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Jacksonville’s Local Music Scene: Catching Rising Stars Before They Hit It Big
18 Dec

Jacksonville’s Local Music Scene: Catching Rising Stars Before They Hit It Big

While Jacksonville, Florida, may be associated with beaches and sunshine, beneath the surface, there beats a diverse music scene. Skip the overplayed radio hits and tap into Jax’s bands and undiscovered talents. Here’s your guide to catching rising stars before they explode onto the national stage:

Off the Beaten Path: Hidden Venues for Unforgettable Gigs

  • Rain Dogs: A small speakeasy hidden in Five Points with a great sound system and friendly environment. Rock out to energetic bands at the back or relax with acoustic sets in the front room.
  • Underbelly: Underbelly is a late Night Heaven in Downtown Jax with a raw industrial vibe featuring Punk, rock, and alternative acts. Ready yourselves for moshing and singing.
  • Blue Jay Listening Room: Take refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city at this cozy hideout in Jacksonville Beach. Enjoy some craft cocktails and listen to soul singers, American folk groups, and indie musicians as they sing.
  • Nighthawks: Five Points has a dark bar which is loved by local musicians from all types of genres like blues, jazz, and eclectic rock.
  • Jack Rabbits Live: An intimate concert house in San Marco brings together a mix of regional and national touring acts, but watch out for local openers who are about to explode.

Genre Hopping: Explore the variety of sounds in Jax

  • Punk Power: Find your rebel at shows from The Briefs, a notorious local punk band, whose infectious spirit and DIY culture are legendary.
  • Soulful Grooves: Get lost in the smooth vocals and groovy rhythms from The Black Seeds, one of the stars on the rise that blends retro soul and modern vibes.
  • Alternative Anthems: Join the Lemon Twigs, a duo comprising of siblings to sing along with them, the country’s indie fans love them for their catchy melodies and introspective lyrics.
  • Roots Revival: The Porch Swing Saints is a band telling Americana story using a blend of bluegrass, folk, and country music.
  • Hip-Hop Heat: Meet up-and-coming rappers in Jax’s underground scene like Dat Boi Dee who has catchy wordplay and smooth beats.

Beyond the Bands: Get involved in the scene

  • Support local record stores: You can visit the Vinyl Frontier or the Milk Bar, which stock rare finds and are frequented by serious music enthusiasts.
  • Attend open mic nights: At places like The NOLA Room or The Dive Bar, you’ll want to catch raw talent at venues where aspiring musicians come to show off their original pieces of work.
  • Volunteer at music festivals: For instance, take part in community spirit and participate in events such as The Jacksonville Music Experience and The Hemming Park Festival.

The local music scene of Jax is a colorful quilt of genres, talents, and undiscovered gems. Therefore, skip the popular playlists and go for the uncharted paths to experience the magic of the rising stars in the future. By doing so, you may become a part of the next music sensation in Jacksonville.

Bonus Tip: Keep an eye on local blogs and zines like WJCT’s JME and The Florida Buzz for updated show listings, album releases, and other relevant information.

Always recall that the best way to experience Jax’s regional music is to go out there and discover. Just take your friends and an open mind, and let Jacksonville’s underground rock and roll blow you away.