28 Apr Local Love: Florida’s Favorites – Part II

SunFest is right around the corner, and it’s time to share the second half of our local natives. You already know and love Flo Rida, but as you’re putting the finishing touches on your SunFest schedule, make sure you add in these talented musicians from our Sunshine State!

Joe Galaxy

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Listen Up: The only person who might be more excited for SunFest than me is the bombastic Joe Galaxy. He has been posting about the festival for weeks and making hordes of new fans in the process.

Galaxy is described as a “multi-hybrid rhymer,” carefully blending techno and a pop with rock and hip-hop. His influences can be found in your favorites collection– including Beethoven, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and Lil Wayne.

I’m intrigued by Galaxy’s look, demeanor, and sound. While studying to grab a college degree in computer science, Galaxy first began experimenting with music. An encounter with artist and Still Hustlin CEO, Renegade Foxxx, helped elevate Galaxy’s sound. Together, they wrote “Crazy Sexy” and “Bankroll.” Their track “Walk It” also features SunFest veteran Pitbull.

My favorite song by Galaxy is “I’m So Drunk.” I’m literally laughing out loud writing that. His music is playful, crafted for packed beachside clubs on a Saturday night, and begs you to move. Galaxy promises to bring a party to our Ford Stage this Friday— and you shouldn’t miss a second of it.

Luxury of Company

Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida

Listen Up: West Palm Beach’s own Bryan Wohlust is the head of the Luxury of Company, an indie-folk, dancehall band formed in 2010. A solo project expanded– Wohlust now performs with fellow musicians Nick Eberhardt, Chris Cartrett, Rob Nieminen, and Chris Wood.

Luxury of Company’s song spin stories of love, family, and regrets. The boys’ mix of folk, reggae, and rock is endlessly appealing. Creeping on Wohlust’s Soundcloud, I’m falling in love with the easy and introspective “Architects.” It’s also worth mentioning that the group’s sound will settle exceptionally well with Weezer fans. If you’re joining us for Rivers Cuomo, make sure you snag some Tire Kingdom shade on Saturday.

Magic City Hippies

Hometown: Miami, Florida

Listen Up: If I was handing out awards for best band names, Magic City Hippies would definitely take home a medal. I’d also consider them one of my favorite finds in this year’s beautiful lineup.

The story goes that lead singer Robby Hunter was balancing old school hip-hop covers with original sounds on the streets of Miami when some Coconut Grove Police asked him to cease and desist…or play in a real bar. Hunter opted for the latter, wrangling multi-instrumentalists Pat Howard and John Coughlin to form a bonafide band.

Their social media reads, “Miami-based Indie funk band, dusted with a taste of hip-hop, and baked in an oven of soul.” I can confirm that’s more or less accurate. But behind their slo-mo, sweatband, fake stache videos featuring curvaceous women, green screens, and wild shirts there is real talent. Magic City Hippies can cast spells through sound.

Grab an early afternoon cocktail, and get to the Ford Stage early on Saturday.

Rocket To Anywhere

Hometown: West Palm Beach

Listen Up: This talented indie rock act began as a solo project by Ben Crane, but quickly couldn’t be contained and expanded into a full band. Julian Montes plays bass, Andrew Conrady on synths, Luke Helvey on drums, and Joel Henson on lead guitar.

Crane lists the band’s influences as Jon Foreman, Ed Sheeran, and Brendan Benson. The band’s sound is delicious– effortless, salty, and makes me proud to be from Florida. In 2016, they won the South Florida Rock Showdown.

You can catch them on Saturday near sunset on the Tire Kingdom Stage.