Wired into the Scene with Illicit Vision: Sounds of Savannah

Megan Beasley, Lily Slusser

May 1, 2026

After a 6-month break from performing, the alternative rock band “Illicit Vision” is back in the Savannah music scene. Kicking off their return to the stage last weekend at the Portal Arcade and Bar, Lead Guitarist Jacob remembers the bands’ humble beginnings.

“We started jamming the last couple of weeks of summer before college. We weren’t necessarily trying to start a band or anything super long-term,” Jacob said.

Even so, the roots for the future Illicit Vision were taking hold long before the late-night jams with the boys; Jacob and Mitchell had been friends since the first grade, and later paired up with Griffin and Matt. After getting to college and practicing their sound for a little while, the group knew they wanted to bring their music to an audience.

A Wicked Style

“Our music is definitely all over the place. We all came from different musical backgrounds.” Matt, the lead singer, said.

“We take whatever inspires us,” Mitchell, the drummer, put in, describing different tones like indie rock, trash punk, shoegaze and metal.

All equally in agreement with Jaocb’s rule “the heavier and the weirder the better”, their genre remains unique to them — quite fittingly in the Savannah music scene full of eclectic, experimental spirits.

“I love the Savannah scene… I went to my first-ever show around 2023, and it was a house show. That show is what pushed me to want to make music and play live.” Matt reminisces.

The Sound of Savannah

They all expressed that starting a band and making music is one of the healthiest mediums and an excellent community builder.

“Other Savannah bands have helped us. One of the drummers playing here tonight helped us record our first song. One gave Matt his double kick, and another got us onto our first real show.” Griffin, the bassist said.

They said that bands from other cities have doted on the vitality of our local scene — that other cities “don’t have bands that move like Savannah.” Having not only other supportive musicians but also a heavily interactive and excited audience is something that keeps bands going.

As they keep pushing forward to secure more gigs, write more music and leave their mark, they’re thankful for the support they’ve found amongst other artists and show-goers

“Shoutout to the musicians in Savannah. Keep making music. Keep the local scene alive.”