History is one of Orlando’s best, yet underappreciated bands. Their sound draws from diverse influences, leaving the listener with loud, dynamically rich songs.

I had a chance to sit down with the quintet after their set at the New World last month.

REAX: What’s going on in the Orlando music scene?

MATT: There’s really only one club that any band can play in Orlando, and that’s Will’s Pub. And it’s going to be closed really soon.

MELISSA: There are so many good bands in Orlando, but as far as promotion and support from the venues, it doesn’t really happen.

MATT: I think what has caused a lot the problem is that local bands don’t play on national shows anymore. I mean financially speaking, clubs don’t really need local bands to make money. But here, when some one like Jack from AES gets a national show, he almost always puts a local band on the bill.

SCOTT: Also, a few years ago there was more of a community for local bands in Orlando. It’s slowly fallen apart in the past year or so.

REAX: How do feel about playing in Tampa?

MELISSA: We love it. We receive more respect and attention in Tampa then our own hometown. It’s seems like good things are happening for local musicians.

PATRICK: It used to be that Tampa didn’t have a good music scene, but now we come over here and it’s better than Orlando for us.

MATT: Here people are really nice. After a show they come up to the merch-table and talk to us. Everyone’s very genuine.

If you haven’t seen History, make plans to catch them opening for (what is shaping up to be one of the biggest shows of the year) the Auto! Automatic!! CD release party at the Orpheum. Don’t’ forget to stop by their merch-table and say hello.