With a lineup that makes any avid music fan swoon, Okeechobee Music Festival has been listed as a top music destination of 2016 by New York Times and has quickly become a coveted act to book for bands. Big names like Kendrick Lamar, Skrillex, Mumford and Sons and ODESZA – just to name a few of the over 750 artists – will all be gracing the four-day festival.
The Gainesville music scene will not go unrepresented in the festival’s first year. Local talent, Flat Land, competed and landed one of those coveted spots to perform amongst some of the biggest names in music. This five-piece band has gone from a local favorite playing at humble venues to featured on sites like MTV. The ethereal funk group draws influence from bands like Alabama Shakes, Beck and Led Zeppelin.
“We couldn’t be more honored to have an opportunity like this. Some of the musicians playing this festival are our heroes. It’s a dream come true to have a chance to play at the same event.” said Fae Nageon de Lestang, lead singer and violinist of Flat Land.
Another band born right here in the Swamp, Locochino, is competing in the upcoming Destination Okeechobee Battle of the Bands this Friday in Jacksonville. The progressive/alternative rock group will be competing to join Flat Land on the lineup. Locochino has reached out to the local music scene and fans to show their support in attendance and voting. To show the locals some love, they’ll also be throwing a pregame for all your transportation and alcohol related needs.
For any band, the festival provides exposure on a massive platform. It’s that first domino that falls- when the little guy becomes not so little anymore. For any fan, it’s a place to unearth underground talent and see the names you’ve always had on that bucket list.
So whether you’re counting down the days to your next festival venture or guiltily regretting saving that paycheck, remember that peppered throughout the talent lies some well-deserved notoriety for some hard working acts out of little ole Gainesville.
