We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Richard Washington. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Richard below.

Alright, Richard thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Less Sad Boy Poetry is my latest project and is more than just an album—it’s a snapshot of my inner world during a transformative time in my life. I created it in the postpartum haze, grounded at home during my wife’s pregnancy, navigating the emotional terrain of becoming a father again while trying to hold onto myself.

It was in that space—quiet, uncertain, full of love and a little fear—that this music came to life. The album became my therapy, my journal, my late-night conversation when everything felt too heavy to say out loud. It’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever been in my art. Every track holds a little piece of my confusion, my growth, my surrender as displayed on the song “Grey Hairs”.

What makes this project even more special is the collaboration with poets throughout the album. Their voices became mirrors and companions—helping me articulate the things I couldn’t fully say on my own. They added texture and depth, turning this into more than just a collection of songs. It’s poetry. It’s prayer. It’s a reminder that softness is strength.

Less Sad Boy Poetry is me, stripping away the performance, and just letting myself feel. And I hope listeners can feel that too.

Richard, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I did a freestyle in class in the 5th grade and the rest is history. Later on I discovered like minded individuals and with those people I started creating and putting out music.
Keeping it fun and a hobby instead of trying to make it a buisness turned profit a lot more for me.
I really owe my network, practice and platform to my open mic “Lyrical Therapy”

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I run an open mic in the city titled “Lyrical Therapy” and that’s a platform for artist to come and practice/test new work. Network and mingle with other artist, or just get inspired. Between that and popping up at they’re shows, I know it’s more as a community we can do.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal is just purpose. I don’t see a 5 million dollar tour, I don’t see a million fans, I just see me making music with the homies and coming back home to the family.
If this hobby turns profit.. cool.
But if not, I’ll still do it because I love to do it.
Everyone should have a hobby or two that keeps them sane. Music does that for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Just_richnow
• Twitter: r_luxio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustRichStl
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justrichnow

Image Credits

Cami Thomas x Mfaimadethis

@camicruzthomas x @mfaimadethis