One of the renowned Florida punk scene's biggest exports, Against Me! have found international fame with their fist-punching choruses and acoustic ballads. The band was founded in 1997 by lead singer and guitarist Laura Jane Grace, born Thomas Gabel, who came out publicly as a transexual woman in 2012. Grace's playlist runs through many of Florida's other punk greats, such as Hot Water Music and the Pink Lincolns, whose Suck and Bloat album cover was drawn by yet another local music hero, Iggy Pop. Against Me! are currently working on their highly anticipated album Transgender Dysphoria Blues.
David Dondero - South Of The South
David's not a Florida native but he's been a sometimes resident and his song South Of The South completely encapsulates the state. You can almost taste the sun-tan oil.
Pink Lincolns - Monsters
A long-running St Pete/Tampa Bay area punk band, the opener for almost all of my first punk rock shows and a Florida essential.
Radon - Lying To You
There is no band that captures the Gainesville sound and attitude better than Radon. They are still complete legends in the Gainesville scene, but sadly a band that never really went beyond the state line.
Discount - Torn Jeans
Originally from Vero Beach, FL, Discount was led by a young Allison Mosshart now of the Kills. Pop punk at it's finest.
Fake Problems - Songs For Teenagers
Fake Problems posses eternal youth, charm and good looks. Their perfect blend of indie rock has largely remained hidden in the punk scene. Hailing from Naples, FL, the town where I grew up, they are my total home town heroes!
As Friends Rust - More Than Just Music, It's A Hairstyle
As Friends Rust members originated from south-east Florida and then moved north to Gainesville. Their final EP took over-produced rock music so far to the extreme that it actually became brilliant again.
Hot Water Music - Remedy
Imitated by countless other bands to this day for both their music and for their iconic facial hair and creators of a truly memorable and tattoo-able band logo!
This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb - This Is What I Want
Pennsacola DIY punks that have always kept it real. Honest, genuine people who make honest genuine music. Their band stickers – which simply read their band name, "This Bike Is A Pipe Bomb" – are often stuck on to bikes left u-locked to parking meters and prompted multiple bomb scare phone calls nationwide.
12 Hour Turn - Dance Like Everyone Is Watching
Jacksonville, Florida emo-core before "emo" was a dirty word.
The Crumbs - Doing Me Wrong
Miami power pop in the vein of the Ramones. Let me see you pogo!!!
