The Black Proteus Logo The Black Proteus
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Biography

From the cosmopolitan heart of Vienna emerges The Black Proteus, an 8-bit rock quartet as eclectic as the city itself. With roots stretching from Austria to Slovenia and Turkey, the group stands as a vibrant testament to Vienna's rich cultural mosaic. Following the success of last year's singles Not Broken, Chasing Dreams and Special Something, The Black Proteus makes a compelling return with Shout! — a track that accelerates their musical journey with a faster tempo and a surge of energy.
Shout! blends upbeat rock with the retro charm of 80s and 90s video game sounds. The track's nostalgic allure is further amplified by its music video, which was recorded directly onto VHS tape using a JVC GR-C1 camcorder from 1984. This particular camcorder holds a place in pop culture history, having appeared in the iconic film Back to the Future, where Marty McFly captures the inaugural time travel. Given The Black Proteus's penchant for thematic visuals, mirroring their previous adventures through time and space in music videos for Soul for Sale, Special Something, and Becoming Someone, they don their signature astronaut attire for Shout!.
Lyrically, Shout! ventures into the realm of introspection, challenging listeners to break free from the chains of indecision while it lends them a voice to shout out loud their desires.

The Black Proteus band photo

The Black Proteus band photo As they carve their path across Europe, The Black Proteus reflects on their six-year odyssey since their inception in a Viennese café. Their debut Brand New Start and subsequent EP We Meet Again laid the groundwork for their sound marked by grunge and alternative rock. Later they would blend it with the nostalgic beeps of 8-bit video game music that birthed 8-bit rock. This fusion is epitomized in their album Loading…, marking a significant milestone with its reception in Austria, where tracks like Soul for Sale have dominated airwaves.
The Black Proteus performed at legendary venues such as U4, where once Nirvana and Prince rocked the stage. Their last year’s European tour, the 8-Bit Invasion Tour, spanned from Austria, across Slovenia and Italy all the way to Spain, further showcased their ambition to transcend borders, culminating in a memorable showcase at Spain's Pro Weekend Fest.
The band is all set for a European odyssey — the 8-Bit Invasion Tour. It promises electrifying performances across Italy, Austria, Slovenia, France, and the crowning jewel, a slot at Spain's prestigious Pro Weekend Fest.
As they gear up for their upcoming tour, spanning Austria, across Germany to the Netherlands, The Black Proteus invites fans to experience their live performances, which promise an immersive space-themed spectacle. The band encourages followers to stay tuned on social media for the latest updates.

Highlights

Song of the Week at 88.6

2024

The 8-bit rock single Shout! was named song of the week by Vienna's largest private rock radio station, 88.6. Garnering attention from its dedicated audience of 267 thousand daily listeners, this achievement marks the band's second nomination.

88.6 Headliner 2023 Semi-Finalists

2023

Securing a spot in the semi-finals of the renowned 88.6 Rot-Weiß-Rock Stage, The Black Proteus is recognized among Austria's future rockstars. This stage is a pivotal platform facilitated by 88.6, aimed at discovering and promoting the next big names in the nation's rock scene.

Pro Weekend Fest performers

2023

Received a spot at the renowned international showcase festival Pro Weekend Fest in Castellón de la Plana, Spain. This highly acclaimed festival spans across multiple days and multiple venues, attracting a total of 12 thousand visitors.

Radio Si STANDOUTS winners

2023

Radio Si, which reaches over 136 thousand listeners weekly, declared The Black Proteus as the winners of the prestigious music contest STANDOUTS. They faced off against 88 talented artists and 125 songs to secure the top spot.

Song of the Week at 88.6

2022

The Single Soul for Sale named song of the week on 88.6, which reaches over a quarter million listeners daily. Featured in the Rot-Weiß-Rock program celebrating Austrian music, the song garnered significant recognition and support.

Vienna Band Contest finalists

2019

The Black Proteus reached the finals of the Vienna Band Contest, an esteemed music competition with a rich history of over 24 years, judged by industry experts, showcasing the best of Vienna's vibrant music scene.

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[Album]

Jump-inducing analog 8-bit rock riffs combined with memorable melodies and kitchen-towel-covered drum beats that will make you nod along.

We Meet Again

[EP]

  • 1
    Brand New Start
  • 2
    We Meet Again
  • 3
    No Need to Hide
  • 4
    Rainy Days
  • 5
    Something Better