WJCT Public Media and the Jacksonville Music Experience are putting the spotlight on the artists making noise in Northeast Florida, presenting three unique nights of music at three different venues around Jacksonville.
On Thursday, April 21, the JME Showcase Series moves to Downtown Jacksonville’s Underbelly for stop #2, where we’ll bring another diverse, all-local lineup to the stage, with singer-songwriter Bad Madonna, indie-folk artist Howdy, nu-wave band Seagate, indie-pop standout Huan and hip-hop collective L.O.V.E. Culture.
Doors at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.
Dig in deeper on the local artists performing at Underbelly
L.O.V.E. Culture
On the heels of a promotional campaign with big-time beverage brand Sprite, Duval hip-hop collective L.O.V.E. Culture released perhaps the most talked about local record of the year in the summer of 2021: 1827 N Pearl. Featuring five artists with distinctive skillsets––Che Forreign, Rob Mari, Spiritxiii, Flash the Samurai and Easyin2d––the group finds strength in numbers, as well as individually within themselves, via a chill-wave, downtempo collection of harmonious hip-hop and emotionally intelligent rhymes that, even when crossing into the braggadocious, more often cite spiritual searching and self-actualization strategies rather than any hollow get-money posturing. Read JME’s review of 1827 N Pearl here.
– Stream 1827 N Pearl on Spotify
Huan
Since 2020, indie-pop singer-songwriter Juan Mallorca has been riding the chill wave of several sunny, approachable singles under his nom de plume Huan, showing off his versatility with silky-smooth vocals and understated musicianship on songs like “Days” and “Idle Mind.” Read why Huan was named one of JME’s 10 Jacksonville Artists to Watch in 2022 here.
– Stream “Idle Mind” on Spotify
Seagate
Though they draw their name from a Neptune Beach thoroughfare, Seagate’s sound could easily have emanated from Manchester, UK circa 1982. On tunes like “Dog Days,” propelled by lush sonic layers and frontman Sam Baglino’s brooding vocals and vibrato-heavy rhythm guitar, Seagate’s music calls to mind The Smiths’ mid-80s opus The Queen is Dead. Read a review of Seagate’s “Only You” on jaxmusic.org.
– Stream “Dog Days” on Spotify
Howdy
Indie vaquero Landon Gay, aka Howdy, has carved out a nice niche in the local music scene, mining a novel brand of Americana with a modern sonic toolkit and original songwriting. On tunes like “El Paso” and “Stay in LA,” Howdy tackles pining ballads with indie sensibilities. Read a review of Howdy’s “Stay in L.A.” on jaxmusic.org.
– Stream “El Paso” on Spotify
Bad Madonna
Though she released her debut single in January of 2022, Alexis Rhodes, aka Bad Madonna, is well-known among the city’s insular community of song crafters for her top-flight voice, melodic sensibility and lyrical dexterity. Bad Madonna’s debut EP is expected later this year. Read a review of the single, “High Resolution” on jaxmusic.org.
– Watch the video for “High Resolution”
About JME
From WJCT Public Media, the Jacksonville Music Experience is a nonprofit, publicly supported music platform based in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to WJCT’s three music stations (Classical 24, Anthology, and The Independent), Music Thursdays on Jax PBS, and live events from the WJCT Soundstage, JME features curated playlists, reviews, profiles, music history, think-pieces and concert recommendations.
