The city of Richmond has been quietly fermenting a musical movement, a kinetic uprising of creativity and community, and no one represents this dynamism quite like Tyler Scheerschmidt and Dillon Douglasson of Hourglass Sessions. Founded during the chaos of the 2020 COVID pandemic, Hourglass Sessions has achieved a real milestone: 50 videos showcasing the amazing talent of Richmond’s local artists.
I sat down with Tyler Scheerschmidt, one-half of the creative duo behind Hourglass Sessions, and the conversation that unfolded is the kind of breezy, music-infused heart-to-heart that can only come from someone who has dug deep into the core of a city’s music scene.
A Deep Connection to Local Music
“Why do you care about the local scene?” I asked Tyler right off the bat. His answer was rich, complex, and infused with energy. Reflecting on his journey since graduating college in 2018, Tyler described a path that almost led him to Los Angeles, the city of dreams. But something held him back. Richmond’s vibrant music scene became his magnetic force, the allure that kept him grounded.
A musician, as part of Pebbles Palace, turned filmmaker, Tyler found his calling in creating, promoting, and celebrating local music. His connection to the city, its talent, and its spirit resonates throughout our conversation.
Hourglass Sessions: A Celebration of Talent
All 50 of the Hourglass Sessions videos are free, and so far, created for free for the artists, which I described as “almost like a public service.” But It’s not just about the love for music; it’s about commitment, community, and the strength of their platform. Reaching 50 videos is a lot and can only be seen as a testament to the tenacity of Tyler and Dillon, a symbol of their unwavering dedication.
Asking a few more questions, Tyler gets animated and blurts he doesn’t want the momentum to die. Richmond’s music scene is “a force to be reckoned with,” and Hourglass Sessions wants to keep building on that, to make Richmond a name synonymous with unrivaled musical talent. Tyler dreams of putting Richmond’s artists on a national scale and envisions Hourglass as the calling card for the city, akin to Chicago’s Audio Tree or DC’s Tiny Desk. Pretty big goals but if anyone can do it, I think these guys can.
A Historical Archive and a Glimpse into Richmond’s Ever-Changing Landscape
On top of that, what Tyler and Dillon are creating is more than just music videos; it’s a historical archive of Richmond’s musical history. Places they’ve shot in are gone now, replaced, torn down. Yet, the essence of these spaces lives on through their work. It’s a poignant reflection of the city’s evolution and growth, capturing fleeting moments in time. At any point in the future, anyone can look back and watch these videos and see a timestamp of what the scene was at this time.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ LIVE at Godfreys: A Very Special Premiere
The celebration of their 50th video takes the form of a new Hourglass Session music video for Bohemian Rhapsody cover which will premiere at Godfreys this weekend. It’s more than just a celebration of their milestone; it’s a celebration of a big part of Richmond’s music community. By teaming up with Yes And! and having Hourglass Session alumni Deau Eyes, Cassidy Snyder and Andrew Bonieskie aka Bones perform with the Trunk Show Band backing them up, the party on Sunday, August 27th promises to be a big ol’ mix of music, film, and good times. Oh, and stay for the afterparty with DJ DX.
When I asked him how he felt about it, Tyler simply replied, “We fucking did it,” and had the look of someone who was just taking that all in — realising he and Dillion have a lot more to do before Sunday.
Discovering Richmond Through Hourglass Sessions
I wanted to add, for anyone interested in Richmond’s local music, Hourglass Sessions is the perfect place to start. Dive in and get lost in the spellbinding collection of videos that capture the city’s soul. Push play, let it run, and embrace the musical rabbit hole that is Richmond’s thriving and unbreakable bond with music.
For Richmond and its artists, the Hourglass Sessions is not just a platform; it’s a growing community of a city teeming with a bunch of talented folks. Don’t miss the special session premiere on Sunday, August 27th, because this is just the beginning. The beat goes on, and the hourglass keeps turning– see you out there.
