City of the week :

This week’s city spotlight soars under the sun and over the sands of Orlando, Florida. When most people think of Orlando, they think of theme parks and tourism. But beyond the bright lights of Walt Disney World and the crowds of Universal Orlando Resort, there’s a thriving cultural backbone that extends well past thrill rides and roller coasters.

Central Florida has long been a hub of innovation and ambition - from the nearby launch pads of NASA at Kennedy Space Center, where rockets regularly light up the Atlantic coastline, to a music scene that runs just as loud and fearless. Florida has produced major cultural exports across genres - from pop icons to heavy hitters - proving the state isn’t just about beaches and palm trees.

Cities like Orlando have built strong underground communities that cultivate self-driven artists and DIY bands. Local staples like Will’s Pub have become proving grounds for touring acts and hometown heroes alike, giving emerging bands a stage to sharpen their sound and build loyal followings.

That same spirit fuels massive grassroots events like Florida Underground Fest, a multi-band showcase featuring nearly 90 acts from throughout the state’s free-standing scene. It’s in spaces like these where Orlando’s identity truly shines - expressive, diverse, collaborative, and proudly independent.

Bands like Nonsense represent that next wave, thundering forward and making every moment count. With a multitude of live shows under their belt and appearances stretching far beyond Orlando, they carry the energy of the local underground with them. In a city known for launching rockets into space, it’s only fitting that its music scene continues launching artists outward and upward as well. Making Orlando - a city worth spotlighting - and always worth watching.