Teen Gothic

Today is the day you can post your favourite classic goth bands! Feel free to post your favourite Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy or Cure song; this day is dedicated to them.

I actually finished like two weeks after I posted the WIP but I forgot to post it again… Obligatory "there's a couple of non/not entirely goth bands in there" note.

Was able to be a part of the final leg of the creation of the Rozz Williams Documentary being made by Rozz’s close friend Nico B. Shot two interviews for it, the Rozz Williams tribute and scanned and digitized a bunch of photos for the Doc.

These are the ones I’ve posted and have been posted before so, shouldn’t be a problem.

I want to hear all about goth bands/musicians who truly adore their fans and support the subculture in meaningful ways. Examples:

• Active on social media

• Have been interviewed in Morbid Outlook, Gothic Beauty, or other subcultural 'zines

• Know who Mick Mercer is

• Enjoy meeting DJs

• Show appreciation for their influences

• Show interest in the history of the subculture

• Support/are friends with other goth musicians

• Go on tour frequently

• Play at goth music festivals (big or small)

• Anything else that "gives back" to the subculture

• Deliver shows that go above and beyond. This is subjective. Maybe they hang out with fans afterward. Or they try to get everyone dancing their asses off. Or they're creative with their self-expression/public image, unafraid to stand out. It's not just "get up on stage, play the set, disappear. Wham, bam, thank you, ma'am."*

I'm a reserved introvert, so I can relate. I'm not trying to dunk on bands who are more subdued. I'm not saying they're unimportant or "less goth". Lots of musicians aren't as comfortable in the spotlight, which is okay! Maybe they're more active behind the scenes. Besides, performing *at all is a significant contribution. Very few goth musicians expect to become rich or wildly famous. Old joke: "Want to start a goth band? Prepare yourself for tens and tens of fans!"

I'm especially interested in bands active from 2010 onward. What tells you that they love their audience?

** Please note that i'm merely speaking about my own personal experience and not trying to diminish other people's experience within the community *\*

As someone with Iranian heritage who has been in the scene for a long time, i've never felt unwelcomed at all. I never got racist or ignorant comments thrown at me. Not in real ife, nor online. I honestly never felt like my ethnicity ever mattered. It didn't cross my mind once. And i also never felt like making my ethnicity a part of my goth identity. I was in the goth scene because i loved the music and loved the fashion and lifestyle that came with it. I have also found that out of all the alt scenes, goths were the kindest and chillest people.

I don't know if my appearance played a part in this, as i'm someone who is already naturally quite pale and have natural dark hair. For instance, when i stopped dressing goth, some people still thought that i was a goth.

I'm honestly shocked and also saddened hearing of poc goths who don't feel confident enough in joining the community. And what makes me even more sad and especially angry is when poc goths face scrutiny from other pocs and how they're being accused of acting ''white'', these kinds of ignorant remarks seems to be specifically thrown at black goths and it makes me so sad.

Goth is universal and for everyone. From the dark and ancient mysticism, folklore and sounds coming from the Middle East, to the spooky and eerie tales and aesthetics hailing from New Orleans. Goth has found inspiration from many corners of the world.

Honestly i came across so many "nazis" bands and i'm already exasted. i know many of them did it for the shock value it's still fucked up and i'm tallking as a jew. but if it's just for shock value i can take it i guess.