The Official Unofficial Gainesville Playlist: Local and Regional Bands to Watch

I don’t think I truly learned to love Gainesville until I really dove headfirst into the music scene here. And what an irreversible act that was. It should be one of the seven deadly sins to live in a place that spawns such raw talent and to not take the time to indulge in it.

So here it is, the cure to your over-used, comfort blanket of a playlist! It might be just a small wedge of the artists from Gainesville and those who travel here regularly, but it’s a start.

Younger- The Hails

Someone very close to me said that listening to Younger is like staring at a sunset and that it warms your body like the color orange. You’re absolutely trapped in the moment while simultaneously thirsting for some unidentifiable feeling from the past. Known for their uninhibited live performances, The Hails have developed into a staple of the Gainesville culture. Officially existing in the world for only a few short weeks, this new release has propelled the group to the brink of something truly immense.

Churches- flipturn

I was recently out of the country with no internet connection for a week, and it was a daily regret that I hadn’t downloaded this song to my Spotify before leaving. The second I got back to the coveted land of Wi-Fi, this was one of the first tracks I queued up. With their growing popularity beyond the Gainesville area, flipturn really knocked it out of the park with their latest release. Lead singer, Dillon Basse, has this absolutely electrifying voice that pairs perfectly with the energy brought by the rest of the group. Everything about this track makes you want to forget what you’re doing and make some potentially ill-advised decisions.

Muse- King Complex

A familiar name and a repeat offender on GainesvilleScene, we couldn’t not include King Complex. Because let’s face it, they’re doing something that no other Florida artist is doing…they wear freaking masks and put on one of the most cryptic shows you’ll ever go to. I’ve had the entire “Phase //” album on repeat since December and Muse has grown to be one of my enduring playlist essentials. Although the indie electronic duo isn’t from Gainesville, they grace our city with their presence around once a month and their fan-base continues to broaden and intensify.

Doing the Best I Can- Wild Pines

One of my friends recommended I listen to Wild Pines after she saw him play in Gainesville last year. I don’t know where I was at that night, but I messed up by not being at that show. Doing the Best I Can off of the “Permanent Headspace” EP is one of those songs that anyone can relate to on a level that you can only understand within yourself. Simply put, it’s a song for contemplation.

Peachy- Retrolux

I’ve had the chance to work with Retrolux a few times before, and I think knowing this song is to know the synth pop duo personally. There’s so much fluidity and transparency in this song that just seems to make the sky a little bluer while you’re listening to it. Peachy is how you should hope to feel when you’re with the person you love. Retrolux stays busy gigging around Gainesville, so there’s no excuse to not make it out to a show from time to time.

Polaris- Glass House Point

Four-piece alt-rock band Glass House Point is no stranger to the stages of Gainesville. I caught their set at The Atlantic last weekend and hearing Polaris live was a sobering experience. The emotionally charged lyrics of the song and the intensity of their performance washed over the room. You could physically feel the song hit the crowd. This track is one of those songs that you think about hours later and can’t get off your mind.

Blue Jay- The Forum

Off of their sophomore EP “Illuminate,” this song has the capacity to chill you to the core. The moody vibe of Blue Jay hits you in the way that only music can. Going into listening to this song, you have to be ready for the way it is going to make you feel. The Forum travel all over the state of Florida to perform, but we are lucky enough to have them call Gainesville their home base.

I think it’s a little too easy to forget how amazing it is to live in such a hot spot for up-and-coming talent. That being said, showing support to your friendly neighborhood musician has never been more important. The music culture of our city is ever-changing and continuously growing as new artists make their way into the spotlight.

If there’s any artists you’re into right now, we’d love to hear what tracks you’re digging.

To make your local listening experience a little easier, all of these songs can be found on a playlist here.

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