Music Scene in Jacksonville (Gainesville, University: fit in, rent, cheap house)

[gerasiap2]

Hey everyone. I'm a musician from Charlotte, NC looking to possibly relocate my band to the Jacksonville area ([url=http://www.myspace.com/livalierocks][LIVALIE] on MySpace Music - Free Streaming MP3s, Pictures & Music Downloads[/url]). I've done a lot of online research about the city but would like to get more information from people actually living in the area. Here are a few questions:

How supportive are people of new music? Do most venues have built in crowds?

What are some venues that unsigned rock bands could possibly play at?

Are there any stand out local rock bands in the area?

Do local radio stations support local musicians?

What type of music seems to be the most popular in the area?

Also, in terms of living situations, we're looking to most likely rent a house. Any advice on affordable locations would be greatly appreciated.

If there's any other general advice or information you'd like to share, please do. Thanks for your time!

[LA-VA-FL]

I know that there are quite a few smaller venues that play local artists (ocean club, plush, and a couple venues in riverside (five points). There are many other bar type places that play local acts. Freebird Live plays many well known acts and often has local lesser known bands open for them.

Popular bands that came out of Jacksonville are: Shinedown, Yellow Card, JJ Grey & Mofro, Limp Bizkit, Molly Hatchet, .38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd.. and there are few more recent rock bands that I cant think of right now (just to name a few)

I mean Jax isnt nashville, or memphis, but there is a solid local music scene.

[projectmaximus]

Originally Posted by gerasiap2

Hey everyone. I'm a musician from Charlotte, NC looking to possibly relocate my band to the Jacksonville area

With all due respect...why??? Jax is just not a city I would ever expect a band to relocate to for no reason. It's not that it's a bad city for a band, but I mean, it's not a step forward. Why would you want to move your band here unless you have a connection to the city or some ulterior motive that would make this all more logical? I don't know...I'm not trying to discourage you completely, but just don't expect the music scene to be any better here than Charlotte.

Originally Posted by gerasiap2

Do most venues have built in crowds?

No.

Originally Posted by gerasiap2

What are some venues that unsigned rock bands could possibly play at?

There are a handful of places. LA-VA named a few...there's also Jack Rabbits, Murray Hill (if you're Christian-sympathetic), some place called The Pit? Venues change names a lot and/or close. I have been out of the scene for a few years and it seems like forever the way things are changing.

Originally Posted by gerasiap2

Are there any stand out local rock bands in the area?

Still in the area? A lot of bands leave when they get big. LA-VA listed most of the ones that have ever gained national exposure. To that list we could add Cold (I think they might have had a song or two on MTV), Burn Season (ditto), Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (kinda big now arent they?), and prob the only Jax band I actually really like: The Black Kids. Also Ray Charles lived here for a year when he was younger and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill spent a few years in the area. Not too shabby, but certainly nothing special for a big city.

Originally Posted by gerasiap2

Do local radio stations support local musicians?

I think so?

Originally Posted by gerasiap2

What type of music seems to be the most popular in the area?

Country? Maybe oldies and southern rock tie for second? I'm just guessing from what I remember most of the radio stations offering.

Originally Posted by gerasiap2

Also, in terms of living situations, we're looking to most likely rent a house. Any advice on affordable locations would be greatly appreciated.

Cheap houses? I dunno...look everywhere except Ortega, Ponte Vedra, and all of the gated communities spread throughout the city.

Originally Posted by gerasiap2

If there's any other general advice or information you'd like to share, please do. Thanks for your time!

While you're at it, maybe look into Gainesville. It's a college town atmosphere (University of Florida) with a rather strong music scene. And props for the music. Not my favorite style but I think it's pretty good nevertheless.

Originally Posted by LA-VA-FL

I know that there are quite a few smaller venues that play local artists (ocean club, plush, and a couple venues in riverside (five points).

Did Fuel close? I think I read that somewhere...if so, that's unfortunate.

[southgeorgia]

Originally Posted by projectmaximus

While you're at it, maybe look into Gainesville. It's a college town atmosphere (University of Florida) with a rather strong music scene.

that's what i recommend. although the punk/hardcore scene is the strongest there, your band might find a larger following in gainesville.

[gaflsc]

Remember, this is the town that Skynard built. Country & Southern Rock are big here, but so is alternative or "active" rock. If you fit into that niche, google "folio weekly" for local happenings & such. Also, if you're not too bad, check out the website for WPLA as well as the new rock station X102.9. They may have ways for you to submit your music.