Chris Miller of Electronic SubSouth explains his role in the Florida music scene:

REAX:  What was your inspiration to start producing live gigs, and when was your first event?  What parts of the experience made you decide to dig in and keep going?

Chris Miller:  From the mid-1990's through 2004 there were little to no live electronic music events happening in Gainesville.  I was tired of having to drive out of town to see touring and regional acts.  No local venues or promoters seemed to be interested in anything but rock and punk.  In April 2004, I decided that unless I did something about it myself, nothing was going to change.  I contacted the small group of active musicians I knew and organized a house show the next month. With no experience doing shows or promotion, we had an enthusiastic outpouring of around 30-40 people.  The intent was for a long-term venture with the mission of convincing local promoters and venues that people were indeed interested in live electronic music.  By devoting ourselves to organizing a monthly series of showcases, we have established a regular and loyal following of folks hungry for live electronic music.

REAX:  The genres of artists that your Electronic SubSouth shows feature span such a wide variety.  What determines whether a band is Electronic?

CM:  The purpose of these events is to showcase the different types of beat-oriented, melodic compositional electronic music.  There's 8-Bit, Big Beat, Bliss-Out, Cold Wave, Drill 'N' Bass, Electroclash, Electropunk, IDM, Industrial, New Wave, Nu-Electro, Synthpop, Weirdoid Electronica and on and on and on.  Bands that use primarily electronic instruments, and have a sense of performance & image are what we're focused on. Electronic SubSouth is generally steering clear of acts that use mainly traditional Rock instruments.  If a band has one or more guitarists, with keyboards as a rhythm or backing instrument, you are not an electronic band. Those scenes are already well established and we desperately want to promote something new here in Florida.

REAX:  Recently you have begun experimenting towards more Industrial / Gothic territories.  What prompted the progression?

CM:  We have always tried to incorporate Industrial music into our shows.  It's been difficult finding worthwhile regional Industrial acts.  What is currently considered "Industrial" sadly, is the equivalent of Trance and a sub-sect of Rave culture.  Sifting through all of the VNV Nation clones has been a challenge.  Hopefully this is a temporary thing and soon the next Industrial Revolution will kick in.

REAX:  With the growth of the guitar-based indie scene and proliferation of live musical acts, what is the parallel in the Electronic sector?

CM:  Electroclash and Synthpop have been around before the recent indie dance wave, but guitar hegemony still seems to rule.  Occasionally you'll hear some electronic tracks in the mix, but they hold a marginalized ranking in favor of the hackneyed driving guitar and bass.  There are some regional DJs who I notice dole out a more even-handed and innovative selection. Black Victor in Orlando or Diisco Viirus in Gainesville have success with Synthpop & Electroclash nights.

REAX:  Our publication offers full coverage of Central Florida's music scenes, from Gainesville to Orlando to Tampa Bay to Sarasota.  I envision a supreme cohesion between the regions that will eventually benefit all involved.  How do you plan to work ESS into this new paradigm?

CM:  Currently I am networking the main metropolitan areas: Gainesville, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tallahassee and Tampa.  We are searching for musicians, promoters, and venues interested in the proliferation of a thriving live electronic music scene.  One existed in the late 80's / early 90's, so there's reason to believe it can again be sustained. The bands and the fans exist, it's just difficult finding promoters and venues who are open to something else besides the cookie cutter guitar, drum, bass, vocal combo.  There seems to be an established close-minded pseudo-misogynistic stance among those controlling the existing live music scene that electronic music is pussified and effeminate.  This conservative irrationality is effectively blocking an entire genre of music from being heard on the radio, in the clubs, in the live venues, etc.  By fostering a live electronic music movement throughout Florida, we hope to offer interesting alternatives to the status quo.

REAX:  Being exposed to so many artists via ESS and your shows, it makes sense that you would fancy starting a label to further glorify particular bands that resonate with you and need to be properly exposed. So...?

CM:  I do not want to start a label.  Electronic SubSouth exists solely as a catalyst for the proliferation of a healthy electronic music scene in Gainesville and ultimately throughout the rest of Florida.  There are already plenty of record labels out there, and I encourage them all to check out the "Musicians" link on our website.  I've compiled a list of Florida electronic musicians by city at  ElectronicSubSouth.com.  There are plans in the works for releasing a series of compilations showcasing the "State of the Scene", but these are for documentation and promotional purposes only.  What I'm doing with Electronic SubSouth is work enough.  Ultimately, I just want to be the guy waiting in line to buy the ticket to see the band.

Learn more about Electronic SubSouth at: www.electronicsubsouth.com