*Header by Orange Blossom Jamboree
Last year we wrote about emerging local artists like Selwyn Birchwood, winner of the 'Best New Artist' at the Blues Music Awards, Betty Fox, now touring for the release of her new album, The Best Day ever who have since transitioned to the 'Children of Orion' and Mountain Holler who stole the show at this year's Whigfest.
This batch of musicians and singers represent the evolving character of St. Pete and the Tampa Bay area at large. Their sound is the rough reverb of a Gibson bouncing off baron garage walls. Their lyricism represents the brash St. Pete vibe, meshed with the ubiquitous sense of community.
The sounds echoing from Tampa Bay are the siren calls to the rest of the world. This is a city built, grown and maintained by artists. In case you haven't had a chance to hear these performers while sauntering down the 200 Block, or enjoying a drink in the EDGE District or a night at the Hideaway Cafe or Craftsman House, here are some area bands you need to know.
Wolf-Face brings an unreal energy and mythos to each and every show. They are the perennial face of Burgatory Fest, a music event featuring the best in punk and hardcore this area has to offer, and have a sound so indellible a sharpened steel cuetip couldn't remove their indescribable sound from your eardrums.
Their albums include Caffiends, Still a Son of a Bitch and their self-titled EP. We'd liken them to other bands but their sound and style belongs in a canon all its own. You can catch them at Burgatory (https://www.facebook.com/events/1799011776990885/) Fest this Saturday, May 23 taking place at the 600 Block of St. Pete.
When they come to the Ale and the Witch, the community follows. Applebutter Express blends the deep-rooted folk influences of Hank Williams with the soothing harmonies of artists like Humming House and The Civil Wars.
The Applebutter Express made a name for themselves performing at open mics around Tampa Bay. Today The Applebutter Express has broken through the ceiling in the music industry. Soon they'll reach national audiences as their song "Hey My Brotha" will be featured in the upcoming Ron Howard film "The Good Lie.
From Michigan, to New York, to the Burg, Kasondra Rose mixes a polished pop sound with a vintage spin that transplants you to a smoky Greenwich Village speakeasy.
Her voice is uplifting with a refined kickdrum rhythm with a few classic latin influences mixed in. She's performed at almost every venue in St. Pete and finds ways to give each audience an altogether unique listening experience.
Save The Radio is pure rock. Their sound is the kind that fuels you in the final stretch of a 5k, helps you finish out the last hour on a baron highway during a road trip, their sound is the kind of fuel that succeeds where espresso fails in the early morning.
One of their latest singles "Add It Up" peaked at #37 on the Billboard Indicator Charts. They're often compared to Butch Walker, Seether, Cheap Trick and Foo Fighters for their raw grit and post-punk sensibilities.
A band that requires no introduction, The Black Honkeys have been helping St. Pete, Clearwater, Tampa and the state of Florida shake off their tense skin for something more comfortable. The Black Honkeys are at the forefront of the funk revival in the music industry.
From kicking off the Mahaffey's Second Thursday on the Plaza event to tearing up the State Theater, to rocking Jannus and Peggy O'neils and beyond our state lines, this band has become a bit of a legend. Hits like Icebreaker and their always requested cover of Nothing From Nothing have become anthems for their fans.
TC Carr is a blues legend in Tampa Bay. He hosts the Hideaway Cafe's Blue Night on a rotating basis with his band the Bolts of Blue and performs at various venues around St. Pete.
Their deep, introspective sound is fit for a Scorsese tracking shot, it carries you over the historic roads of St. Pete, puts the honey sting of whiskey in your throat and infuses you with the gravity of the blues genre.
Due to the outpouring of love for more local bands, we decided to feature a few more artists you need to listen to. Your ears and your brain will thank you.
A special shout outs to the Local 662, State Theatre, Sly Bar, The Amsterdam, Ruby's Elixir, Jannus Live, The Mahaffey, The Palladium, [email protected], Ringside Cafe, The Nine 10, Enigma, Craftsman House, The Ale and The Witch, Radio St. Pete, 3 Daughters Brewing, Green Bench and all of the other amazing venues that have provided a platform for aspiring aritsts to make their mark and launch their career. Your support of artistic ambition is the reason St. Pete is on the map as the city to not just visit, but live in.
This isn't a definative list! Let us know your favorite Tampa Bay band in a comment.
