Jacksonville’s Step 2 This didn’t come together through long-term planning or scene ambition so much as shared instinct and timing. What began as a side idea between bassist Cori and vocalist Devon Cooper quickly became more focused once the rest of the lineup fell into place. Pulling in younger voices from the local hardcore community, the band reflects a scene-minded approach from the start, with members involved in booking shows, making zines, and actively shaping the spaces they play in.
Sonically, Step 2 This sit firmly on the Lockin’ Out revival wave, drawing from 2000s Boston hardcore while filtering those influences with hip-hop grit. Their demo has quickly gained momentum, helped along by Armageddon Records and a growing spotlight on the state’s hardcore scene.
I caught up with Cooper to talk about how the band formed, hardcore and hip-hop crossover, the response to the demo, plans for 2026, and why Florida continues to feel like one of the most vital places for hardcore right now.
Tell me a bit about how the band came together. Am I assuming you're all involved with the hardcore community in and around Jacksonville?
Step 2 This started by happenstance. Cori and I had been working on a separate project. We thought Nicky [drums], Noah [guitar], and Alana [guitar] would be cool to get involved. We wanted some young people to play in it, and these are 3 of the dopest kids in our scene. The twins just started jamming S2T stuff they'd written, and we were feeling it. We decided to work on both projects, and S2T finished first.
We're all involved in the scene in different ways. All of us book shows and have different connections with the scene outside of playing in bands. Alana does a sick zine called Our Fight.
Stylistically speaking, what lane of hardcore are you riding in? What are some of the band's influences that came into play when you wrote the material that appears on the demo?
I think the Lockin' Out revival is obviously in full swing. We're definitely on that wave. We have a range of inspo bands, but Rival Mob and Stop And Think are definitely the main ones. We pretty much take the blueprint that the '00s Boston bands laid down and add our own style.
Vocally, Kids Like Us had a huge impact on me. There's a handful of vocal influences, but Lars from Kids Like Us and Dan from Guns Up! are definitely what I aim for sonically.
Cold World has definitely influenced us stylistically, and their approach has given us the confidence to make different choices.
You've also made a point of talking about the hip-hop influence on Step 2 This. Guru sample aside, talk to me about your perspective on that.
The hip-hop influence mostly falls into the band's attitude and lyrical style. If you look at the first few bars of “Team Chant,” you'll find Outkast, Mobb Deep, and Public Enemy references. There are subtle nods on the whole project.. Some people catch stuff like that. If you know, you know.
I'm a massive hip-hop head. Hardcore and rap share an ethos. Bands have been fusing the styles forever; this is just our take on it. I'm definitely not about to rap on a track, but I love bringing that spirit to how I write lyrics.
From what I have noticed online, your demo has received a lot of love and attention from the hardcore community. How has it felt from your viewpoint?
We started the band to play some shows. A lot more people than we expected have listened to it online, and that’s cool for sure. We’re super thankful to Josh at Armageddon for releasing this for us. Visually, it was a little off the beaten path, so maybe it made some heads curious to see what was up.
How much has the band planned for 2026 in terms of recording and the next chapter? Are you finding it tough to juggle things between the other bands you all play in?
We've got a few more tracks we're working on for something, and are planning another release or two this year. A UK release of cassettes is getting announced pretty soon.
We just played our first gig with Combust and Start Today, both awesome bands, so that show was sick. We’re getting some stuff booked, and we’ll most likely do a couple of runs on the road before the year ends.
Lastly, how do you feel about the hardcore scene in your neck of the woods? Armageddon Records and Fortress Records are doing amazing work for Florida Hardcore right now. It's gotta feel good!
I love Florida so much. I'm gonna be long-winded and throw in some shoutouts with my thoughts
Our scene in Jacksonville has really picked up over the past year. Recently, Hard Love and The Albatross both opened, 2 new venues owned and operated by hardcore family. We have a very established record shop, Tiger Records, that’s been really instrumental in our scene’s growth.
In Tampa, you have Josh at Armageddon doing the label and booking tons of shows. Obviously, listen to Contention, Bleeding Heart, and whatever else he does; dude does not miss. That scene is like a 2nd home to our whole band. It’s been fun to be a part of it. Listen to Dogmatic, Soul on Fire, Zero Mob, and Blockade.
Orlando’s got a lot of sick punk forward bands dropping right now and a strong metallic scene. KC and Griffin at The Coop really put on for Central FL. Listen to Jezter, Watts, Zero Chill, and False Alarm
South Florida is in a league of its own. Fortress Records, Blackheaven, and Equinox Booking have made magic down there. There are countless good bands and multiple shows happening weekly. If you don’t live under a rock, then you know Collateral and Domain are always crushing it. Listen to Ephemeral, Barricade, No Truth, and Exit Life.
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Step 2 This on social media: Instagram
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