Sour Patch Collective's Underground Crown Shows Richmond Isn't Afraid to Take Creative Risks

By Kayla Putman · July 13, 2026 · 4 min read read

Sour Patch Collective turned Ember Music Hall into a wrestling ring for one night, proving Richmond's underground bass scene thrives on creativity, collaboration and big ideas.

RICHMOND– I've covered live shows long enough to know what I'm usually walking into: a stage, a DJ booth, maybe a few lasers if we're lucky.

A wrestling ring was a first.

When I walked into Ember Music Hall on Thursday afternoon, Sour Patch Collective's founders were putting the finishing touches on Underground Crown, a concept inspired by WWE and American wrestling culture. Before the first DJ stepped into the ring, they were tightening ropes, dialing in production and racing to get everything ready before doors. Watching it come together, I had a feeling this night was going to be a little different.

The concept was simple: instead of the traditional back-to-back format, DJs went face-to-face inside the ring. Ring girls circled the floor, Everybody Eats Ent.'s Ray handled announcing duties, and each matchup was introduced like a title fight. The card featured Neurotype vs. Awk, Rhizo vs. $hef, Actual Garbage vs. Saucy Rossy, Gordo Dubz vs. Basse, and a final showdown between Torcha and Medicine Place.

Somewhere between watching the ring come together and watching the first matchup begin, I found myself asking a bigger question: What makes Richmond's electronic music scene different?

For $hef, a Virginia Beach-based DJ on the night's lineup, the answer starts with the people.

"Richmond has built a really tight-knit community over the past few years. Whether it's Rhythm City Collective or Sour Patch Collective, they're always trying to put the best talent on stage here in Richmond. You'll definitely leave here satisfied and get a sense of what Richmond truly is."

Coming from Virginia Beach, he sees Richmond as a city where local artists are consistently given opportunities to grow, experiment and share the stage with one another.

That same sense of community showed up in the crowd. Rafael, a Richmond attendee, said the city's size has helped create a culture where different genres and creative circles naturally overlap.

"There's a more niche, united sense of community here because it's smaller. I've seen different scenes and genres come together to support the overall music community. People don't just stick to their own genres. They're actively working together to build a vibrant arts and culture community."

He described Underground Crown as another example of local artists creating opportunities for each other while giving audiences something they can't find anywhere else.

The wrestling ring may have grabbed everyone's attention first, but the idea behind it points to something bigger: crowds are looking for experiences they can remember. Production, storytelling, visuals and themed events have become part of how artists connect with fans. Some tours rely on massive budgets to accomplish that. Independent promoters have to solve the same challenge with creativity.

Underground Crown never tried to be anything other than what it was. It committed fully to the concept from the moment the doors opened, and that's what made it work.

Greg, one of Sour Patch Collective's founding members, said creating opportunities has always been the collective's focus.

"There are so many people trying to express themselves, and they deserve to be heard. We're in a new renaissance right now. There's a major shift happening in the scene and in the world, and like-minded people are bringing everyone together."

That focus goes beyond booking lineups. Greg also spoke about Richmond's artistic identity, pointing to Jackson Ward, long recognized as the "Harlem of the South," along with artists like GWAR, as reminders that creativity has always been woven into the city's history.

"Richmond is such an artist community. We have so much creativity here that you truly can't find anywhere else. It's not a rat race. There isn't an endgame. It's just about getting your soul out there."

As the night continued, Greg never stayed in one place for very long. He bounced between production, artists and attendees, making sure every part of the production stayed on track. Earlier that afternoon, he was helping build the ring. Hours later, he was still working the room.

That image stayed with me long after the music ended.

Earlier that afternoon, Greg was tightening ropes around a wrestling ring. Hours later, he was weaving through the crowd, checking on artists and making sure the night stayed on course.

The ring was the centerpiece, but the work behind it is what I'll remember most.