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Sunday, September 21, 2025

The Avenue | Music

Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Music Roundup: Breaking down ‘Blonde’ by Frank Ocean

Where is Frank Ocean? That’s the question we’ve been asking ourselves for the past three years. Frank released his mixtape “Nostalgia, Ultra” in 2011 and his album “Channel Orange” in 2012. He made few appearances and features over the next few years, turning his back to the music world and the public eye. After teasing his album, called “Boys Don’t Cry,” in July 2015, he seemed to have vanished, leaving us in constant speculation on his whereabouts and the status of his album. Finally, after four long years, vague hints, a strange live broadcast on his website and countless memes, Frank Ocean is back. “Blonde” was released Saturday, and after having it on repeat over the past five days, I’m ready to review it.


THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Reviewing music from Lil Uzi Vert, Gucci Mane and more

It’s been a little over a month since my last hip-hop roundup, so there’s some catching up to do. With albums from Schoolboy Q, Gucci Mane, Lil Uzi Vert and others, the last month has given us some quality music that continues to prove 2016 has been one of the best years ever for hip-hop. Catch up with these latest releases:


THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Q&A: Local band GAUL

For those looking to explore music with a darker tone, Gainesville band GAUL is worth a listen. The band, which describes its sound as “blackened doom” and is composed of Derek (guitar/vox), Chris Hencher (bass) and Chris Vigilante (drums), is playing at the Atlantic this weekend. I sat down with Hencher to talk about the band’s experience.


Q&A Just Neighbors
THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Talking to local band Just Neighbors

New to Gainesville’s music scene is Just Neighbors, a rock band composed of Justice Diamond (guitar/bass), Dan Lohr (guitar), Jarrett Haines (keyboard/guitar/bass) and Reid Casey (drums). While they are new, the band is quickly making an impression on locals and are becoming regulars at clubs and bars around town. I sat down with Diamond to talk music and what’s next.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Speaking with Logic during The Endless Summer Tour

Logic is currently on The Endless Summer Tour with G-Eazy, Yo Gotti and YG. At their show in Tampa this past Sunday, I, along with my good friend David Spreen, were able to sit down with Logic on his tour bus and talk about his latest project “Bobby Tarantino,” tour life, new music, traveling and more. Check out the highlights from my interview with Logic.


THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Q&A: Gainesville jazz musician The Leonine Queen

Christina Holder, known by her performance persona The Leonine Queen, is one of Gainesville’s top jazz singers and known for her range of musical styles. Formerly of popular Gainesville band Savants of Soul, Holder recently broke out on her own to do solo jazz shows all across town. I sat down with her to talk her upbringing in classical music and her solo debut.


Florida Alligator
THE AVENUE  |  MUSIC

Reviewing Roy Wood$’ debut album, ‘Waking at Dawn’

Roy Wood$ is a 20-year-old rapper from Brampton, Ontario, currently signed to Drake’s October’s Very Own Sound record label. He first gained a lot of attention when he and Drake debuted their song “Drama” in July 2015, and last Friday, nearly a year later, Wood$ finally released his debut album, “Waking at Dawn.” It’s already one of my favorite albums to come out in this stacked year for hip-hop and R&B, and I’m going to break down the ten-song album.


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