Across the central plain of this great state we call Florida; there lay two burgeoning music scenes gazing at each other on either side of the I-4 corridor.  Whilst some may claim a rift is growing, I choose to believe that a galvanization of central Florida’s indie music scene is keyed by cooperation, which is something we here in Tampa need to learn a lot about.  A shining example of unity is being set by group of individuals who transcend both cities, with members spread across the bay area and Orlando.  I am speaking of the Sugar Oaks, whose Dylan inspired combination of soul, blues and folk has won crowds over repeatedly at both ends of I-4’s spectrum and beyond.  

The Sugar Oaks were formed just off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, in Clearwater, Florida during the winter months of the year 2000.  Their line-up consists of Eric Hayden, Chris Belt, Soraya Zaumeyer, Matt Gersting, and Steven Hobbs.  With roots in the Tampa, their members are now spread across the center of the sunshine state, with Steven and Soraya residing in the Bay area, while the rest of the members call Orlando home.  They play shows with a quiet confidence and precision that has created fans, and made friends in both growing music scenes.  The members are a rich tapestry of musical styles, influenced by the likes of Steely Dan, Wolf Parade, The Talking Heads, Nirvana and My Bloody Valentine.    

Recently at a crossroads, the Oaks have taken the plunge with their bitter sweet, indie blues sound and have finished recording a five song EP due out sometime this fall.  They take their craft very seriously and put an amazing amount of time, energy and mileage into recording and mixing their work.  The journey, which began with recording sessions in Clearwater, continued to Orlando (where Eric, Chris and Matt are permanently based) and even, took some of them as far as Kansas City, where they mixed their record on the same console used on Michael Jackson’s masterpiece, Thriller.  Quite a lot of work for a five song EP, but rest assured their efforts were not wasted, and this could be the new sound that so many of you are looking for.

Unfortunately for us, they have been on a bit of a hiatus whilst assembling their EP.  Fortunately for you, they have a slew of shows upcoming this fall in support of their record, and fueled by the love for both of their scenes.  Catching the Sugar Oaks is an easy way to help build a bridge and support two exciting young scenes at one time.
For more information on the Sugar Oaks, check out their page: www.thesugaroaks.com