Treehouse Rock

Getting a record label established, up and running, and respected is often a long, arduous process involving a lot of hours, capital, exposure, and perseverance.

But Andy Clavijo, guitarist for the Miami reggae-rock fusion band Jacuzzi Fuzz, has put together what could be deemed a little self-promotion for his new label, Treehouse Records.

Clavijo, age 24, along with business partner Tyffanie Herman, is hosting Treehouse Rock, a minifestival featuring some of the area's most popular reggae, ska, and alt-rock bands, to help spread the word about the new label. And he is already scouting warehouse locations for a new recording studio. Clavijo says bands that have jumped on board to play Treehouse Rock consist of artists who are serious about opening up avenues of exposure for local acts.

Besides Jacuzzi Fuzz, other performers on the bill include Miami bands such as Nimencia, a Spanish rock outfit; progressive hard-rock/metal group Dissever; ska band Three Beef Burritos; hard-rock group Fama Volat (formerly Killing Amethyst); indie alt-rockers Our Last Days as Children; and Burning Tree, a St. Petersburg-based rock-reggae band that will be filming parts of the festival for an upcoming documentary.

The show, says Clavijo, is being organized to help forge a bond among musicians interested in spreading Miami's indie movement to other parts of the nation. He hopes to have Treehouse Records open by March.

"Recording, for me, has been a good hobby, but I want to improve, get some new equipment, and get some engineers on board," Clavijo explains.

So for anyone who wants to help boost the indie in independent, this is a show for the little man. — Paul Catala