It's a warm spring evening in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as fans line up in clusters outside the Culture Room doors for a sold-out show. Who are they here to see? The 4x platinum hit-maker, Tommy Richman. After a MASSIVELY successful year (and I mean massive), the "MILLION DOLLAR BABY" singer has set out on his first headlining tour for his debut album COYOTE with support from MyNameIsntJMack.
Kicking off the night was MyNameIsntJMack, a Virginia-based artist known for uniquely blending jazz and hip-hop. As the lights went dark, the audience went wild as JMack stepped out into the spotlight. With his dreadlocks covering his face, this genre-bending artist dazzled the crowd with his smooth flows.
"I bet you guys are wondering, who is this guy with his dreads all in his face?"
This was my first introduction to the world of MyNameIsntJMack, and I can confirm I left that venue a new fan with dozens of new songs added to my playlist.
MYNAMEISNTJMACK
After JMack's set, I took the time to examine the scene before me. A stage design complete with two large cactus statues with a midwestern aesthetic and a huge crowd (full of the most incredible outfits I've ever seen) antsy with anticipation awaiting Tommy's arrival to the stage. This is when a kind young man approached me and said, "You look so cool!". We bantered back and forth for a few moments before the lights began to dim, and we parted ways. It turns out that this man was Tobias Kelly, Tommy Richman's drummer. Shocked, I watched as he jumped up on stage and took a seat at his drum set. It's always fun meeting the people who make these shows incredible.
Without missing a beat, the band begins to play the opening melody of "WHITNEY" as Tommy Richman struts out on stage. The crowd instantly erupts into an uproar of screams. Sitting at a comfortable 23.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify, this alternative R&B singer is no stranger to impressive vocals. I have to say, I was blown away by the talent he displayed during this show. He sounds exactly how he sounds in his studio recordings.
The crowd was electric as Tommy sifted through all his hits, ranging from newer songs from his album COYOTE to his Billboard chart-topping tracks such as "DEVIL IS A LIE" and "MILLION DOLLAR BABY." The latter, in particular, was clearly a fan favorite, as fans started moshing and shouting every lyric. If you've been anywhere near a radio in the past year, I'm sure you know every lyric, too.
TOMMY RICHMAN
During a short break in the performance, Tommy addressed his love for Florida. "Man, I love Florida. I'm always here. The energy is crazy". Tommy then decided to bring out his personal tattoo artist and get an outline of the state of Florida tattooed on his leg while he continued to run through his setlist. I have never seen anything like this done before, and it was so awesome.
After the show, I decided to hang around outside the venue and wait for my Uber to pick me up. Tommy ended up coming outside to catch up with me. I was in awe of how kind and humble he was. He gave me a big hug and thanked me for helping out with the media for this show. Tommy Richman is the definition of what an artist should be.
The Coyote Tour is still in full swing; you can find all upcoming dates below. Follow Tommy Richman on Instagram to stay updated on all future show announcements!
We also HIGHLY recommend checking out COYOTE; you won't be disappointed. Find COYOTE down below.
