Teen Gothic

I'm genuinely asking for philosophical/discussion reasons, not for drama.

Thought of this while a leonard cohen song came on and I remembered part of an interview of him talking about how he'd been so depressed that if there was an antidepressant on the market, he probably tried it, and how a lot of his songs are about sex, loss, grief, melancholy, etc. Im not arguing that he considered HIMSELF goth or that he was INTENDING to make goth music necessarily, just that through a certain lens he has SOME songs that could fit the bill, either through content or (even bigger reach I'll admit) some of his more experimental backing tracks

So what specifically makes something "sound" goth? What makes someone a goth artist, aside from self-description? People argue its about the music and sound, so do the aesthetics not matter then? If someone can be a "fake goth" by only being interested in the aesthetics and fashion, what does "real goth" look, feel, sound like?

For a more fun question, what's your most out of pocket example of a song that could be goth if you squint? Can you explain your argument?

For me its more about finding the right feel, its not something i can really put into words, but context is important, like if im hearing a 'non-goth' artist right after a 'goth classic' and it has the right angle or subject, it doesnt disrupt the flow of the playlist, yknow? I think someone could be goth without dressing up or someone who is into the mindset/culture/fashion but doesnt care for any of the typical goth music recs is still goth if they want to be. Goths can be very upbeat and positive in how they handle life, which i feel like is a normie misconception but a pervasive one nonetheless. Idk, i know im overthinking bc i havent had much chance to hang out in goth-specific spaces or circles so in a lot of ways im still new to the subculture, but in others i feel like i grew up in it without realizing it? between my parents loving macabre and morbid humor/media/decor and my childhood spent around my friend's parents who were really involved in the goth music scene from the late 80s on. So im just curious for other perspectives on it.

Hi!, my birthday is soon and I will invite friends to be at home playing board games. I would like to make a playlist of goth songs that have a party vibe, preferably darkwave, the bad thing: I can't think of what songs to play. Any suggestions? 🙂

So I’ve been listening to some goth music and seeing how people dance to it and it seems like a lot of fun. While I’m not goth (I dress fairly basic) I’m very into 90s alt, hardcore, and nu-metal. When I’m dancing at a party to pop or rap I feel very trapped and insecure but goth dancing seems very free flowing and fun. I also want to meet new people and stuff. Should I go and how should I dress with the limited stuff I have?

Hello! So I'm quite fond of the concept of non-goth songs covered by goths, remade in goth spirit, in a goth way etc. kinda thing. I'm not certain of many, but for example:

• Rasputin – Disjecta Membra
• Walking In Light – Disjecta Membra
• I Wanna Be Your Dog – Mephisto Waltz

Anyone know of anything else in a similar vein? Oh, and while we're at it, it is in my best recommendations that you listen to Disjecta Membra because the NZ goth scene deserves more love.

First off, I apologize if this not the right place for this. I just typed in “goth Reddit” and ended up here. I have no one in my life to ask.

My (31,F) daughter (12,F) has always been very punk. That much I know. She’s more likely to listen to Cocteau Twins, NiN, and a bunch of other bands her dad is into. She watched Wednesday (Netflix, all of the Addams family movies), of course, and told me one day, “this is it. This is how I feel!”

She’s asked for help finding clothes to express her style, but I have no idea where to start.

Growing up I wasn’t allowed to express myself. Be it in music, hair, fashion, interests, even thoughts. I do not want this for my daughter. So here I am, asking internet strangers for help. Are there stores I can take her to? Online retailers I can let her look through? I poked around hot topic while she was at school and was not impressed. The tees are nice though.

Thank you in advance! Apologies again if this isn’t the right place!

Hear me out. Somebody Else by the 1975. I've been listening to it a lot recently and I feel like the lyrics and mood of the song would fit in with goth music if it were made into a goth cover.

Good morning!

We're gonna start being more strict with how we handle people that suggestes non-goth music in here.

Before we just removed your post. But from now on we'll start to handing out temp bans to repeat offenders, as it's so many that keeps suggesting music that isn't goth.

This means if you are gonna suggest a song it must be goth. If you are uncertain, check the wiki that u/DeadDeathrocker have done an amazing job with.

We will as often as time permits, make a reply why your post was removed from now on. And if you after that keeps suggesting playlists or tracks that isn't goth or have a few tracks that isn't goth, we'll be banning folks for a week or so.

The most common bands so far seem to be: Type O, Depeche Mode, 69 Eyes, and a drove of metal, witchhouse artists, etc.

This is to help new folks get what they need to get started, and for folks to get what they request.