Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

Reax Magazine is hot in the middle of the first annual State of the Scene Readers Poll.  The poll aims to determine what’s hot in the Sunshine State’s independent music scene. 

I like this poll for a few reasons.  First, the competition is fierce.  Mega vs Ranmecca vs. Jask?  Oh nooooo.  The Basiqs vs. Red Tide?  I know which I prefer, but both are incredible.  Favorite venue? Who can really ever say?

The second reason I like this poll is because it stretches from St. Petersburg to Orlando.  As Mr. Autopsy points out, “Orlando bands are local bands.”  That might not be entirely true, because a lot of Tampa Bay heads (myself included) don’t really know jack about Orlando the way we would if we were very immediately connected, but all of us probably should know more about Orlando’s talent, and a little healthy competition is a fun way to gain exposure.  Try to remember some of the names of places you see that you don’t recognize and, next time you go to MCO, let ‘em know that Tampa and the ‘Burg know how to show love.

Third, there was actually a nomination phase, so you know the winners are gonna be the best of the best. Sometimes, I can’t help but feel as though some of the alt weeklies around here are plugging their buddies (you know who you are!).  I know sometimes it’s inevitable - if you don’t know about someone, how can you have the idea to write about them? - but, most of the time, it’s a challenge for magazines with limited budgets to keep coverage as broad as what it should ideally be.  Yes, a proactive stance from performers and artists helps - send your samples, people, send ‘em everywhere! - but the responsibility lies primarily with writers and editors, and Reax sidesteps this dilemma nicely by putting the question in your hands.      

So, good luck, nominees!  You’ve got a lot of respect already!