Edmondson Live at Heartwood: Why Band and Venue Are the Perfect Fit

In the era when music festivals are documented on social media, A-listers tour the world and static-filled arenas become the only outlet to see international acts, many show-goers view concerts solely as parties. Dancing among sweaty crowds and getting rowdy with friends is often just as much a part of the concert experience as the live music.

Yet, most of us cherish any opportunity to catch our favorite bands away from the noise, somewhere smaller, more private and personal, and Gainesville is no stranger to this concept. Since its opening in February, Heartwood Soundstage continues to develop its reputation as a venue that prioritizes attention and intimacy.

“It feels fantastic to be in front of active listeners,” said Robert Edmondson. “That’s precious nowadays.”

“We wanted a place where people really focused on the music,” said co-owner Dave Melosh about the venue, which also serves as a recording studio.

Heartwood Soundstage offers musicians the opportunity to live stream their concerts online and at the venue’s separate indoor and outdoor areas, as well as record live albums and video footage of their performances.

“One of the depressing things about booking a show is that you work so hard, and then the show happens, and then it’s kind of gone,” Melosh said. “I like the idea of recording those moments to relive and even share with people outside of Gainesville.”

Edmondson, a band formed by two brothers from Hollywood, Florida, will play there Saturday, celebrating the release of its debut album, “Strange Durations,” its first show in Gainesville and the final date of its most recent tour.

“It feels fantastic to be in front of active listeners,” said Robert Edmondson. “That’s precious nowadays.”

 

“There’s something about Gainesville that encourages that kind of self-driven creative exploration and experimentation.”

The band released “Strange Durations” this month under Elestial Sound, a Gainesville-based record label. However, the Edmondson brothers, Robert, 25, and Jack, 22, worked on the album for the past three years and mixed most of it at home, Robert said.

“I wanted to do a very personal project, to take my time with it and to do something that I felt could last,” he said.

In 2014, he moved to Sacramento, California, and started composing on his landlord’s piano. He and his brother recorded the rest of the instruments, including guitar, bass, percussion, saxophone and violin, in California, Florida and Spain between 2015 and 2016.

The time the Edmondsons spent in Gainesville as University of Florida students influenced their songs and shaped their careers in music. Robert said the sense of community and creative collaboration among Gainesville’s artists is one he has not found in all the cities where he has lived.

“When I graduated in 2013, I was just a patron at those Elestial Sound shows,” he said. “I loved the music I was hearing from them. They inspired me to believe in myself and the possibility of making music regularly. There’s something about Gainesville that encourages that kind of self-driven creative exploration and experimentation.”

Saturday’s concert is free and open to the public at 619 S. Main St. It will start at 8 p.m. and feature the Edmondson brothers with Ryan O’Malley on the drums and Nick Mendez playing the bass. Local artist Levek will open the show.

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