Against Me! is an American punk rock band formed in 1997 in Naples, Florida, United States. The group was founded by singer‑guitarist Laura Jane Grace, who later became known for her advocacy for transgender rights. After relocating to Gainesville, Florida, the band established its base there and has been identified with that city throughout its career.
Musical style and genres
The band's sound incorporates elements of punk rock, folk‑punk, alternative rock, and anarcho‑punk. Their early releases were issued on independent labels, and they later signed with major label Sire Records for the 2007 album New Wave.
Band members
- Laura Jane Grace – lead vocals, guitar (1997–present)
- James Bowman – lead guitar (2001–2017)
- Various rhythm section members have rotated over the years, including drummers Kevin Mahon, Warren Oakes, Jay Weinberg, and Atom Willard, and bassists Andrew Seward, Inge Johansson, among others.
Career highlights
- Against Me! (2002) and Reinventing Axl Rose (2003) were early independent releases that garnered a cult following.
- New Wave (2007) reached No. 57 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's breakthrough into mainstream recognition.
- Transgender Dysphoria Blues (2014), released independently, received critical acclaim and highlighted Grace’s public coming out as a trans woman.
- Shape Shift with Me (2016) was the band's seventh studio album.
In 2011 the group launched its own label, Total Treble. Following the release of Shape Shift with Me, the band experienced lineup changes and, after a hiatus caused by the COVID‑19 pandemic, entered an indefinite hiatus in 2020 while Grace pursued solo projects.
Discography (selected)
- Against Me! (2002)
- Reinventing Axl Rose (2003)
- Searching for a Former Clarity (2005)
- New Wave (2007)
- White Crosses (2010)
- Transgender Dysphoria Blues (2014)
- Shape Shift with Me (2016)
Labels
The band has released material through a variety of independent and major labels, including Misanthrope, Crasshole, Plan‑It‑X, No Idea, Sabot, Fat Wreck Chords, Sire, Total Treble, and Xtra Mile.
Legacy
Against Me! is noted for its contributions to the punk and folk‑punk scenes, its politically charged lyrics, and its role in raising visibility for transgender issues within rock music. Their work has influenced a range of artists in the alternative and punk communities.
