Photo taken at Hubbards Beach, Nova Scotia, 2019.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down on the beach and speak with Aucoin before his annual summer party in Hubbards, Nova Scotia. Aucoin and I discussed his new album Release and upcoming Death tour, why he still gives out his phone number at the end of his sets, and his philosophy towards fostering a sense of community both at and beyond the venue.
These connections to his audience that make a show by Rich Aucoin completely unique. The Halifax-based performer uses his music and exuberant energy to create an atmosphere of togetherness. With call-and-repeats, a well-travelled playground parachute, and half his set spent in the crowd itself, Aucoin transforms his audience from passive witnesses to active participants.
Adrian Southin 