lunsford, @deadbillionaires.bsky.social, & Rine.
📸 by @daveparrishphoto.bsky.social
The following year brought Mr. Fisher's Dirty Club Mix, an EP that marked a decisive pivot into electronic territory, with both sounds becoming united on The Pure Joy Of Jumping.
The band rebranded as Drook in 2022, a name taken from a 2018 solo EP from Grishaeva, and released Life In Estates, a lavish and celebrated record that earned a nomination for the 2023 Newlin Music Prize.
Drook’s origins trace back to 2019, when the group began self-releasing under the name She. Initially rooted in bedroom pop, early work gave way to bold experimentation.
Comprised of Matthew Shultz, Liza Grishaeva, and Tyler Smith, Drook embraces a fractured beauty within their music: manic and lavish, raw and refined, yet unified by a cathartic release of emotion. The album was co-produced by the band and producer Ben Green.
Released on September 27, 2024, The Pure Joy Of Jumping is a vivid fusion of electronica and dream pop, full of frenetic rhythms and blissful melodies that mirror the pulse of modern life.
"We’re truly grateful that TPJOJ has been recognized with this edition of the Newlin Prize. Richmond is our home and it means everything to us for this record to be acknowledged by the people of this city. Thanks to the committee and to everyone who participated in organizing the Newlin Prize!"
Congratulations to @droooooook for winning the 2025 Newlin Music Prize for the album The Pure Joy Of Jumping.
For your consideration: sad girl summer by @tymeach.bsky.social is a poignant pop navigation of grief & loss that captures the bittersweet weight of change through penetrating narratives & stirring melodies.
tylermeacham.bandcamp.com/album/sad-gi...
Newlin Music Prize voting closes on 3/20.
For your consideration: Thursdays At Six by The Wayward Leaves is an exuberant Americana expression of the complicated emotions and decisions that paint our days in universally resonant hues.
open.spotify.com/album/5KF5ie...
Voting is still open for the Newlin Music Prize until March 20th.
For your consideration: All Quiet by Terror Cell is a searing indictment of systemic violence, both globally and personally, dictated by unrelenting screamo ferocity and harrowing vision.
terrorcell.bandcamp.com/album/all-qu...
Voting is still open for the Newlin Music Prize until March 20th.
For your consideration: Public Access by Tentative Decisions is an engrossing post-punk deliberation, delivered with a wry tone over hypnotic rhythms that thrill with ingenuity and finesse.
tentativedecisions.bandcamp.com/album/public...
Voting is still open for the Newlin Music Prize until 3/20.
For your consideration: More To The Story by Tennishu is a masterfully crafted sonic rendering, driven by direct, potent compositions brimming with sly lyricism and robust instrumentation.
tennishu.bandcamp.com/album/more-t...
Voting is still open for the Newlin Music Prize until March 20th.
For your consideration: intrusive thoughts by rine is a captivating showcase of heartfelt emotion, materializing as evocative pop built on engrossing lyricism and graceful melodies.
open.spotify.com/album/0EGPrD...
Voting is still open for the Newlin Music Prize until Thursday, March 20th.
For your consideration: Memento Mori by Reppa Ton x Agent-X is a layered hip-hop observation on existential forces that shape daily life, conveyed through incisive lyricism & nebulous production.
open.spotify.com/album/35wSEV...
Voting is still open for the Newlin Music Prize until March 20th.
For your consideration: Putrid | Obsolete by @prisoner804.bsky.social is a crushing blend of crust-punk ferocity, industrial dread, & metallic brutality, a foreboding reflection of the modern world.
prisoner.bandcamp.com/album/putrid...
Voting is still open for the Newlin Music Prize until 3/20.
For your consideration: Long After The Empire by Prabir Trio is a vibrant cross-cultural trek bridging Eastern elements with Western rock in its richly textured storytelling & invigorating sound.
prabir.bandcamp.com/album/long-a...
Voting is still open for the Newlin Music Prize until March 20th.
For your consideration: Rocky Coast by Night Idea is a sweeping prog-rock venture, where intricate arrangements flow with natural grace, filling its lush cinematic expanse.
nightidea.bandcamp.com/album/rocky-...
Voting is still open for the Newlin Music Prize until Thursday, March 20th.
