Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason & Linda Lee.
Hi Jason & Linda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The Story of Jason Lee and Linda Marie is in the music:
Jason grew up in Pittsburgh and got into full-time music after college. He traveled with a touring band for many years; after that, he settled in Georgia, opened a music store, and started the Georgia chapter of the Cyclones band. Over around twenty years, his business grew to include a stage and sound production. Jason was involved in his small community, teaching music lessons, doing guitar repairs, and hosting a stage and sound for large concerts with national acts. But life was changing, and he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life married to a store. So, he sold everything and decided to move to Florida and share his music there. He spent most of 2017 traveling and visiting friends and family. He lived in his camper with his dog and checked out many different towns. He wanted to find a new home where he could play music full-time and enjoy the freedom of a simple life. Eventually, he decided that he loved the beaches and the music scene of Volusia County’s Space Coast.
Linda grew up in Titusville, Florida. Her mother was an artist, and her father was in the Air Force and worked at the Space Center. She grew up running around the many art festivals in Florida, camping, and spending much time at the beach. In later years, she became an artist working with oils on canvas. Her dad was a pastor of a church, and she loved the music and sang from time to time. She learned to play the guitar as a hobby, occasionally played special music for church functions, and attended an occasional open mic. Years passed, and Linda wound up in New Smyrna Beach. She worked in the hospitality industry and ended up singing with local bands from time to time. In 2013, she started playing music professionally; she played solo at many local venues and began working with various local musicians. She also began hosting the “Nuthouse Jam” at Peanuts in New Smyrna Beach.
That is where it all began for the Florida chapter of the band, “The Legendary Cyclones.” Jason was walking down Flagler Avenue to check out the Jam when he heard Linda singing. After some time, he came in and signed up to play. When he started singing, Linda couldn’t resist getting up to join in with some harmony. It was magical; after that, they were inseparable. It did take a little while before the band played all over Volusia County. They started playing as a duo, and Linda joined the Cyclones Band. Jason ended up proposing on that same stage on Christmas Eve of 2018, and they were married on Thanksgiving weekend in 2019. They currently play at restaurants, many venues on the water, and private and community events, including benefits for Veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and those struggling with various forms of Cancer.
In 2020, during the 1st 40 days of the pandemic. Jason and Linda went into their home studio and recorded 10 songs. They ended up recording 5 of those songs at Reel Time Studios in Oviedo and, in 2021, released their “Long Cool Ride EP. This recording showcases their love of Rockabilly music and includes songs encouraging and uplifting people in a precarious time.
Linda says, “We found ourselves seeking to comfort people in an uncertain world; it became our mission.” As people find their way to Florida in 2020, the band will help them breathe, relax, and find some joy in our current world situation. At every show, we say, “We live in a crazy world; we don’t have to explain it because we are all in it together. Everyone’s comfort level is different, so when in doubt: Be kind. Pay it forward when you can; it will heal and grow if you dump enough love on it. We are here to love our fellow humans. If we can put a smile on your face, we have done our job.”
Currently, the band performs cover and original sets throughout Central Florida to support its new acoustic EP, Sound Kitchen Sessions. Recorded at the iconic Sound Kitchen Studios in Franklin, TN, Sound Kitchen Sessions features live, acoustic versions of Cyclones favorites, plus two unreleased tracks. The incredible Ryan Tolson accompanies Jason and Linda on lead guitar.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Linda here; as far as struggles go, it’s been every step of the way. But not just for us, for everybody. 2020 was a very uncertain time, and it changed us all. It shone a light on what is most important. People. We were blessed to be able to continue with music through it all. In the struggle, we found our mission. We have always loved to get together and play music; jamming is one of our favorite activities. We have met so many people. During the worst pandemic, people would come to Florida, and there was culture shock for many. People in cities were so stressed out, and they would get here to the sunshine and fresh air, and we would help them find peace of mind in and through the music. It’s beautiful how it reaches a part of the soul that nothing else does. That’s why we take requests; we aren’t scripted; it’s why every show is different, tailored to the audience.
In 2022, we were affected by Hurricane Ian. Our home flooded, and we were again reminded of what matters most. Things are replaceable, but people are not; this period in history is marked with such great loss that, in comparison, Turnbull Bay coming into our home and leaving with the tide was nothing. We were blessed to be able to rebuild. It’s all good. It only made us want to work harder at our craft. It’s what makes us who we are. We love our job. It has been wonderful to remind ourselves and others that there is more good than bad in this world. If you look for good, you will find it. There is a lot of love, and that is what we need to focus on. We have two songs that sum up how we feel about it all. “Giving Up Ain’t in Me” and “Better Days” It’s our message to the world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One of our favorite things is to put on a good old-fashioned “Sock Hop.” It’s an excellent time for all involved; we host one for the New Smyrna Beach Dance Club every year! It’s so much fun, we all dress up and dance like kids, it’s a blast! We love all things mid-century modern, especially the music, clothing, and the cars.
Regarding cars, Jason Lee, who does most of the writing for the Cyclones, is also a “gearhead.” Currently, he is rebuilding a 1964 Malibu Chevelle convertible. He is doing a complete restoration from the frame up. It’s a labor of love; we can’t wait to bring it to the local car shows. The Daytona Beach area is a great place to be if you love old cars and bikes. There are several community-supported events here, and one of our favorites is the Turkey Rod Run. It’s even more special because the one in November coincides with our anniversary!
Johnny Cash and June Carter inspire us and often sing Jackson. “We got married in a fever!” We got married in 2019, and shortly after, the world changed for everyone. We often joke that we found perfect “apocalypse partners” in each other! Being newlyweds in major political upheaval and a pandemic has been challenging. It has opened our eyes to how important connecting with and loving our fellow humans is.
We can only do a little about what is happening on the grand scale, but we can do something about what is right in front of us. There is a lot of fear; we counter it with love, one show, one song, one person at a time. That sets us apart; we walk through life unafraid and encourage others to do the same. We have a lot of faith. People are lovely and fantastic creatures; we adapt and overcome. We are always looking ahead and genuinely believe that better days are coming.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most? People. We want to make people smile, lift them, and brighten their day. Jason is known for his dad-jokes because he likes to make people laugh or groan, anyway. People are the reason that we do what we do. Is it too cliche to talk about being the catalyst for ripples in a pond? We want to be like that, paying it forward and sharing love. It’s the good kind that is contagious. We will continue to sing, play, and take requests, making each show unique to the people in front of us. We are a small business, and we support small businesses. We genuinely believe that ” A rising tide lifts all boats.” There is even a Spotify playlist by that name that features music from local Florida musicians. You can find our music on your favorite streaming platform by searching “The Legendary Cyclones” or “Cyclones NSB.” This world needs healing; we want to be a part of it. Jason recently wrote a song called “I Just Want to See You Smile.” That says it all. We will continue to do what we do as long as we can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cyclonesnsb.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyclonesnsb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CyclonesNSB/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyaW9Pd2x-i0xDM_bvcE-SA
Image Credits
Antone Photography, Tom Bruner, Mason Nelson, Renee Perrin, Logo-Tristan Cridland
