en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:25:21 GMT 15 By Jacob Nelson/Entertainment Editor
Since I was old enough to appreciate good music, I realized it often times does not find its way to or from Miami. Because of its inconvenient location for touring bands, Miami has never been a hospitable place for aspiring musicians. But it’s getting better, and faster than we know. This year, seven bands originating from Florida were invited to the South by Southwest Festival in Texas, an annual weeklong concert in March filled with major record label scouts trying to find new groups to recruit. This is same festival that discovered Weezer and Beck, and now Florida bands have been invited for their shot at success. Other March music festivals, like Langerado, Ultra Music Festival and the Global Gathering, all came to Miami this year, giving new strength to our music scene by bringing in bands that would normally be unable to make the trip. Bands have always been hesitant of making trips to Miami because of its separation from the rest of the country. Though Greater Miami is one the country’s largest metropolitan areas, it often is not profitable for bands to spend the gas money to cut through the rest of Florida on tour, as there are few major cities on the way. These festivals, however, offer more significant incentives to bands, as they often bring in thousands of spectators. According to a Miami Herald article, these music festivals are making a move south because of its warm weather and because Miami has long been a second home to thousands of college students on spring break, many of whom attend these events. Bringing bands like Wilco, The Killers, Nine Inch Nails and Busta Rhymes to our doorstep, these festivals offer performances for anyone interested in any kind of music. What’s even more impressive is the effort students have made to accomplish similar goals. Those who attended J-Stock, the music festival planned and performed by students held on March 25, witnessed firsthand how our music scene is growing, and how even teenagers have the ability to improve upon it. And, of course, there will always be room to improve. But it’s nice to know we’re finally getting somewhere. ]]> Tue, 04 Apr 2006 15:49:00 GMT