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Floyd Mercantile transformed an abandoned Virginia general store into an unconventional recording space, using its weathered atmosphere to shape a new album ahead of the trio’s June 28 performance at Jammin’ Java in Vienna.

Peter Mulvey and Jenna Nicholls traveled to Floyd in April 2025 with guitarist Ross Bellenoit. Inside the old country store, they recorded with two rhythm guitars, vocals and a century-old piano purchased from a thrift shop, working with Righteous Babe Records.

The single “Some People” reflects on the many personalities encountered throughout life. The group’s songs are intended to provoke thought, following Mulvey’s belief that “art kicks the dust off of ordinary life.”

Nicholls takes the lead on “Your Considerable Charms,” accompanied by Bellenoit on slide guitar. Midday sunlight streamed through a window as the musicians played together in a corner of the store.

“The old cash register was there, glasses and stuff, it was really great,” Nicholls said, adding that the building’s aging interior brought extra character to the music.

The band’s name was inspired in part by New Mountain Mercantile, a Main Street shop in Floyd that sells locally produced artwork, candles and clothing.

Nicholls lives in Woodstock, New York, where she occasionally crosses paths with resident John Sebastian, who performed at the famed 1969 Woodstock festival. The album’s songs carry an open-minded perspective and offer “a commentary on population in general,” agent Mark McKenna said.

Floyd Mercantile’s spring tour included stops in Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Buffalo, with a New York City appearance planned before the group heads south for its Vienna show.

The trio will perform at 7 p.m. June 28 at Jammin’ Java, 227 Maple Ave. E. in Vienna. The venue can be reached at 703-239-3805.