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Local Orlando Music Scene Orlando attracts many tourists to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and other theme parks despite the region's high crime rate. The metro area had a population exceeding 2 million people according to the 2010 Census. Campuses include the University of Central Florida, Valencia College and Seminole State College of Florida. The history of the Orlando music scene has included Matchbox Twenty, 'N Sync, Backstreet Boys, Mandy Moore, Michael Johnson and O-Town. The local music scene is covered by The Orlando Sentinal. Addis * Alexandra Amor * Brian Hagan * Crystal Vision * Dealers * Illegal Beats * Irene B * John Mandeville * Jonathan McEuen * Jordan Schrader * Kaitlin Jonez * Kaiydo * Kyler Mo * Latest Legend * Maggie Melville * Marco Gregory * Mike Thomas * Miss Laney Jones * Natural Vibes * Naty Nevix * Nova Lewis * Palmer Reed * Picking Up Napoleon * Ronnie Baker * Roy Jay * SMB Project * Social Ghost * Styles of Saturn * Transmit Now * Orlando Local Music Scene History Like all other cities across America, Orlando was deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic shutdown, which began in March 2020. Aside from virtual shows online, music fans have turned to recording and releasing songs for streaming. The "Road Rave" drive-in music festival that was planned for June 2020 was cancelled. The City of Orlando kicked off a new food and music festival called "Orlando Sound Bites" on April 7, 2018 at Lake Eola Park. Performers at the free event included The Cadillac Three, Sean Holcomb and The Sh-Booms. Participating establishments included Absofruitly, Da Kine Poke, Kefta Moroccan Street Food and others. W Magazine reported in April 2017 that unsigned 20-year-old rapper Kaiydo hit 2 million streams on SoundCloud and nearly 9 million streams on Spotify with his song "Fruit Punch." The song was released in August 2016. Kaiydo, whose real name is Keiondre Boone, grew up in the central Florida town of Ocala and now resides in Orlando. In May the City Council issued a new downtown nightlife ordinance that increases regulations on live music venues. The Orlando Weekly called the ordinance's effect to be "anti-culture." Part of the reason for stricter rules on permits seems to be to stir business toward wealthier and older patrons. Debate continues as to how stricter regulation affects small businesses in the Downtown area. The Orlando Weekly is one of the best sources to learn about what's happening in the Orland music scene. The site offers stories and reviews about local artists and keeps you up to date on local shows with their calendar. The site also features a classifed section through Kaango, allowing musicians and music fans to network. The alternative weekly newspaper is owned by Times Shamrock Communications. It was orignally called the Orange Shopper when it was founded back in the 1980s. Orlando Bands is a site that stays up to date with the local scene. The site offers album reviews, featured artists and other music blogs. It's a site where local artists can gain exposure through interviews and reviews. Some of the local artists that have been featured on this site include Chaddy Boom, The Groove Orient and Marie Miller. The site is a good place for local bands to promote upcoming shows through the calendar. The Florida Music Festival (FMF) will hold its sixteenth annual gathering April 21-23 in Orlando. The event will feature over 150 bands on multiple stages throughout the downtown area. The festival is expected to draw 15,000 people. |
