Local live music is where it is at. If you have never ventured out to see a local band in your area you have no idea what you are missing. Take it from me, there are bands that came out of this state that I never got to see live before they made it big. Shinedown and Yellowcard are both bands that came out of Jacksonville, Fl and I never made it up there to see them before they went big. One band that is just hitting the mainstream big is Another Black Day, these guys I have seen a few times and they are something not to be missed. Now with that being said here are some local and not so local acts I have seen come through on tour.
The first band I am going to talk about tonight is Lo Mass Republic. This 5 piece rock band hails from Los Angeles and consists of Jesse Glick; vocals and rhythm guitar, Steve Cordre; bass, Corbin Long; keyboards, Jason Degorse; lead guitar and Andy Bonura; drums. I had the pleasure of seeing and meeting these guys when they came through here on tour with Live last year. I was simply blown away with their lyrics and instrumental accords. If you live in this area or anywhere near it be sure to keep a close eye on these guys. Keep up with all their happening here: http://www.myspace.com/ellamar.
The next band I would like to tell you about is Say When. This rock band hails from Boston, Mass and consists of Maxwell Latif; vocals, Zack Starikov; guitars, John Zaremba; guitars, Mike Marvuglio; bass and Mark McCarthy; drums. These guys came through Florida on tour by themselves and are still touring. They are currently doing a Midwest – west tour. Be sure to look out for them in your town. Their stage presence is one you need to see to believe and off the stage they are very approachable. Check out where they will be next at: www.myspace.com/saywhenmusic.
Broken Image is another band that will come through Florida at least once a year. This 5 piece metal band hail from Englewood, Colorado and consist of Dusty Trujillo; vocals, Zach Teresi; guitar, Preston Smith; bass, Hector Parra; drums and Teddy Sanchez; guitar. From their high energy performance to the way they all mesh together well on and off the stage these guys are an experience to be had. Be sure to catch these guys if you are in the vicinity of either state. Keep up with them at: www.myspace.com/brokenimagerock.
Head Snap is a Spartanburg, South Carolina alternative/metal band that made their way to Florida recently. This 6 piece band consists of Ricky Shuler; vocals, Mark Frey; guitar, Joey Cowan; guitar, Josh Stokes; bass, Adam Patterson; percussion and backing vocals and Lee Hudgins; drums. I never knew that bongos and congas along with a jimbay could be utilized in metal they way that they did it. They showed us Floridians how much South Carolina could kicked down the door. They have had the opportunity to open for many national acts and should be watched carefully. Keep up with these boys at: www.headsnap.com.
Now onto a local act, (un)SAID has to be one of the most well put together bands I have seen in a long time. This 5 piece hard rock/ heavy metal band originated in Colorado and moved here to Florida 2 years ago. I have to say I am glad they did. This band consist of 5 members Jeremy Hyson; vocals, Danny Lee; lead guitar, Nick Cirullo; bass, Steve Ruoff; guitar and Don Cadman; drums. From Jeremy’s soaring vocals to Don’s hard hitting drum beats you have to see this band in action. They just released their CD after a long awaited 2yr battle to get it done and are talking about embarking on a tour this coming summer. Be on the lookout for these guys when they roll through your town. Until then keep an eye on them here: www.myspace.com/unsaidmusic.
Like I said in the beginning of this article you never know what is coming out of your town. For years I had no ideal how much talent actually came from this state and then I started listening carefully and have found some great musicians. Watch out because you never know what is coming through and developing right in your own backyard.
