SouthSounds Music and Arts Festival gathered more than 70 acts in Mobile this spring, from local bands to well-known regional names, cementing its place as one of the country’s only festivals focused solely on independent Southeastern musicians. Mobile’s own Underhill Family Orchestra, riding the May 4 release of its album “Tell Me That You Love Me,” was a centerpiece.
Three Nights of Music
Friday opened with New Orleans acts Sweet Crude and Dumpstaphunk plus Georgia songwriter Corey Smith, while Underhill introduced fans to a new venue, Cedar Street Social Club. Of Montreal brought a theatrical set to the Lagunitas Stage at The Merry Widow. Saturday’s rain didn’t deter the crowd — Surfer Blood, Boyfriend and late-night local sets from Glass War and The Hallers at Alchemy Tavern kept the energy up. Sunday closed with Delta Smoke, The Shunnarahs and Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires.
Artists praised Mobile’s warmth. Underhill’s Ben Cook said the city is “a huge part of what we are,” and Surfer Blood’s JP Pitts called the people friendly and hospitable. Underhill bassist Joe Grove noted the album carries references to being from Mobile.
More Than a Festival
SouthSounds has helped acts like Underhill and Surfer Blood reach new listeners while bringing top independent talent to the Azalea City. Organizers say the mutual support among Southern artists and fans may be the local scene’s greatest asset — and it only grows as the festival does.