Watch CBS News

Ask A South Florida Expert: Top Ways To Discover New Music

Music is an essential part of the arts scene and discovering new talent and sounds is crucial to a vibrant music scene. Jeff John is the co-owner of 3J Hospitality, which owns Revolution Live, one of the premier live music venues in South Florida. Revolution Live caters to concerts and musicians from a large range of genres so there is a little something for everyone. He shares some tips below on various ways to discover new music and bands in South Florida and beyond.

Jeff John

Revolution Live
100 S.W. Third Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 449-1025
www.jointherevolution.net

As co-owner of 3J Hospitality, Jeff John is an owner and operator of not just Revolution Live but also America's Backyard, Stache 1920's Drinking Den and C.W.S. so he is well versed in the happenings of South Florida. John oversees all aspects of four venues, including managing all bookings and negotiations of concerts and is the relationship manager for Live Nation. Revolution Live is considered one of the top music venues in South Florida since the 1970's. The venue boasts two state of the art stages and has over 27,000 square feet of entertainment space. Be sure to head over and check out their Facebook page and Twitter profile from updates on the latest music playing there!

Follow Music Blogs

John shares that one great way to keep up to date on the music scene is following and reading both local and national music blogs. He even recommends some of his favorites. For national blogs, he recommends Pitchfork and Consequence of Sound. For local South Florida music blogs his top picks are Miami New Times and South Florida Music Obsessed (SFMO).

Use Apps

According to John, apps and even e-newsletters "offer a regular calendar of local live musics." Two examples he gives are Jambase and Bands In Town. He even points out that Bands in Town will "scour your music library and alert you when a band you like or similar comes to town."

Calendars Are Crucial

Look up and follow various local calendars, especially those from local concert halls and music venues. "At Revolution Now, we update our calendar daily and book both national acts and up and coming local artists." John states. Their calendar is present right on their home page or for a more in-depth view visit their Events page directly.

Related: Top Spots To Buy Headphones In South Florida

Inspiration From Festivals

Another way to discover new music is keeping an eye on well-known music festivals. John shares this tip, "Go to the websites of big music festivals happening across the country like Coachella, Bonaroo, or Lollapalooza. These provide a great way to learn about hot bands and you can listen to them online as well as check their tour schedules."

Be Active

One of the best ways to discover new music is being active in the marketplace. "Get out there and check out the live local music scene" John encourages. He elaborates that, "when you are at shows, you'll chat with people and hear what shows they're looking forward to. This helps you learn more about who's up and coming and new places to listen to live music."

Related: Top Up-And-Coming South Florida Bands To Check Out In 2016

Suzy Fielders is a working mom of a spirited 9 year old daughter. She has an MA in Communication Studies and BA in Psychology and Communications. She works in marketing/public relations, is a freelance writer and is very involved in the Winston-Salem community and arts & films scene.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.