Photo by Paris Visone
Formed in the late 90s, Protagonist drove the South Florida music scene by storm with their DIY approach and uncanny ability to build a following in a scene, which virtually did not exist over a decade ago. Influenced by Bouncing Souls, Bad Religion, and H20, the band adopted east coast punk sensibilities with their own spin on melodic punk. After multiple releases on Blackout! Records and Paper + Plastik, the band joined forces with Smartpunk for their latest EP release, Jean Jackets in June, produced by Pete Steinkopf of the Bouncing Souls which was released in October, 2015. The EP offered the band’s signature compilation of fast-beat, east coast punk inspired, and passionate songs including their single “Hideaway.” The songs dives into the disassociation of location, where as a musician you are caught between home and playing on the road.
The band has released their Static Sessions, a live version of the track, “Hideaway,” which can be viewed below.
“‘Hideaway’ encompasses the idea of what it feels like to have no home to return to. It is an idea we explored previously in ‘Tunbridge’ and ‘The Stranger The Boy Became,’ from ‘States.’ As I’ve grown older, and moved throughout the United States, things on the homefront have changed. The concept of what was once home becomes more distant with each return visit. In the end, what once was your haven seems like a foreclosed hideaway.” – Peter (Protagonist)
In addition, the band is gearing up for a slew of hometown shows with New Found Glory as the two South Florida masterminds travel up and down the Florida coast together this February. The tour kicks off February 25th in Pensacola where they will make their way to South Florida to perform at Culture Room, an iconic venue that has brought much success for both artists. See below for official tour dates.
Protagonist/New Found Glory Tour Dates:
2/25 – Handlebar – Pensacola, FL
2/26 – The SideBar Theater – Tallahassee, FL
2/27 – High Dive – Gainesville, FL
2/28 – 1904 Music Hall – Jacksonville, FL
3/1 – The Social – Orlando, FL
3/2 – Crowbar – Tampa, FL
3/3 – Culture Room – Fort Lauderdale, FL
3/4 – Churchill’s – Miami, FL
