Michael Donaldson
As an artist under the name Q-Burns Abstract Message, a music biz figure and a label boss, Michael Donaldson is an all-around Orlando music legend. Unfortunately, that last hat has been gathering mad dust since he discontinued releases on the long-running Eighth Dimension Records in 2012. Then, all of a sudden, Donaldson got back into the label business and launched 8D Industries last October. Since then, the cerebral imprint has released a handful of records by acts like Kansas City electro-psych band Monta at Odds, Terry Grant's cinematic ambient act More Ghost Than Man, electronic soundscaper San Mateo and, happily for us, Q-Burns himself. With more releases already slated for fall, Donaldson's needle has found its groove again. It's a welcome return.
Music & Nightlife: Best of Orlando 2019: The best in local bars, clubs, bands, DJs and more
Photo illustration by Adam McCabe
Music & Nightlife
1. Will's Pub, willspub.org
2. Mathers Social Gathering, mathersorlando.com
3. Tanqueray's, facebook.com/tanqueraysbar
1. The Hammered Lamb, thehammeredlamb.com
2. Eden Bar, enzian.org
3. The Porch, theporchwinterpark.com
1. Sportstown, sportstownbilliards.com
2. Spatz, facebook.com/spatz1025
3. The Matador, thematadororlando.com
1. Robbie Kennerney, Throwbacks Sanford
2. Dave Merkli, Tanqueray's
3. Big Rick, The Thirsty Topher
1. Angel of Boom, realradio.fm
2. Mango Beats, facebook.com/mango.beats.5
3. (tie) DJ BMF, mixcloud.com/djbmf
3. (tie) Dizzlephunk, dizzlephunk.com
1. '80s New Wave Night at Independent Bar
2. Mac n Cheese at Independent Bar
3. Girl the Party at Southern Nights
1. Sean Holcomb, seanholcomb.com
2. Layla Brisbois, facebook.com/laylabrisboisofficial
3. Oak Hill Drifters, oakhilldrifters.com
1. Hayfire, facebook.com/hayfire
2. Audio Exchange, audioexchangeband.com
3. Rockit Fly, rockitfly.com
1. Crooked Can Brewing Co., crookedcan.com
2. Redlight Redlight, facebook.com/redlightredlight
3. Hourglass Brewing, hourglassbrewing.com
