Teen Gothic

What I'm about to write isn't just about recounting my memories, but about addressing the countless questions that so many young people ask themselves: "What does it mean to be goth?" and "Am I goth enough?"

I wouldn't say I'm an old goth, but I was goth at a time and in a place where it had a very strong meaning. By the 2000s, we were already far removed from the original movement, but there was a revival. I was lucky enough to experience it in a European capital at that time. There were parties, bars, bands, and artists. Since we didn't yet have smartphones, social media, etc., if you were part of that scene, it was truly because you wanted to be, because you'd been introduced to the right people. There was this network aspect that really gave it its underground feel. You didn't end up there by chance, but because you were looking for something unusual. All social classes mingled.

Naturally, it attracted all sorts of strange characters. We all came from completely messed-up families, many had experienced terrible things. And I think what united us psychologically was the desire to confront the darkness. We had experienced violence, perversion, things that were very traumatic for teenagers, and we drew our strength from a kind of revenge. Yes, we dressed in black, yes, we shocked people, yes, we listened to music that talked about death, that blasphemed and talked about sex and cemeteries, yes, people gave us dirty looks in the street, none of that scared us, we liked playing with fear, maybe because we were often very afraid in the development of our personalities. It was therapeutic, in a way.

I'm not judging the young people who want to rebuild this movement, which has already been alive and dead several times. But seriously, if you want to keep this going: don't worry about whether you fit in. Don't be afraid to be disruptive, to be the only one saying something, don't try to play it safe, but don't be mean either, but accept that it's a playground for what makes you uncomfortable. If you go there trying to please others, you'll miss out on what creates the energy and you won't experience anything worthwhile. What will connect you to others is breaking boundaries together, including your own. You're not there by chance, so go for it, and see what happens. Go on an adventure, don't be afraid, you're going to rock.

This baby bounces with heavy electronics and dance vibes. The unearthly sounds and fiendish interludes make it feel like a radio show streaming to you from another planet… Bun Ho!

Extras: none (´ཀ`)

My top tracks:

-Everybody’s Dream

-Sample My Sausage

-Another Planet

Honorable mention:

-Alien

Sidenote: the song Haunted House is basically just this album condensed into a single dance track

Essential viewing if you're a fan of early goth/deathrock. Great and inspiring interview.

I'm a 25-year-old black woman who recently gave up all her social media. ( ive been fully presenting as goth for about 5 years now in my attire and the fashion has really helped me gain some confidence. I used to just listen to the mucis but had no taste for fashion, now ive gotten a bit better at looking the way I want. )

I'm attending a goth dance event for the first time on Friday by myself and I suffer from being a bit awkward and super shy. Are there tips on how I can navigate the bar/dance scene and make friends?

I really want to put myself out there and gain a bit more confidence. Is there advice for anyone who has gone to events alone?