Miami has long been heralded for its electronic music prowess. With the global reaching Ultra Music Festival the city’s electronic music makers have been brought to the fore, while the world’s best have showed up to the party too.
The Floridian city is a major player in the clubland society of Mykonos, Ibiza and Ayia Napa. Tourists from around the world visit these locations primarily because the clubs along the beach provide the best beats to dance to in the world.
Miami’s BED, Cameo, Club Madonna, Crobar and Mansion are just some of the dance floors that attract huge lines and big name DJs.
However as the metropolis’ history shows the music here has always been incredibly varied.
Immigrants from across the oceans bought a myriad of instruments and styles with them to America as they settled in Miami.
The Cubans bought conga and rumba, the Dominicans unleashed their bachata and merengue, just as the Columbians imported cumbia and the Brazilians samba. The West Indians and Caribbean natives brought their own influences as well.
While electronica is Miami’s major music player in the 21st Century it didn’t completely wash out the city’s eclectic nature.
Sure you can hear many of the aforementioned styles throughout the urban sprawl’s electronic community, but in a less ambiguous tense it can be heard in communities of traditional music genres.
Meanwhile the indie music scene here is small, but tight knit. Sweat Records founder Lauren Reskin has helped to “centralise” a spread out Miami indie music scene with their record store and weekly parties.
Despite its electronic music focus a wide variety of names have used Miami as some sort of a platform.
While Cat Power based herself here for a time, Iron & Wine got his music career off the ground in the city.
Other names from the surrounding area include Surfer Blood Trick Daddy, Pitbull, DJ Khaled, Flo Rider, Rick Ross and Jackie-O to list a few.
While those acts may not be the most revered names they do demonstrate just how diverse Miami’s music is when you get past the surface.
While electronic music will always reign supreme here there are pockets of small communities worth investigating.
Shop
Sweat Records, 5505 NE 2nd Ave.
Proudly independent this record store is also a vegan-friendly coffee shop and all ages event space. While Miami made merchandise can be bought here its vinyl collection majors in independent LPs. It’s genre defined by rock, 80s, techno, house and classic. Contrary to popular belief they’re not adverse to mainstream releases either. Turning 9 in 2014 Sweat Records has become an integral part of Miami’s indie music community.
Uncle Sam’s Music, 939 Washington Ave
For 30 years this establishment has sold records, clothing and lifestyle goods to South Beach. Music wise you’ll find new and used CDs and vinyl with free goods given away depending on what you purchase. Jewellery, hats, bags and backpacks made by local designers are also sold amongst incense, magazines, lunch boxes and accessories.
Super Soul Records, 4606 NW 7th Ave
Sharing a sister store in the Bronx, both specialise in hip-hop, soul, funk, 12 inch classics, house music and reggae amongst others. With over 50,000 records the Miami location caters for you no matter how fat your wallet is. $1 Christmas specials to $100 rarities border each end of the spectrum. Those interested in delving into some local music should stop here first.
Listen
Before this electronic music mecca expanded to Ibiza, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, South Korea and Croatia it made a name for itself in Miami. Since 1999 the original event has only grown in stature and reputation. With over 55,000 people attending each day Ultra draws the biggest producers, DJs and live electronic bands from around the world. It’s no surprise that it also attracts people from around the world.
Read our festival guide to Ultra Music Festival Miami here.
Churchill’s Pub, 5501 NE 2nd Ave
It’s not just the British politician that the venue owes for its name and reputation. With the likes of Iggy Pop having graced the stage this venue has a long and proud association with Miami’s music history. It doesn’t hurt that it’s a favourite of the locals either. With everything from a Monday night jazz fest to the hosting of the International Noise Conference Churchhill’s Pub has been a diverse provider of music in Miami for over 12 years.
PAX, 337 SW 8 St
Short for Performing Arts Exchange in the few years since opening PAX has booked a solid offering of local and international talent. From alternative to traditional Latin along with independent theatre performances this venue provides a great offering of local culture in an intimate setting.
The Stage, 170 NE 38th St
This venue is so cosy that the stage here doesn’t even always hold all the band members. But the gigs here make up for any shortcomings that its size might have. While the likes of St. Vincent and Cody Chesnutt have played here before you’ll get anything and everything in between at The Stage. There’s an outdoor area, cushions and a few bars to use as vantage points as well.
See
Gusman Centre For The Performing Arts, 174 E Flagler St
Don’t judge this book by its cover because the interior of this grand old theatre is spectacular. With a décor reminiscent of a European courtyard there are few other places in Miami that provide a beautiful setting like this for live music. While ballet and opera make up much of the programming, the Gusman centre has its own Miami Concert Series each summer.
Music At MOCA, 770 Northeast 125th St
The Museum Of Contemporary Art North Miami has a revered collection and sees some of the most interesting exhibitions this side of America. However its music showcase allows punters to experience the art in a completely different manner than just your usual artistic appreciation. Music at MOCA is a series of performances that runs irregularly throughout the year. Nicolas Jaar and several other classical orchestras and musicians have played here before.
Miami Acts You Should Check Out
Teepee – Soundcloud
Erix S. Laurent bolstered his sound in 2012 by using a fully-fledged band for his 2012 LP, Distant Love or: Time Never Meant Anything, and Never Will. While lo-fi may not be entirely still relevant to his music, his delicate vocals and emotive songs still work best in low-key environments.
This Heart Electric – Soundcloud
Behind the moniker sits Ricardo Guerrero and the musician who plays “post goth synth pop” has been making the Miami rounds since 2008. He released his debut, Age Of Aquarius, in 2013 with his lo-fi garage recordings earning him new fans.
Marlon Alarm – Soundcloud
This asexual and sexually ambiguous musician makes electro pop sound interesting without making their appearance the main focal point. While Alarm’s Double Diamond EP, was released in 2011, last year’s Radio Angel release further built upon their already devoted fan base.
