23 Mar Local Natives: SunFest’s Florida Bands, Part 2

Last week I previewed four Florida acts set to play SunFest. As promised, here are four more local groups you can’t miss.

Afrobeta
Members: Cuci Amador and Tony Smurphio
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Listen up: I first heard about Afrobeta in the days leading up to the 2010 edition of Ultra Music Festival. Miami seemed to be the official cheerleader for the duo, with posters and flyers of that perfect pixelated heart everywhere. (One of the best street team efforts I’ve still seen to date.) They were the local band to see in a stellar lineup that included Passion Pit, the Bloody Beetroots, and Tiesto.

Their set must have been perfection, because that same year the “Cuban-American electro funk” act went on to play Burning Man, New York’s fashion week, and Glastonbury. Glastonbury, folks! An opportunity most bands and artists only dream about.

Now is your chance to catch the terrific twosome on another big stage at SunFest. You’ll need to wear your most comfortable kicks and a pair of bold shades. Afrobeta is going to make you sweat. Don’t miss them on the FPL Stage on Saturday!

Ancient Sun
Members: Rick Krasowski, Tom Shea, Brandon Miller, and Jason Zane
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Listen up: Please, before you read another word, hit play on the music video “Tear You Apart” below. Then scroll back up. Go ahead.

Do you hear that? That rich, delicious saxophone pouring through your speakers? Lead singer Rick Krasowski’s cool and sexy voice seducing your ears?

Ancient Sun, where have you been all my life?

Krasowski, Tom Shea (sax), Brandon Miller (bass), and Jason Zane (drums) have been hiding in Orlando, making sweet sounds that are beginning to seep into the world. They have released a self-titled album and an EP entitled “Number One Rule.” This electric funk rock band has played Florida Music Festival, Orange Blossom Jamboree, and B.e. Easy Music and Arts Festival. Now, they are coming to your backyard.

I want to know more about this band, and when I do, you will too. Until then, keep this song on repeat.

Spred The Dub
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Fla.
Listen up: Reggae is a permanent fixture of our South Florida music scene, and each year I look forward to hearing the beach-bred sounds in early May. If you’re like me, you already have plans to hit the Wailers, but make sure Spred The Dub is also on your schedule.

The funky band began playing their blend of rocksteady, ska and reggae music around South Florida in 2007. In addition to recording and performing their own original jams, the band is cited for playing unique covers of modern classics. Color me curious!

Today, Mick Swigert, Kevin Johnson, John Leonard, Sam Szpendyk, Eric Cohen-Greenberg and Hunter Hutchings are on tour, hitting Colorado, California and Texas, before returning home in time for SunFest.

Shout London
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Listen up: I haven’t forgotten about you, pop-rock lovers! You need to tune your ears to Shout London. This budding band has already had the opportunity to play Vans Warped Tour, and placed in the “top 3” for Orlando’s Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands.

Shortly after forming, Shout London released a self-titled EP to the Internet community. They attribute engaging with their fans and an active social media presence to their rising success. They currently have 30K+ Twitter followers. Impressive, boys!

If you are a fan of Mayday Parade or All Time Low, you will love the heart-skipping sounds of Shout London. Check out their track “Until It Comes Back,” below.

Keep an ear out for other local wonders at SunFest! I can’t wait to preview and cover the Daniel Heitz Band, Jesse Young, Victims of Circumstance, and many more.