22 Apr Local Natives: Part 3
For all you fans of beach-born sounds, I have my third and last installment of “Local Natives” for you. There are so many local bands performing at SunFest this year, and that I’m thankful we will have the opportunity to see and support our Florida friends.
Hometown: Miami, FL
Listen up: Kicking off SunFest’s first day is 19-year-old, pop singer-songwriter Deja Elyze (Yardij is her band.) The singer, of both Cuban and Venezuelan descent, is said to blend and channel styles of other great female singers, including Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Lady Gaga, and Pink.
When she was just 9 years old, Elyze placed second in the Buscando Voces, a tri-state singing competition with 500 contestants. If she was a fantastic singer then, imagine what her pipes can do now.
You may have actually seen her perform locally already, as she has opened many charity events in South Florida, including Our Kids, Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, and Tour De Broward.
And, as you’ll see in the song below, she does an amazing job at covering Foo Fighters, which is a great feat itself.
Song: “Best of You” (Foo Fighters cover)
Members: Durik Comtois (bass guitar/vocals), Evan Comtois (drums/keys/vocals), and Jordan Telesca (guitars/sax/backup vocals)
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Listen up: Durik and Evan, identical twin brothers, have grown up surrounded by music, in a family of trained vocalists and performers. The addition of a guitarist gave the brothers a complete sound and Kasson was born.
At a glance, I foolishly thought that I wouldn’t be a big fan of Kasson’s sound, but I’m here to tell you now I’m probably most excited to see their set next week of all these local acts. I was taken aback by Durik’s beautiful vocals, the lovely piano woven into their tracks, and the maturity in their craft.
I’ve listened to “Gold” about a million times in the past week. Kasson is on the money crediting Young the Giant as an influencer. Their sound is incredible similar, which is a massive compliment. Fans of Copeland, Imagine Dragons, and Fall Out Boy will also love this trio. Kasson is a delicious mix of alternative rock and indie pop. I can close my eyes and picture their songs all over the radio, and you singing along.
The boys have played smaller state festivals like Axis Magazine’s Big O Fest, but now is time for their SunFest debut. Find me in the crowd and lets sway together.
Song: “Gold”
Members: Colin Paterson (guitar, lead vocals), Kevin Beaugrand (bass, vocals), Lukas Costas (keys, saxophone, guitar, vocals), and Niko Costas (drums)
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Listen up: Another band that has managed to grab my attention and selfishly hold it is the sunny side-up Sidereal. Their sweet and savory rock-reggae style is quirky and thoughtfully edited. I’m impressed Sidereal, I like what you’re putting down!
The band formed in high school, and the boys have since released a single, EP, and full length album, “On The Rocks.” (Their website is also very well done for a budding band, the intro video is wonderful.)
Also worth noting, the band was awarded “The One Spark Music Jurors Award” at the One Spark 2014 event in Jacksonville, after presenting a proposal for a Central American tour in 2015. According to their press release, the project “aims to bring musical instruments and equipment, and other arts and crafts resources, to local communities across the region to provide an outlet for expressing their artistic passions.”
Get to SunFest early on Sunday to see them!
Song: “Before I Go” http://youtu.be/zYZ9RxNVKTo
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Listen up: Taking on the FPL stage on Saturday night is Tampa’s JS. Son of an R&B pop star and a professional saxophonist, JS channels popular artists like T.I., Wiz Khalifa, and Young Jeezy to deliver his own blend of hip-hop music.
JS draws influences from Motown funk, hardcore hip-hop, and mainstream musical content.
JS should put on a loud show for a great crowd on Saturday. If you’re young and always looking to listen to the next hottest act, JS is your scene. But if you have young children, be wary, as this young performer has very colorful lyrics.
Song: “Floatin”
Members: Trevor Hastings (vocals), Michael Strippoli (guitar), Luke Melsenti (guitar), Madison Macko (bass), and Benjamin Melsenti (drums)
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Listen up: In 2010, these five talented musicians came together to create something new. Two years later, the band released their first album, “Bad Luck Glory,” and began touring extensively in the U.S.
They now have a new undertaking: recording and releasing one single a month for the near future. The campaign is currently live on Indiegogo, and the video can give you a little more insight into the personalities in the group.
They have a harder rock sound, and I’ve read from other reviews that this group does a mean cover of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Fingers crossed we hear it in West Palm next week!
Song: “My Turn”
See you next week everybody!