Discount

ByLets Go Punk
Discount were a Gainesville

Discount were an American punk rock band that began in Vero Beach, Florida in 1995 before relocating to Gainesville in 1998. Known for their raw energy, melodic hooks, and relentless DIY work ethic, the band built a dedicated following across the U.S. and Europe before disbanding in 2000. Their final show took place on August 19, 2000, at Market Street Pub in Gainesville, Florida. Despite their relatively short run, members of Discount went on to contribute to a wide range of other influential projects, including The Dead Weather, The Kills, Black Cougar Shock Unit, and The Draft.

Early Years in Florida

Discount formed in 1995 with vocalist Alison Mosshart, guitarist Ryan Seagrist, bassist James Parker, and drummer Bill Nesper. Their earliest recordings reflected the scrappy, fast-paced energy of mid-90s melodic punk, while Mosshart’s vocals gave the band a distinct edge. That same year, they put out their first releases including the Three Piece Suit split and the Mom Lied to Me EP. These recordings cemented Discount as part of Florida’s growing underground punk community.

Relocation to Gainesville and Touring

By 1998, Discount had moved their base of operations to Gainesville, Florida, a hub for punk and hardcore thanks to bands like Hot Water Music and Less Than Jake. They fit neatly into the scene, sharing stages with both local and national acts. That year, they joined As Friends Rust and Dillinger Four on a five-week U.S. tour, which helped broaden their audience. From December 1998 through January 1999, they toured Europe with Swedish hardcore group Purusam, a run that included an appearance at the Good Life Recordings Winter Festival in Belgium. The relentless touring schedule reflected their DIY ethic and helped them gain international recognition.

Musical Direction and Releases

Throughout their career, Discount put out three full-length albums, numerous EPs, and a string of split records that showcased their melodic punk style while experimenting with more mature songwriting. Their music mixed urgency with melody, maintaining a gritty underground edge while standing out from many of their peers through Alison Mosshart’s unique vocal delivery.

Final Years and Breakup

In 2000, Discount released their third and final album, Crash Diagnostic, through New American Dream Records. The record demonstrated a more developed sound, hinting at the creative directions its members would later pursue. That same year, after five years of heavy touring and prolific output, the band announced their breakup. Their final performance took place in Gainesville, bringing their journey full circle to their adopted home base.

Life After Discount

Though Discount disbanded, its members continued to make significant contributions to music:

  • Alison Mosshart went on to international fame with The Kills and The Dead Weather.
  • Ryan Seagrist played in bands such as Monikers and Young Ladies.
  • Todd Rockhill, who joined on bass in 1999, became involved with acts like Black Cougar Shock Unit.
  • Bill Nesper stayed connected to music through various Gainesville projects.

Other members and collaborators splintered into groups like Terror in Tiny Town, The Routineers, Laserhead, Stolen Parts, and Blab School, ensuring that Discount’s creative DNA continued long after their split.

Members

Final Lineup

  • Alison Mosshart – lead vocals (1995-2000)
  • Ryan Seagrist – guitar (1995-2000)
  • Todd Rockhill – bass guitar (1999-2000)
  • Bill Nesper – drums (1995-2000)

Former Members

  • Eric Ervin – vocals (1995)
  • James Parker – bass guitar (1995-1999)
  • Justin Focco – drums (1995)

Discography

Albums

  • Ataxia’s Alright Tonight (1996, Liquid Meat/Far Out Records)
  • Half Fiction (1997, Kat Records)
  • Crash Diagnostic (2000, New American Dream)

EPs, 7-inches, and Splits

  • Three Piece Suit (1995, split with Combination Grey and Pohgoh)
  • Mom Lied to Me (1995, Parking Lot Records/self-released)
  • Discount/My Pal Trigger split 7-inch (1996, Tripucka Records)
  • Discount/Flatspots/Wolfdaddys/Stizzle split 7-inch (1996, Boxcar Records, featuring a cover of The Golden Girls theme)
  • All Too Often 7-inch (1996, Mighty Idy Records)
  • Wonder Pulled Me Under 7-inch (1996, Liquid Meat Records)
  • Discount/Shotwell Coho split 7-inch (1997, What Else? Records)
  • Discount/Cigarretteman split 7-inch (1997, Snuffy Smile/Suburban Home Records)
  • Discount/J Church split 7-inch (1997, Liquid Meat Records)
  • Her Last Day 7-inch (1997, Helter Skelter/Panic Records)
  • Discount/Crettins Puddle split CD EP (1998, Shock Records)
  • Discount/My Winter Jane split 7-inch (1998, Snuffy Smile)
  • Love, Billy (1998, Fueled by Ramen)
  • As Friends Rust / Discount split (1998, Good Life Recordings)
  • Discount/Beauty School Dropout split 7-inch (1999, Speedowax)
  • Open Ended Aerial 7-inch (1999, Rugger Bugger)
  • Read Army Faction 7-inch (2000, split with Avail, The Weakerthans, and Hot Water Music, No Idea Records)
  • Discount/J Church split LP (2000, Rugger Bugger, featuring ELO and Billy Bragg covers)

Compilation Appearances

  • 403 Chaos Comp: Florida Fucking Hardcore (1998)
  • Songs That Will Make You Cool (1995, Rockstar Recordings)

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