Sound Theory
Sound Theory invited All Music Magazine into the studio to photograph their Facebook live concert Saturday evening July 18, 2020 at Studio Live USA 416 Geneva Dr Oviedo, Florida 32765. The show was to air from 8pm to 9pm. Mark Horan of MarkHoran.Pictures was send out to photograph and cover the event from his perspective.
I arrived at 10 minutes before 7pm to get introduced and check out the lay of the land. I was immediately met by Tom Cook, the bass player of the band. Tom is the promoter and organizer of shows for Sound Theory. That is just what’s on the surface. In my opinion, Tom is Central Florida’s ambassador of the local music scene. Sure he promotes Sound Theory on social media, but he is also giving shoutouts to many other local Central Florida bands on his platforms cheering them on and recommending their shows and various venues.
Studio Live USA was a bit difficult to find as it’s just of the road and not clearly visible. From the outside it appeared like a warehouse. I walked into the front door and there was a living room atmosphere with couches and a drum kit in the corner. Masked members of the band were hanging out and that is where I met Tom. It was a warm setting and Tom introduced me around to anyone he could find. We walked down the hall to the recording studio booth where I was introduced to David Mikeal the owner and producer-engineer of Studio Live USA. There was a large window in the recording booth. I could see a lit stage thru the glass. Tom and I continued down the hall to the next door which led to the sound stage. It was an elaborate set up with production lighting and enough room in front of the stage to accommodate a few guests. This night however was being broadcasted live and the sightline of the video cameras had to remain clear, so guests were limited. I was instructed to position myself stage right back about fifteen feet from the stage. Tom then welcomed me with official Sound Theory merch, a black tee shirt and an autographed program, very thoughtful gifts.
The scheduled start was delayed as the Facebook link was having trouble connecting. It was about 8:15pm when Tom welcomed the audience and the band opened with “Working For the Weekend” by Loverboy. The band played for an hour from a catalog of hits from the 1970’s and 80’s. All songs were played with precision. It was evident the musicians were seasoned and gelled well as a band. The energy was good as they did their best performing to a virtual crowd. But there was an obvious void as the band needs to have the dance floor full and crowd banter egging them on.
If this is where the future lies, I am not sure it will survive in the same fashion Rock-n-Roll has grown up to be. Rock-n-Roll is a medium that needs face to face interaction for the fans and the musicians. The lights can be reproduced, all the notes can be played, but this format just lacks the energy that makes Rock-n-Roll great. I will be getting out to see Sound Theory in a live performance setting very soon. I can only imagine the depth of their performance in front of a live audience. Please check out Sound Theory on the social media streams listed below. Get out and see them as I know you will be entertained.
A few notes,
The Facebook feed never aired but the band is trying to recover the footage to post it on Facebook once it’s edited. Tom Cook and the band are always supporting worthy causes as any tip collected last night were donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
All Music Magazine endorses Studio Live USA! They have fair rates for local bands to record albums or music videos. We are discussing a recorded interview/acoustic entertainment pod cast in future plans for the magazine at this location. Check them out!
All Music Magazine is proud to have met Tom Cook and Sound Theory. When we kicked the magazine off last April, Tom Cook understood what we were trying to accomplish and supported our efforts in giving all the bands a free page and a place to post their up coming schedules. Sound Theory was one of the first bands to grab their page and post all their shows. The format links to the venue’s pages and the overall show page, thus have a place where Central Florida live music lovers can access to see where any band is playing on any given night. All Music Magazine thanks you Sound Theory and your helping to grow The Central Florida Music Community!
Keep Rocking in The Free World!
Band:
Andy Simounet Jr-Lead Vocals.
Jeff Coda-Lead Guitar & Backup Vocals.
Norm Goebel-Drums.
Chris Stamper-Keyboards & Vocals.
Tom Cook-Bass Guitar & Backup Vocals
Jonny Fafa-Sound
Setlist:
- Working For The Weekend (Loverboy cover)
- Can’t Drive 55 (Sammy Hagar cover)
- Feels Like The First Time/Hot Blooded (Foreigner covers)
- American Band (Grand Funk Railroad cover)
- Talk Dirty to Me (Poison cover)
- Smoking In the Boys Room (Brownsville Station cover)
- Rock You Like a Hurricane (Scorpions cover)
- Bang Your Head (Quiet Riot cover)
- Last Day Under The Sun (Volbeat cover)
- Take It On The Run (REO Speedwagon cover)
- Shook Me (AC-DC cover)
- Lick It Up (Kiss cover)
- Knocking on Heavens Door (Bob Dylan cover)
Follow Sound Theory Online:
Photographer and Editor/Founder of AllMusicMagazine.com. My love of live music has taken me to incredible experiences with the top bands of all time in stadium shows to the smallest venues with equally inspiring musicians. Using the medium of photography and my publication, these memories will last forever.
