“On the Edge” of Our Seats: What’s Next for Tallahassee’s Rising Stars
Image Courtesy: Marissa Tellam
Unbeknownst to the majority of FSU students, Tallahassee has its own underground music scene. Within the suburbs surrounding the college exists an entire population of local bands who hop from house venues to dine-in bars with the hopes of making themselves known to young music lovers. However, one band has had incredible momentum in just six months – as they have transcended the expectations of average indie band fame, finding devotees from all kinds of social backgrounds and music tastes – a feat worthy of celebration.
On the Edge, a self-described indie-alternative rock band, includes the talents of Jackson Alter (@jacksonalter27), Cole Banfill (@colebanfill), Matt Spiteri (@mattspiteri_), and Jordan Greenbaum (@jordangreenbaum). Each musician’s background allows them to shine in their own right, but altogether, the group becomes a force to be reckoned with. Their years of music training, paired with Alter and Banfill’s solo platforms, have allowed these artists to find the perfect niche between familiarity and novelty that leaves fans begging for more. On the Edge’s set lists consist of indie and alternative classics, which echo the sounds of influences like Wallows, The Beatles, and Mac DeMarco. As a result, the band’s originals such as Alter’s Shits and Gigs and Banfill’s Only Dreaming blend well with crowd-favorites like “Tongue Tied” by Grouplove, “Freaks” by Surf Curse, and “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon.
Image Courtesy: Lauren Blackwell
On April 21st, the group had a live performance at their regular haunt, known as La Hacienda – the home of close friend Evan Schmidt. Inspired by the backyard party hangouts of college students in areas with less action than Tallahassee, Schmidt and the bandmates decided to make it a welcoming and unique experience for everyone. Attendees gather on the deck amidst string lights and ample backyard décor, to vibe and sway along to On the Edge’s sound, akin to the soundtrack of a coming-of-age film. Bassist Matt Spiteri explains the factors that define their standout sound.
“I think what makes us unique and special is each of our own values that we bring as a collective, together…In Tallahassee, I think we're really lacking a really big indie scene here – where there's not a lot of backyard parties, not a lot of bands doing all these performances,” Spiteri said. “I feel like we've made such a big dent so far, in the small amount of time we've been together, to the point where I think we could really change the entire scene here with the work we've done already.”
Image Courtesy: Marissa Tellam
I had the privilege of sitting down with a majority of the band, a few days following their live performance at La Hacienda. As someone with a healthy bit of skepticism regarding seeing a new college-aged band perform, I became quickly indoctrinated by On the Edge’s infectious stage presence and musical chemistry. Their playful attitude and charisma certainly carried over into their interview, where I delved into their musical histories, passions, and goals for the future – though, not without a few laughs in between.
“We're in a town with one of the best colleges of music…and that means that there are a lot of really great players here, and a lot of really great bands here. I will be the first one to tell you that I am not the best guitar player in the world, at all, and I would say that we make up for the lack of, you would say, skill or anything like that with the energy and personality that each and every single one of us brings to the stage,” Vocalist and lead guitarist Cole Banfill said. “Everyone here can play, you know, that's the standard…But it's really about how you present yourself on stage that truly makes you, you, and I think that that is where we can grow the best, that is where we do the best, and I think that's where we thrive the most, too.”
Image Courtesy: Marissa Tellam
Regarding their previous endeavors, the band revealed that each member had some sort of background in theater, which provided context for their outgoing personalities. However, they all had an individualized relationship to music that had spanned a majority of their lives: Spiteri has eclectic instrumental skills, ranging from classics such as the guitar, bass, and piano, in addition to any and all string instruments; Banfill, who has sung in a choir is whole life, started receiving classical training six years ago and plays the guitar, piano, and a bit of bass; and Alter – Jacksonville’s own singing champ – has performed from a young age, making a name for himself as a vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist for years. Their diligent work ethic and devotion to their craft are palpable, as I learned that this summer would serve as an opportunity for them to build on their momentum and define their sound.
“The plan is that we're all we're going to stay here this summer, turn my house into a recording studio, and we're going to record hopefully close to a five-song EP this summer; where we release our music out everywhere and try and create some buzz before everyone comes back,” lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Jackson Alter said.
Image Courtesy: Lauren Blackwell
Pending some further coordination, On the Edge is eager to have the time to work together as a group to produce and write the songs for their upcoming EP, perfectly curating a work that FSU students will be quickly adding to their summer playlists. While this is a big endeavor, the bandmates look forward to this new collaborative era of their music careers and the EP will certainly be a huge milestone for each artist. I know I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what’s in store for these guys.
Strike Out,
Writer: Isabel Wilder
Editor: Jayna O
Tallahassee