Artist description Formed in mid-February of 2001, Middleground is a 5-piece punk band out of the Tampa Bay area(Seminole,FL).

Music Style Punk

Similar Artists New Found Glory,MxPx,Alkaline Trio,Less Then Jake,Lagwagon,NOFX,Hometown Hero,Riddlin Kids,No Use For a Name,FLK,Unsung Zeros

Artist History Middleground began as a quartet with the lineup of Jason Hulse (vocals), Chris Nick (bass guitar), Dana Gagner (guitar), and Brian Pitt (drums). In the beginning, the four began writing the first songs and playing at small charity events such as parties and high-school talent shows. This was only until they were able to put out the demo CD, "Live to Serve". This first recording contains the first three original songs "My Only Key", "We'll Be Together Someday, I Swear...", and "Change in Direction", along with a freestyle entitled "Patriotic Dooganism and His Love for All Things American." Although this CD was recorded only 3 months after the band's birth, it managed to sell out all 320 copies around town in only a couple of months. In May of 2001, Middleground entered in the Clearwater Battle of the Bands (sponsored by 93.3 flz) out of which the top 5 bands from the area competed for prizes. Most of the competitors, however, had been around much longer than the newer, younger Middleground. But, they managed to play with an intense energy that seemed to win the crowd (and the judges) over. Middleground took home first place which not only gave them cash, prizes, and recording time, but also won them the opportunity of having their demo CD played on the radio. After nearly 10 months of writing songs, playing shows, and such, Dana Gagner (the oldest of the four) decided to leave the band so he could pursue college head-on. Luckily, there was no bad-blood between the members. But, the search was on for a new guitarist. The quest came out successful and actually quite surprising. Instead of adding one new person to the roster, Middleground took on two new members. Filipe Gusmao, a long-time friend of Middleground came to be the lead guitarist for the band, and Jeff Johnson, a new friend to everyone, entered as the rhythm guitarist. Although this was a new style for Middleground, after a few practices, they knew that these were the guys for the job. Soon afterwards, the five began work on the full length album. The album not only has original Middleground songs that many fans know and love, but new songs written with Filipe and Jeff, as well. "Turn the Page, Wash Your Hands" is now available through the official Middleground website and at any of their shows. The most appealing attribute to Middleground, though, is their high-energy performances and catchy melodic-punk songs. They have a fun atmosphere that surrounds every show. Their style of music also attracts people of all types to their shows. It is hard not to want to jump around to their music, which proved so at the May 2001 Battle of the Bands when a mosh pit erupted during their encore performance which just happened to be "strictly against the rules". This hardworking band has played many shows with many local bands, and were even lucky enough to open for GRAVES, the rock band with former MISFITS, Michale Graves and Dr. Chud. During the summer of 2002, Middleground was featured on the VANS Warped Tour, playing alongside such bands as Alkaline Trio, Lagwagon, The Casualties, and many others. The notoriety of their high energy performances is rapidly spreading, and is expected to spread farther as the five tour to expand their fanbase over the next year.

Group Members Filipe Gusmao- Lead Guitar and Backup vocals Jason Hulse- Lead Vocals Jeff Johnson- Rhythm Guitar Chris Nick- Bass Guitar and Backup Vocals Brian Pitt- Drums and Backup Vocals

Instruments 2 guitars,bass,drums

Albums Turn the page,wash your Hands.

Additional Info Please contact us at band@middlegroundpunk.com with any questions, comments, booking,and etc.

Location Seminole, Florida - USA

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