#jose garzon

Note: This is an archived post I’m moving from my previous website to here, as sonder is my updated portal for music and interviews. As such, this article will be left in its original state, which may be out-of-date.

Photo courtesy of Florida’s Finest

Florida’s Finest (FLF) have injected Southwest Florida with some local pop-punk tunes since 2010, and they have two Warped Tours under their belt to show for it. Beyond that, though, the band recently announced a tour with pop-punk heavy weights MxPx All Stars—a pretty big accomplishment for any band. We had a chance to chit chat a bit with the band about playing Warped Tour, their upcoming tour and their new album. Check it out below.

Fort Myers, Florida: Not exactly known as a hot music town. What’s it like for a band to build a name from the ground up in Southwest Florida? We actually reside in Cape Coral, Florida. The scene is not dead here; there’s a ton of kids dying to go to a good show or just looking for something to do. We honestly don’t play local too much but when we do it’s always a good time.

One sign of success and a dream for anyone who’s even remotely interested in music is playing the Vans Warped Tour, which you did in both 2010 and 2012. First off, which year’s lineup did you enjoy more? I could debate for hours. This year’s lineup was amazing. Not just for our stage but in general. We hung out with the bands iwrestledabearonce and Fireworks a lot. We are also really good friends with Matt Toka. The 2010 line up was fun, too! We got to meet newer bands like Eyes Set To Kill. Warped is always a good time. We are talking to the EB [Ernie Ball] stage to do more than one date next year. Fingers crossed.

What does it feel like to take that stage on the greatest summer road show, even if it’s just for one day?

It’s truly an honor!

What was the response like when you played last month?

It was great! We made a ton of friends out there.

Did you notice a substantial difference between when you played in 2010 and when you played in 2012?

Not really. Warped Tour is a very busy festival and we got a decent turn out both years.

Warped Tour is one thing, but you recently announced a tour with MxPx All Stars. The reaction to that has to be “pinch me; I’m dreaming.” How does it feel to be hitting the road with such a legendary band? Are you guys nervous?

We are honored to be touring with bands like Mxpx , Versus the World and Unwritten Law this fall. Nervous, not really. We’re just going to go out there and DO WORK! One of the media reviews you guys linked to states that Jose will be joining Mike Herrera on stage to play guitar for MxPx All Stars. How did that fall into place? What was the band’s reaction when you heard the news?

Jose has been playing for the MxPx All Stars since 2010. He toured all of south America and Europe with them. We are very happy to be a part of this tour.

You’re gearing up to release your album Forecasting soon. How would you say the music fits in with the bands you’re touring with?

I think our music fits really well with pop-punk like MXPX and Unwritten Law. We have heavier influences but catchy choruses and high energy like both these bands. You’ve got a pop-punk sound behind you. Can the fans expect to hear mostly that on Forecasting? Is there some experimentation on the record?

Yes, most definitely! Forecasting is a compilation of songs from 2010-2012 that we really like. We are hoping to be right back in the studio recording a ton of new songs. Speaking of the pop-punk, what are some of your favorite bands in that genre? Bands that inspire you? Bands you would consider your contemporaries?

We love bands like MxPx, Taking Back Sunday and Brand New.