Intro to Artist Development in Orlando

Orlando is quickly becoming a hot spot for music and entertainment. For years we have had major companies like Disney and Universal here in Central Florida, and we have had many artists and bands “make it” out of Orlando. Many bands have gotten their start here in Orlando such as Backstreet Boys and NSync. During this time Johnny Wright managed these bands, here in Orlando, where they found their initial success. More recently bands such as Paramore were signed right here in Orlando by Atlantic Records very own Steve Robertson. Orlando was the home base for many high scale records such as Paramore’s second studio album “Riot.”

A very popular Record Label “Fueled by Ramen” was founded in Gainesville as well and they are responsible for signing many bands such as Fall Out Boy, Jimmy Eat World, Panic! At the Disco, and Twenty One Pilots.

It has become very clear to me that Orlando has incredible promise. Orlando is a creative city, with a lot to offer the rest of the country. After doing some research, I have discovered that there are some companies who seem to be trying to take the music scene to the next level. Two men, Rick and Sean, run a magazine “Axis Magazine.” This year in 2015 they had their 15^th annual Florida Music Festival and Conference. Every year they have hundreds of bands participate, and many industry professionals attend to check out the talent coming out of Central Florida. There are also a lot of Artist Management and Public Relations companies based here out of Florida such as, Stephanie Christie Management and Publicity, and The Catalyst Publicity Group. Companies like this help push out local market, and continue to keep Florida in the eyes of industry professionals all over the globe looking for talent to sign. Florida is also known for its many recording studios, one of the most popular being Plush Recording Studios, which is also owned by Aton Ben-Horin who is the Global Director of A&R for Warner Music Group. Plush Studios has had a popular client list with artists such as Chris Brown, Paramore, Nicki Minaj, Flo Rida, and Justin Bieber.

Orlando even after many years is still proving to be a city that is pushing creative and competitive music. I’m excited to see what Central Florida is producing, and what trends will be created here.