SHUNGITE
THE NEW ALBUM BY ACCLAIMED INDIE ROCK ARTIST RICHARD TURGEON
RELEASE DATE: 8.22.25 (Rich’s birthday)
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ABOUT RICHARD TURGEON
Since 2017, Rich has released 7 LPs and EPs, and two collections of covers. All have garnered critical acclaim and consistent airplay around the world, with songs regularly featured on Rodney Bingenheimer’s show on SiriusXM, The Bob Cesca Show, Bagel Radio, and many more.
In 2024, Rich played drums for one of his musical heroes, Donnie Emerson—a highlight of his musical career. Rich also played drums on Bend, OR-based Pete Sahaidachny’s “Sunday Bummer.”
His single “Higher” is featured in a recent documentary about women in sports called After the Game.
As a screenwriter, Rich recently optioned his feature film screenplay, HOLY MAN (about Beach Boys Dennis Wilson), which has placed in numerous industry competitions (5 finalist awards) along with several other projects.
Sign up for Rich’s email list (bottom of page), and follow him on Bandcamp for news about “Shungite” and other new releases. Scroll down and explore the website for review highlights of his entire catalog.
INTERVIEW REQUESTS: RICHTURGEON@GMAIL.COM
Thanks for listening and supporting original music.
ABOUT “SHUNGITE”
Shungite is a rare, carbon-rich mineral found only in the Karelia region of Russia. Believed to be over 2 billion years old, it’s known for its distinctive black sheen and is often touted for its purported healing properties. Many claim it protects against electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs), purifies water, and balances energy — giving it an almost mystical reputation. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, there's no denying its intrigue: ancient, dark, and powerful – much like the sound and spirit behind Shungite, the new album by Richard Turgeon.
“The title track is actually a true story,” Rich says, “even if it’s a bit tongue in cheek. I’m not actually a crystals person, but I am into paranormal stuff. I was in a paranormal bookstore and crystal shop in Mt. Shasta (looking for Bigfoot, of course) when it literally caught my eye. The version I saw was quite large and cost hundreds of dollars. I bought a few smaller versions of the pyramids as souvenirs for my kids. But I’ve since bought a palm-sized version for my home studio. Does it protect me from radiation and EMFs? I have no idea but it’s nice to look at. And I’m open-minded about such things.
As the record started to develop, I realize it would be the perfect title track that needed to be written. We’re living in somewhat chaotic and uncertain times, and people need something to believe in, however far-fetched.
I soon realized that the mysterious blackness of the stone was the thematic and sonic ‘color’ of this particular collection of songs. I was in a darker and more unsure place than previous records, personally, so I followed my instincts to record and produce a heavier, more aggressive record than I have before across the board. It’s more in-your-face than that chill California Rock sound I’ve kind of specialized in and I’m OK with that. It sounds like today, and every record is a time capsule of sorts for where my head is at.
I think something else I’ve been reacting to through this record, maybe subconsciously, is this ‘power pop’ label I think I’ve been sort of stuck with. Of course I’ve written power pop kind of songs, but I wouldn’t consider my stuff bona fide power pop. I’ve always been more into a blend of indie, punk, pop-punk, alternative rock and just noisy quirkiness or weirdness that’s pretty unique to ‘90s music, which I love (Rich is currently fronting a ‘90s cover band called Midlife Riot).
I greatly appreciate all the support the power pop community has shown me over the last 7 years of intense creative output, and I welcome the comparisons to Matthew Sweet, Cheap Trick and the like. But I honestly get more jazzed and flattered when I hear comparisons to Bob Mould, Tom Petty, Nirvana, and R.E.M. That whole wave of indie-punk-pop bands that defined that era, plus timeless, more radio-friendly rock bands like Petty or the Foo Fighters whose songs just outlast any trends.”
CREDITS:
All noises, recording, mix & master by Richard Turgeon
All music & lyrics by Richard Turgeon (c) 2025, all rights reserved, ASCAP
Tasty bass by Ron Guensche on tracks 2–6, 7, 9, 10
Eric Salk - BASS on Track 7. Tommy Carmine - Keys on Track 10.
ABOUT THE MUSIC VIDEOS
“There were a bunch of reasons I made videos for ‘Small Fry,’ ‘Shungite,’ and ‘Signs,’ in that order. First, I wanted to create more videos this year to help break outside my usual bubble of listeners and reviewers. I don’t tour and I’m not super-active with my originals band right now, so I wanted to make video a key method of getting the music heard by those who might not be looking for new music on Spotify, the blogs and the like.
Second, I’ve always loved making music videos. I grew up on MTV and went to film school, so it’s always a fun way to return to my filmmaker roots and learn new things, get creative in a different way around my songs.
Third, technology. I got a free upgrade on my iPhone lately and the incredible quality lets me shoot cheap and fast, which I love. It’s a true game-changer.
I’m just as stoked about these videos as I am the songs, and they were all practically shot for free, no budget at all (my son Ethan was cameraperson on ‘Shungite,’ my musical comrade Eric Salk shot footage for ‘Signs,’ and my friend Tom ran camera for ‘Small Fry.’)”
