North Florida indie rockers Flipturn will perform their high-energy live performance at the Gasparilla Music Festival in Tampa this weekend.
The five-piece band, based in Fernandina Beach, developed their unique sound in the Gainesville area while their members attended the University of Florida. Their box office and summer hits including "August" and "Chicago" created a sensation in and around the state. The band released their debut album Shadowglow last year.
The Tampa Bay Times spoke with the band before Saturday's set. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How do you feel about the festival in Tampa?
Bassist Madeleine Jarman: I think in a festival set you really try to include songs that people have heard of, things that are more popular than the deeper version. The Gasparilla Music Festival takes place in Florida, which is very important to us. This is our playground and our home state.
I remember a few years ago when we started playing in the state, shows in Tampa and St. Louis. Piet was still very cheerful. I just remember thinking, "Wow, are people out of town buying tickets to our show?"
How did your time in Gainesville affect how you grew as a band?
Jarman: We started in our hometown and didn't know any other bands. When we started going to college, getting to know all these other people who were also into music really helped us show what a local show could be.
Singer/guitarist Dillon Bass: She shaped how we played together. Actually, Gainesville was the first place we played the show. They were at home fairs, bars and places like that. Learning how to play these programs really improved our sound. I think the energy that we really developed in these crazy sweaty houses shows.
How was the Shadowglow reception?
Bas: It's been great to see fans and people in Florida and across the United States really start to get familiar with the album. Our biggest project has always been (EP 2019) "Citron". People are really starting to find us through this album and that's really cool.
Jarman : We worked on the album for two years. I smile when I see people singing these new songs.
What you need to know about the Gasparilla Music Festival
The festival takes place Saturday from 1:00 pm to 10:30 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa).
Saturday's program highlights include local artists such as Speak Easy and Pusha Preme, as well as national artists such as the Cannons, Chromeo and Run the Jewels. Stay here on Sundays to see artists like Local Natives, Rising Appalachia and Almost Dead by Joe Russo. See our story on the full range and parking options here. Visit gmftickets.com for tickets.
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