Commonly known as Miami's most underrated band among local music insiders, King Bee has been a finely tuned and respected enigma for years.
These bearded rock 'n' roll workhorses have put out three albums with a fourth on its way. They have an award-winning video, a brand-new booking agent, and a national tour scheduled. What they don't have, however, is a lead singer.
It seems the face and voice of the band, Angel Suarez, has decided to move on. So Crossfade sat down with bass player Jaime Abigantus to discuss
King Bee's future, past, and present.
Crossfade: How did King Bee get started?
Jaime Abigantus: We were founded by Angel Suarez, our former lead singer.
We all first met each other out of high school and started as a band called King Waters.
You guys have been such an established band for so long now. Why the
sudden change in singer?
Well, Angel felt like he couldn't handle the workload that's coming our way. Now we're going to become a real band on the real road in the real world. His dream come true became his worst nightmare all at the same time.
What effect has Angel's departure had on the band?
Things have really been moving forward. We've built up some steam, and this is obviously coming to a grinding halt now. We are a part of the Monster Nature [booking agency] family out of Orlando now. Jesse Flossoff is booking our shows and had a nice tour set up for us that was working out fantastic. All the ducks were in a row and now we have to stop that for a little while till we find someone that fits the bill.
King Bee started in 2002. Why did it take so long to become a "real band"?
Because we've grown up since then. In 2002, there were no worries or responsibilities in the world. And now there is. It became a little frightening, the reality of raising kids on the road.
Are you and Angel still on good terms?
Yeah, definitely.
So now you're looking for a new singer?
Yes. We have songs, music, a full touring schedule, a studio, lyrics ... We just need a guy to sing 'em.
What kind of a singer are you looking for? This seems to be kind of a
specialty kind of job.
We're looking for a guy who can sing songs, who's not into wearing tight clothes and skinny jeans.
Well, you wouldn't have wanted Angel to wear tight clothes anyways, would you?
No. [Laughs] We never had to have that talk with him.
Think you guys can keep doing well in Miami? Or do you think you need to tour to survive?
Tour to survive. We've been in Miami long enough to know that ... This is Miami.
Any plans for a spinoff band in the meantime? The fun part of that is coming up with new band names.
Like Hum of the Lord?
I like Crazy on Your Bagel myself.
Hum of the Lord sounds like a sex move. I'm fully on board with Hum of the Lord.
Is King Bee gonna put out the new record you just recorded with Angel now that he's not your guy?
I think that all our heavy decisions are reserved for when we find a new singer.
-- Eric Garcia
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