Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacob LeDrew.
Hi Jacob, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Florida Underground Fest started as a simple idea. My band had been playing through most of the state for about two years when I realized that there was just so much talent and so many killer bands in Florida. Basically, I just wanted to create a show where I could try to get those bands together. The booking process in the beginning was based on pure selfishness. I love all of these bands but we don’t see each other enough. So I figured I’d just try to book them all on a show so we could hang out.
Our first year was pretty small. I think it was like 18 bands split between Uncle Lou’s and Grumpy’s on Mill’s Ave in Orlando. The reception was pretty solid so FUF has grown every year since. We’re now to 80 bands, 3 days, and 4 venues on Mill’s Ave.
As long as the fans and the bands keep having fun, we’ll keep doing it!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I guess it’s been a little smoother than I thought it would be, especially when the event started to scale up, but yeah it can suck at times lol. This thing is as DIY as it gets. So that means booking, art, scheduling, bulk of promoting, etc. is pretty much handled by one person. I will say though, we have an awesome crew that helps run the festival from before doors on day one until after doors on the last day. Without them, this couldn’t happen.
The main struggles are booking, scheduling, and getting everyone on the same page. We’re working with 4 venues, sponsors, bands, and even at times the city. It takes a lot of hours to make sure everyone knows what’s going on and cooperating with each other.
Booking can be hard because a lot of people want to play specific days at specific venues, but there is finite space. All the bands are cool though. We’ve never had problems. We feel bad that not every band that asks to play can, but there are only so many slots. You would think 80 slots would be enough, but we get hit up by 200-plus bands every year. The bands are what make FUF as cool as it is. This is grassroots. Without them making posts and being stoked to play, FUF couldn’t work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Well, I just love music. Especially underground alternative music. Every aspect of my “career” in music has been built out of necessity. I wanted to get on a stage and sing about my problems, so I started a band (Dial Drive). I wanted to book shows for my band but no would listen so I started booking shows (Havoc Underground). I wanted to see all my friends on the same show so I started a festival (Florida Underground Fest).
I started Havoc Underground to help spread the word about killer bands in the underground alternative music world. That started with a small label, and it’s grown into a media outlet to provides coverage for bands, works with other labels, provides PR, puts on shows, and releases music through the label. It’s myself and my right hand man Billy who oversee stuff. We also have a small team of writers that keep the blog active as well as a PR person who helps with our own releases and releases from other labels.
The music industry can suck so instead of waiting around for something to happen you just gotta go full DIY and make it happen yourself.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Well, I’d reckon that risk-taking is one of the most important things in business and life in general. Every tour you go on is a risk, every release you put out is a release, every show or festival you throw is a risk. If you’re too concerned about it, just don’t do it. I don’t see the fun in that though
Pricing:
- FUF 5 Single Day Ticket – $20
- FUF 5 Weekend Pass – $40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/floridaundergroundfest
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/floridaundergroundfest/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floridaundergroundfest