WHAT’S NEXT?
“I’m not sure. I just know that I will keep making records as long as I can and as long as it interests me, and listeners. Right now I am very committed to my music, very into it. I took two years to put ‘Shungite’ together instead of the usual one year, and I think having that breathing room resulted in a more cohesive album than some of my previous.
I’ve spent so many years and have written so many songs to find my voice that I think I’m just always on that quest to sharpen my own saw, so to speak. This record sounds the way I wanted it to, and that’s the most any musician can ask for, outside of it finding its audience and connecting with listeners.”
REVIEWS FOR PREVIOUS RELEASES
LIFE OF THE PARTY (2023)
“A SOLID AND APPEALING RECORD, A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT… THIS COULD BE HIS BEST WORK TO DATE.”
– ADD TO WANTLIST
“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED”
– POWERPOPAHOLIC
“ANOTHER OUTSTANDING RELEASE”
– POP ROCK RECORD (REVIEW/INTERVIEW)
“CONSISTENTLY BRILLIANT AND UNWAVERINGLY MELODIC.”
– SHINDIG MAGAZINE (UK) JAN 2024
“A MATURE ARTIST IN CONTROL OF HIS MUSE.”
– POP ROCK RECORD
“A CRACKING ALBUM.”
25 MUST-HAVE LPS FOR 2024
INTERVIEW
BEST ALBUMS 0F 2023
ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES (2022)
2022 ‘BEST OF’ LISTS
International Pop Overthrow Best LPs
“DEEPLY IMPRESSIVE. POWERPOP AT ITS MOST RAUCOUS, BUT CRUCIALLY WITH TUNES… CATCHY AS HELL.”
– SHINDIG MAGAZINE (UK)
“‘I Never Loved You" is a classic, power pop-sounding gem.”
– Powerpopaholic
“Turgeon always seems to hit the spot and in the past five years or so has created his own space, a space that relies on consistency and excellence... ‘Better With You’ is one of the best Power Pop songs that you will hear… ‘I Never Loved You’ is classic AOR… The best song here is ‘Please Take Me Back’ and it is possibly the best Matthew Sweet song that he hasn't written. If only the real thing produced something as great these days.”
– I Don’t Hear a Single (7.31.22)
“If you decide to listen to just one song today, let that be ‘I Never Loved You’, a mega hit where I’m hanging out... Richard Turgeon has released one great record after another in recent years, and his new EP Rough Around The Edges is even better.”
– Sweet Sweet Music (8.15.22)
"The record’s first three cuts – “Better With You,” “I Never Loved You,” and “Please Take Me Back” – all deserve heavy rotation on what’s left of rock radio. They’re a masterclass in how to weave a solid hook into your song... As Rough Around the Edges is Turgeon’s seventh album in just five years, there’s really nothing rough about it. He just keeps turning out should-be hits, waiting for the world to catch up."
– PopRock Record (8.11.22)
“Richard is front and center again with a new album – and it’s very possibly his best yet… another top shelf guitar pop album.”
– Power Pop News (8.9.22)
“There is a possibility that pop fans could take Richard Turgeon for granted. He’s so consistently good at what he does, and he's sufficiently prolific that less attentive ears might be at risk of missing some (or all) of his engaging pop gems.”
— This is Rock ‘n’ Roll Radio WSPJ 103.3 & 93.7 FM Syracuse (8.4.22)
CAMPFIRE SONGS (2021)
TOP 10 EPS OF 2021 – POWERPOPAHOLIC
#1 COVERS RECORD FOR 2021 – POPROCK RECORD
TOP SINGLE OF 2021 – POPROCK RECORD
“THE KING OF DAD ROCK” - POWERPOPAHOLIC
“The timely ‘Goodbye to Summer’ has the feel of an uber cool summer single, its cinematic potential fueled by classic sounding guitar embellishments and Turgeon’s own minor key vocal.”
— Pop Geek Heaven review
“…The latest release from the very talented San Francisco-based indie pop artist Richard Turgeon. ‘Promised Land’ is the jangliest track in the bunch – reminding me of classic Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.”
— Power Pop News review
Bob Cesca Show
“Goodbye to Summer” featured (:58 mark) – “Our candidate for song of the Summer”
Also part of the show’s July Indie Music Countdown
and #5 on their first annual Songs of the Summer Indie Music Countdown
— Something Else review
“Turgeon has been on an incredible creative roll these past few years, producing four full-length albums of original material and two collections of cover tunes. And now here’s Campfire Songs, which serves as a winning addition to his ever-increasing discography.”
