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If I had a nickel for every time some one asked me what my favorite type of music was I think I would be rich. I don’t discriminate against and kind of music. Music to me is what drives my soul. It is my one true lover, the one that has never left my side or left me heart broken. Ok yes there are those heart wrenching songs that will bring a tear to my eye every now and again but it is a rarity that I actually find them on the radio. Most of the time it is the local acts that write the song that strike a cord that sings to my very core.
Gorillafight is a five piece metal/hardcore/rock band that hails from Orlando, Fl and consists of Dave; vocals, Brian; guitar, Chucky; bass, Mike; guitar and Kevin; drums. I have seen them a few times now and I have to say they definitely feed off the energy of the crowd. The rowdier the crowd the more energetic this band seems to get. In one of my previous articles I talked about a band called (un)SAID, these two bands have shared the stage quite a few times and it is definitely something not to be missed. It is like they challenge either other on who is going to be more into it that night. These guys are currently working on a long awaited CD. For now they have one song on their profile called “A Place in the Sun” that will keep you satisfied. I, as I am sure there other fans feel the same way, cannot wait for them to release it. Meanwhile, keep a close eye on them here: http://www.myspace.com/gorillafight.

Thomas Wynn & the Believers is a five piece rock/country/southern rock band that hails from Orlando, Fl and consists of Thomas Wynn; lead vocals and guitar, Olivia Wynn; vocals, organ and piano, Justin Beckler; guitar, Showcat Luise; bass and Thom Damon; drums. From their song that will make your heart melt called “Desert Rose” to the songs that make you want to dance like “Hard Road” there is something to be said about this band that can take you from one extreme to the next. They just came back from recording their CD and with any luck it will be released soon. Till that time comes keep an eye on them here: http://www.myspace.com/thomaswynnandthebelievers.

Ambertone is a four piece rock alternative band that hails from Orlando, Fl and consists of Greg Pontoni; lead vocal and guitar, David King; lead guitar, Jeremy Morris; bass and Ian Budha; drums and vocals. From their songs like “My Disaster” to the acoustic version of “The Angels” the entire CD (Shifting Stars & Disregards) is one not to be missed out on. This band has had the chance to play with Seven Mary Three recently and is now getting a chance to play with Puddle of Mudd and Theory of a Deadman towards the end of this month. It is definitely a well deserved opportunity. Until they decide to go on a nation wide tour keep an eye on them here: http://www.myspace.com/ambertone.
Music has become my one true solace. To see a local band live is what I pretty much live for these days because I never know what will be out there. It could be anywhere from a song that makes me want to bang my head to a song that speaks to my heart. Any way you look at it I really can’t go wrong with seeing the local bands that I have come to know and love and the ones I have yet to discover. Trust me folks local music is where it is at because after all music is the air I breathe.
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Posted By: musiclover - Category: Reviews

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Acoustic Acts

July 23rd 2008 01:11

I love the singer/songwriter genre. You can find some of the most talented songwriters by just watching a person with their guitar pouring their heart out to you. Some of these acts go on to be the writers behind the big names in music today. Then when given the opportunity they become big stars themselves.
Nora Ricci is an acoustic wonder. She hails from Orlando, Fl. She plays both the keyboards and guitar and moves from one to the other with such ease. She has anything from funny songs to the sweet and sentimental songs that tug at your heartstrings. From songs like “Beer Goggle Blues” to “Someone” you will either be laughing or feeling her pain. Keep an eye on her at http://www.myspace.com/noraricci.I]
Chris D’agnese is one of my favorites to watch play. He also comes from Orlando, Fl. He does have a full band but I have only ever seen him acoustically. He has an incredible voice and a stage presence that has to be seen to be believed. From songs like “Come Over After” to “Desperate Feeling” he will have you captivated. Keep an eye on him at http://www.myspace.com/chrisdagnese.
Christian Summer is another acoustic act that I am extremely fond of. He hails from Deland, Fl. To see him sing his own music that means so much to him is a feat within itself. He has mostly happy songs that makes you sway along to his music and can bring a smile to anyone’s face. From songs like “Good Morning Sunshine” to “Broken” you will walk out of his shows with a smile. Keep an eye on him at www.christiansummermusic.com.
Ken Clark is another one I love to watch. He is in a band called Remove Before Flight and they are from Orlando, Fl and Kansas City. I have seen him do acoustic sets and was brought to tears by his song “Beautiful Insecurity” and then laughed at “Meatball”. You can’t go wrong with this band either acoustically or full band. Keep an eye on all their upcoming events at http://www.myspace.com/kenclarkI].

The next time you are in a bar and they have an acoustic act playing just listen because you never know who the next great songwriter will be. You never know they too can become the next great singer on tomorrow’s radio. I have been to a lot of acoustic shows where no one in the bar is listening to them. But the ones that do hear what those singer/songwriters have to say and take note to the emotions that are being put in front of their eyes and in their ears.

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Touring Acts

June 1st 2008 05:23

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 hails 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.

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Posted By: musiclover - Category: Reviews, Lists, Criticism, Ramblings

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Donovan: Better than Dylan?

September 24th 2006 08:49

...It's a stupid question. People seem to think that just because they looked somewhat similar and walked around carrying acoustic guitars, they must be compared to each other for all eternity. While there are certainly some similaraties between their music, there aren't enough to warrant a comparison of talent, just as you can't really compare a guitarist to a bassist. I'm sure Donovan himself is sick of being called the "British Bob Dylan", because no-one ever calls Dylan the "American Donovan."

While Donovan is often referred to as a folk artist, he would probably feel more at home in the psychedelic scene than any other, although his music is probably too diverse to be set into any specific catgeory. Certainly his lyrics and the general atmoshpere to his songs suggest a strong psychedelic inlfuence ( in more ways than one), as is evident in "Sunshine Superman

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Posted By: Arjun - Category: Reviews

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The Kinks: Where's all the fuss?

September 18th 2006 08:07

There is no shortage of bands towards whom the phrase "What's all the fuss about?" can be justifiably applied. Bands about whom not enough fuss is made however, are few and far between. When looking for such a band, look no further than The Kinks.

Their main problem was bad timing. Their careers rose at more or less the same time as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who et al., but there are only so many bands that the public can fawn over . Initially, they also posessed a very similar sound to that of The Beatles, which didn't help. However, roughly 40 years after they formed, it is easy to look back at their work and wonder why they aren't mentioned in the same breath as the bands mentioned above

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Posted By: Arjun - Category: Reviews

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This Is Spinal Tap

September 11th 2006 10:00

When people show an interest in rock n' roll, they often ask for a song or a band to get them started on their quest for musical nirvana. However, it's not that easy. Rock n' Roll is far too diverse a genre to be encapsulated by just one song. Luckily, no music is needed to understand the world of rock n' roll. Just watch "This Is Spinal Tap"

Think of "The Office", but set in the 70's and featuring a fading British rock band on tour, rather than a paper manufacturing company. "This Is Spinal Tap" is a mockumentary about such a band ( named Spinal Tap, by the way) , on tour in America at the wrong end of their careers. It is full of parodies of various actual bands, as well as certain rock n' roll stereotypes. The plot is loosely structured around a series of interviews that the band conducts with the director of the mocumentary, all of which are hugely entertaining. Here's a sample, from IMDB.com

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