REAL EMO IS ALL AROUND US
What is Emo?
The 1980s saw hardcore music co-opted by a growing hyper-masculine/violent/douchebag sect.
In Washington DC a new scene of resistance was taking root. They took hardcore music and opted for a deeply vulnerable and emotional new energy. It wasn't just about fighting the system anymore, it became about finding catharsis in yourself. This is where the beginning of post-hardcore or "emocore" (emotional hardcore) started to set fire.
In Washington DC a new scene of resistance was taking root. They took hardcore music and opted for a deeply vulnerable and emotional new energy. It wasn't just about fighting the system anymore, it became about finding catharsis in yourself. This is where the beginning of post-hardcore or "emocore" (emotional hardcore) started to set fire.
1st wave - emocore (mid 80s-early 90s)
Fronted by Guy Piccioto, Rites of Spring laid the blueprint for raw, intense, emotional hardcore
Another deeply foundational emocore album founded in part by Brian Baker, a founding member of Minor Threat
Fronted by Ian Mackeye, known as founding vocalist of Minor Threat. Another massively important emocore album
Dag Nasty and Embrace both come from members of the legendary hardcore punk project Minor Threat
Fugazi would become one of the greatest post-hardcore bands of all time. As pure a distillation of DIY ethos and giving a fuck about your community as a band could be. It was founded by the frontman Guy Piccioto of Rites of Spring and frontman Ian Mackeye of Minor Threat and Embrace.
Fantastic documentary on Fugazi
Founded in part by Ian Mackeye of earlier mention, Dischord Records was the label that documented and distributed this electric new scene in Washington DC
connected history
2nd wave - midwest emo/indie rock/screamo (early 90s-early 00s)
midwest emo
indie rock
screamo roots (San Diego)
screamo (skramz)
Cap'n Jazz was the birth of Midwest Emo as we know it. Formed in the Chicago suburbs they would remain one of the most important acts in emo history. Even their breakup would spawn some of the most famous Emo albums of all time.
Davey von Bohlen, vocalist and guitarist in Cap'n Jazz would go on to front The Promise Ring. Nothing Feels Good would go on to be one of the most influential Midwest Emo albums ever
Mike Kinsella, drummer in Cap'n Jazz, started American Football. Which is now one of the most culturally recognizable touchstones of not just Midwest Emo, but all of Emo.
Midwest Emo, was originally a nod to the geographic location of the new twinkly, extra intimate spin on Emo. Anyone who has lived some time in the Midwest can testify to the genre's perfect distillation of the uniquely melancholic seasons. Although Midwest Emo was primarily sparked by Cap'n Jazz (which would become The Promise Ring, American Football, and Joan of Arc). There were countless KILLER acts coming out of this midwest scene.
Released on the heels of a tour with The Get Up Kids, Frame & Canvas was arguably the apex of sharp pop sensibility in Midwest Emo. I will forever be grateful of them for spawning the spectacular Fifth Wave band, First Day Back, named after their iconic song, First Day Back, off this album.
Four Minute Mile was made by a bunch of fresh college kids from around the Midwest. Driving from St. Louis to Chicago just to pick up all their members to record their first album in a Chicago studio. The Get Up Kids would go on to have a storied career with many more very popular releases.