These are the bands you should be watching in 2018! PLUS: they are local so you can see them live and support local music!
By Patrick Jude
As a musician, one who has performed on national hippie fests and, more recently, suit and tie Jazz gigs, the part about music that still moves me the most is its unification through diversity. For the most part, everybody has some songs in their music library that would surprise others if they sat down and took a look-through; it certainly couldn’t hurt. Even beyond that, music is a cumulative thing.
Artists draw influences from the past, look at the culture around them, and create towards the future – and become influences thereafter. Central Florida is no stranger to this universal phenomenon, and the music within its communities has shown validity in abundance.
Transcendental Telecom – T.T. is such a smooth blend of sounds. This six-piece draws heavily on Disco / Soul stylings and delivers some of the deepest grooves to make sure your feet keep dancin. Add a touch of outer space, a silky falsetto voice, and a saxophonist; these folks keep it clean.
Comparable to : Chic, Portugal. The Man, The O’Jays.
The Filthy Deniros – The most dangerous duo to ever hit the streets of Orlando took some time off in 2016, but re-emerged with a vengeance last year. Always loud and fast, they’re basically a Thrasher magazine with bloodstains on the booze ads.
Comparable to : FIDLAR, Kyuss
Dougie Flesh & The Slashers – Opa! This four-tet exemplifies crafted musicianship. A collective of Gypsy, Jazz and Folk, Dougie Flesh & The Slashers are one of the most uniquely talented rarities Central Florida has seen in a long time…and they’ve got a helluva fiddle player!
Comparable to : Gogol Bordello, Andrew Jackson Jihad.
Sweet Cambodia – Recently becoming a trio, Sweet Cambodia has reignited their sound and is performing once again. Funk bands sometimes sound like heated up leftovers, but these cats have always pulled it off, and in a way that’s kept fresh. They’re another group that offers the paramount of musicianship.
Comparable to : Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Mars Volta
T-Masc – Rapper T-Masc has been on the come up with a string of recent shows. Definitely a breath of fresh air in the era of mumble rappers, T-Masc brings it loud and clear. His impressive array of videos often feature Central Florida spots, so be sure to peep the content!
Comparable to : Ghostface, Hopsin
With dope new grounds like Henao Contemporary Center and The Vinyl Arts Bar, along with old favorites like The Falcon and Lou’s, Orlando is on the rise and has more than enough talent to fill its venues. There’s something for everybody, and always plenty of options.
**Where we can improve**
The UCF area / East Orlando DESPERATELY needs a venue.
Born and raised in Orlando, and Socialist to the core, Patrick Jude graduated from The University Of Central Florida in 2015. He currently holds a B.A. in English Literature, as well as an A.A. in Jazz Performance from Valencia College. Jude is heavily tattooed, abstains from alcohol and is an avid Packers fan.
