13 Apr New Noise: The Sounds To See At SunFest (Part II)
A few weeks ago, I previewed a few of the talented acts joining us at SunFest 2018. Today, I share part two! Be sure to check out these incredible artists ahead of the start of SunFest.
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Pairs Well With: Backyard BBQs, your collection of Paul McCartney songs
Listen: I have to read a lot of press releases, and most of them follow the same, simple script. Richmond’s Sleepwalkers know to grab my attention though:
It was the winter of 2013, when a casual lunch at Burger King manifested the hearts of four lost souls and transformed the gang into an unstoppable courier of smash hits.
I literally laughed out loud.
Austin and Michael York, Alex De Jong, Mike “Sweats Magnum” Bryant, and Jacob Shank are the men behind the Sleepwalkers’ delicious dirty pop sound. The groovy, quirky rockers have drawn fair comparisons to Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Tame Impala, and cite their own influences from artists like Peter Gabriel, The Kinks, and Mac DeMarco. Your ears should absolutely be intrigued.
In addition to their own extensive catalog of songs, I read the Sleepwalkers do a mean cover of the Jurassic Park Theme. Fingers crossed we get to hear it on Saturday, May 5!
Recommendations: “Run Right Back,” “Breaking My Heart”
Hometown: Jupiter, Florida
Pairs Well With: A Friday night by a body of water
Listen: The String Assassins might be the best band name I’ve heard in awhile. I always try to assume the sound of a band based on name alone, but I was not prepared for the incredible talent possessed by this quintet.
Hailing from sunny South Florida, Mark Shubert (vocals/guitar), Matt Gill (vocals/guitar/banjo), Jay Kuchera (guitar), Dennis Lasher (vocals/upright and electric bass), and Paddy King (fiddle/mandolin/cello) create heart-racing, foot-stompin, funky jam band magic. Together, they weave rock, punk, and bluegrass flavors together. Any band with an upright bass and a fiddle deserves some special attention.
In addition to their own original songs, expect a jaw-dropping twists on songs by Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, America, and The Cure. Don’t miss these local natives on Saturday, May 5.
Recommendations: “Fire on the Mountain”
Hometown: Tampa Bay, Florida
Pairs Well With: Camping in the spring, getting your homework done
Listen: The Ries Brothers, Kevin and Charlie, have an incredible talent for blurring rock, reggae, blues, and funk into their own unique, quick-to-love sound. The brothers (whose last name is pronounced “Rees”) have shared the stage with some impressive acts— touring with Butch Trucks and Chicago.
The story goes that five years ago, Kevin and Charlie participated in the Grammy Museum’s Music Revolution Project. That well-deserved opportunity led to a gig at the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, and then more invitations to play more stages and shows. The brothers have opened for Los Lonely Boys, David Cook, Daughtry, and REO Speedwagon.
Check them out on Sunday, May 6, on the JetBlue Stage.
Recommendations: “Street Lights”