When we put out the call for submissions for this year’s music issue, I heard more than a few whispers of doubt. “There are no bands left in Santa Barbara,” my coworkers argued. “Good luck with that,” grumbled one musically inclined friend, eyes rolling. But then the emails started coming. Hundreds of them. All promising a glimpse at something or someone I needed to hear. Sure, there were some throwaways. There was also enough fodder for a whole other, way weirder version of this issue. Most importantly, though, the exercise landed me on the receiving end of an inbox teeming with musicians. All from the tri-county area. And all wanting to be heard.
In an attempt to streamline the masses, it quickly became apparent that we were going to have to set some guidelines. As such, all the acts we’re featuring in this issue are fairly new. They’re also showing crazy promise early on in the game. In a lot of ways, you can consider this our guide to what’s next in the Santa Barbara music world. Or a list of the Best New S.B. Bands of 2014.
I, for one, am using it as a not-so-subtle way to say “told ya so” to that friend with the eye rolls. The scene’s not dead, guys. Not yet.