Faces Behind the Fest: Richard Stottman
- Richard Stottman
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
A lot of memories from that era of my life are hazy, but the first time I met Puckett remains stark and vibrant.
I was a cringy, nerdy ~16 year old high school kid who played synth in a rock band. It was a humid and cloudy summer day some time around 2011. Think Harder had booked a show at Spinelli's Downtown, and it was our first time playing at the venue. I didn't know what to expect.
I got there early to scope it out. I parked my car and nervously walked down the sketchy and slippery stairs with the rusty handrail. I went through the door and was greeted by an extremely friendly, short, and rotund man sitting on a stool at the table by the door.
He looked up from his phone and gave me a quick glance. I was wearing my signature Adventure Time shirt, skinny jeans, and matching Converse + Skull Candy headphones.
He asked, "You in a band?" in a surprisingly unique and almost high-pitched voice. Clocked - how could he have guessed? I confirmed his suspicion and asked where I could load my gear in. He let me know I could put all my stuff in the hallway in the back. I thanked him and started to walk away and get started on the task at hand.
Halfway out the door he shouted after me, "OH WAIT!" - I stopped and turned back around. "I almost forgot - each band gets a free pizza. Don't forget to put in your order early, because they take a while to come out." I flashed a thumbs up and continued on my way.
As I went back and forth up and down the stairs lugging in the ridiculous amount of gear I "needed" for my keyboard rig, I noticed he was always talking and laughing with a different group of people every time I went past. This guy seemed to know everyone. I realized I forgot to even ask his name, but at that point I thought it was too late to ask.
The rest of the band showed up, we ate some pizza, played our set, and watched the other bands play. It was the first of many shows we would play here, and the start of many friendships that would grow over the years.
I eventually ascertained that the helpful and funny-looking man at the door was Bryan Puckett, a name I had heard mentioned many times by various people in my small but growing music circle. Every time anyone mentioned the name "Puckett", it was enunciated always in a way that radiated levels of respect and fondness. His character was almost like a beloved local cryptid.
Over the next few years the band would continue to play Little Heart Records-adjacent shows and naturally I became better acquainted with Puckett and the LHR gang.
Puckett noticed my love of videography and presented opportunities in the local music scene to pursue the work I loved. I happily helped film band's sets, designed promo videos for label releases, and even helped splice together assets for a Greyhaven music video.
There wasn't an exact moment that I can remember where I officially accepted the role of "Audio-Visual Intern", it just kind of happened. Puckett eventually connected me with JaWon Dunn (aka Chuck Deuce) of Skyscraper Stereo to act as a mentor and allow me to “intern” with his Skyscraper Filmworks production operation.
I worked with JaWon and many other amazingly talented people assisting with filming, editing, and directing music videos for local bands. It was a blast. I created props, make plenty of cameos, stage a jewelry store heist in the heart of the Highlands, and even got to sit in a studio session and work with the Villebillies on a song JaWon was helping to produce.
Countless unforgettable moments and opportunities were facilitated by Puckett's support of art, community, and creativity.
My favorite thing about Puckett was his ability to make people feel included. Puckett recognized I was no social butterfly, and that my awkward ass needed a "job" to feel comfortable showing up for anything. There was always something for me to do, but without the pressure or obligation. He respected my style of socialization and engagement, and went out of his way to enable my growth and success.
He truly made me feel seen, and "useful" in a way that didn't make me feel taken advantage of – I was an important piece of a puzzle consisting of like-minded artists, musicians, weirdos, and friends.
He invited me on a last-minute trip to Nashville to pick up some CDs and merch. We had a great time jamming music all the way there, sharing our favorite bands and tracks. He showed me his favorite soul food spot, we got the goods, and started the long drive back. I appreciated that he didn't feel the need to fill the silences in conversation with awkward small talk. He was just a genuine human being that made me feel safe and happy to be around.
I saw this pattern echo throughout each and every interaction Puckett had. Just like when I brought my equally awkward and nervous partner to dinner with the gang. Everyone was talking and laughing, having a great time. Nikole made some kind of sarcastic quip to me on the side. Puckett overheard, let out a genuine laugh straight from his belly, and made a point to let everyone know, “Hey, this chick is FUNNY”!
It’s safe to say my life would not be the same if it weren’t for Puckett. A decade after he passed I am still reminded daily about how much he believed in our tight-knit DIY Louisville community he helped cultivate. Words cannot quantify how huge an impact he has had on countless lives. It was truly an honor to know him, work with him, and call him a friend.
All these years later, it truly warms my heart to see old and new faces come together to honor him in such a unique and fitting way. As PuckettFest 2026 comes together, it has truly reignited a sense of meaning in my heart. That there can still be hope for Goodness and Kindness to shine through this fucked up world.
I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I hope that this is just the beginning. And that we can use art and music to continue to illuminate the goodness that Puckett left behind. It’s safe to say that Puckett lives on in the community we connect with and the art we create, and I’m determined to honor him by continuing to create and evolve as long as I exist in this world.
Much love to my community and to my fellow Pucketteers. Keep on keeping on.
-Richard Stottman
Director of Content & Operations
P.S. here’s a little playlist featuring some of my fav tracks:
If you want to hear my music, check out Think Harder – my pop punk band that released music on Little Heart Records:
Also check out my solo project where I make introspective electronic/fusion music as cyntrix:
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