The Florida Orange Band
The Florida Orange Band is a Long Beach based band that began in the Long Beach State University dorms. Members Joe Hauser, Clay Cooper and Andy Kneis met when sharing a suite in the Parkside dorms. When Joe Hauser suggested a jam session with high school friend Alex Mastrovito, they jumped on the chance and found an instant musical chemistry, much to the chagrin of their neighbors. They began to write songs through weekly jam sessions as their chemistry grew.
Unfortunately for the members, the school year was coming to end which meant moving out of the dorms. They began a search for a house in the Long Beach area where they might continue their musical endeavors. Luckily the band was able to find a house for rent on the corner of Florida Street and Orange Avenue, thus, The Florida Orange Band was born.
Once they were in a more private playing environment the band was even more productive and they were able to push their songwriting boundaries, taking inspiration from a vast array of different musical styles from alternative rock to funk and even metal. Additionally, each member was able to bring a personal style to help contribute to The Florida Orange Band’s diverse sound. Drummer Joe Hauser has a strong background in percussion theory through marching band and symphonic percussion as well as a unique style he gained through playing with several high school bands. Guitarist Clay Cooper is able to bring together influences in alternative and independent rock as well as electronic music for an interesting style that is both expressive and robotic. Bassist Andy Kneis is able to bring an experimental style of bass playing to the forefront of the band, filling out the band’s sound with unusual yet intriguing lines. Finally guitarist and singer Alex Mastrovito provides the voice for the band, combining his choir experience with a punk influence. In addition all members write material for the band allowing each song to be a unique and exciting experience for the listener.
The Florida Orange Band’s “1216 Demo EP†gives a sample of the band’s diversity and innovative style with three songs recorded and produced by the band in their garage on the corner of Florida and Orange. Available for free download at TheFloridaOrangeBand.com, the 1216 Demo EP provides a fresh and aggressive new sound for anyone looking to hear a band not afraid to challenge the current music scene with their unique style.