“This is a production for rock fans to take notice of.” – The Viking in the Wilderness
“Turgeon is reminiscent of R.E.M., Cheap Trick and Tom Petty without losing individuality and originality.” — The Other Side Reviews
E2TG (Ear to the Ground) Feature Friday Playlist
Sweet Sweet Music’s favorite Power Pop Songs of 2021
Chasing the Essential show (New Haven, CT)
Power Pop Overdose podcast
KWVA Eugene 88.1 FM - University of Oregon campus radio - Snap, Crackle, POP! show
Plastico Elastico (Spanish FM radio)
The Power Pop Shoppe — Chicago FM radio — WNUR 89. 3 Tueday 9 - 10 PM Central
SEA CHANGE (2020)
Best of 2020 – POWER POP NEWS
“TURGEON NEVER COMPROMISES QUALITY. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.” — POWERPOPAHOLIC
"One of the most consistently good power pop artists going, Turgeon delivers again.” — THE MORNING CALL
“Sea Change is fabulous. There are many reasons for it, but the overriding one is this: its independence.” — Maximum Volume Music
“This record just confirms why Turgeon keeps showing up on so many ‘best of’ lists each year.” — Poprock Record
“Sea Change observes Richard Turgeon operating at top form.” — SOMETHING ELSE REVIEWS
“As the world turns on an unsettling axis, Richard Turgeon keeps churning out one brilliant song after another.”
— Popalooza review of “Not Ready to Die”
"Some musicians seem to have an infinite ability to compose and write brilliant songs. That's the case for Richard Turgeon.”
— LOFF.IT (Spanish culture site, translation of article here)
“Turgeon is truly one of the finest contemporary artists composing and playing roots-styled pop rock."
— POPALOOZA review of “The Journey”
“A catchy country pop rock curve that would have fit comfortably on an Eagles album. Glistening with genuine passion and intelligent insight...”
— Something Else Reviews on “Sunset”
GO DEEP (2019)
"HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."
“I think Richard has finally found his sweet spot, as each of his albums gets progressively better. Highly Recommended.”
– Aaron Kupferberg, PowerPopaholic
"Another winner."
“Turgeon’s flair for crafting catchy melodies—and his clear, emotive lead vocals—help make Go Deep stand out from the pack. Think Matthew Sweet circa 100% Fun and you’ll be in the ballpark.”
– John Borack, Goldmine Magazine
"A GREAT ALBUM EXPERIENCE."
“Richard Turgeon just keeps on getting better and better... This is the record Matthew Sweet should be putting out... Worthy of repeated listenings.”
– Dennis Pilon, Poprock Record
"Go Deep makes turgeon 3 for 3."
“‘Lonely Old Man’… has an Abbey Road-era Beatles vibe to it as well. It’s perfect, dammit. If you’re not yet familiar with the other 2 albums in the trilogy, I suggest you pick those up, too. They’re all highly recommended.”
– Rich Rossi, Powerpop News
“Here’s a guy who has something to say – both musically and lyrically – and the ability to hold the listener’s interest from start to finish.”
– Beverly Patersen, Something Else!
LOST ANGELES (2018)
"HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
- Powerpopaholic and Power Pop News
Best of 2018
Plastico Elastico (Madrid FM)
Power Pop Show (KSCU 103.3 FM Santa Clara)
In Between the Spaces (2017)
"There isn’t a bad song on In Between the Spaces... Don’t be surprised if it ends up on this site’s best power pop albums list by year’s end."
"A power pop rock gem."
- SweetSweet Music Blog
"A corker of an album."
"Feels like that '90s U.S. rock heyday, when the lines between power pop and singer/songwriters blurred... Wonderfully anthemic, and Turgeon's guitar playing is top-notch."
- Don Valentine, I Don't Hear a Single
"Uniformly tuneful and hooky."
- Absolute Powerpop (Highly Recommended rating)
"You can feel the presence of 90's rock in it's prime"
"...like the Foo Fighters met the Beach Boys and invited Pearl Jam and Nirvana to the party. There isn't a song on the album that my feet didn't tap along to."
- Randy Skaggs, Q108 Kingston
Press
Power Pop News - Top 20 Power Pop Records of 2018
Poprock Record – Should Be Hit Singles of 2018
Top 100 Records of 2018 - Absolute PowerPop
Best of 2017 CD - Pop Geek Heaven
Review at I Don't Hear a Single (also Best of 2017)
Review at Power Pop News (also Best of 2017)
Plastico Elastico (Madrid) Best of 2017
Review at Pop Rock Record (also Best of 2017)
International Pop Overthrow Festival (David Bash's Best of 2017)
Pop Geek Heaven (Best of 2017)
Profile at Pure Grain Audio
Interview at SweetSweet Music Blog
Review at Absolute PowerPop
Review at Powerpopaholic
Profile and review at MeuSons (Brazil)
PODCASTS
IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS
Video interview with Powerpopaholic
Podcast interview with Another Cool Rock Podcast (Steve Roth)
RADIO
Rodney Bingenheimer on SiriusXM
Goldies Garage on Little Steven’s Underground Garage (SiriusXM)
KSCU, Santa Clara — The Power Pop Show (Best of 2017)
Sacramento 88.7 FM Twirl Radio (Best of 2017, album and song)
KWVA 88.1 FM - Eugene, OR