Music Isn't Haircuts or Girl Jeans

By Sam Gordon

Dear Scene kids,

You’re not a dinosaur.
Or a robot.
Or a zombie.
You’re not really riding a train to gain Myspace friends.

But I guess you all really are whores, if you want.

Wipe off some of your eye make up
and dig up that personality you had before you started acting 'original"

No Hard Feelings.

-Sam

There’s a growing trend among the fresh and new to the music scene, and that trend is to be the ‘scene’. Now, when I entered the local music scene about two years ago I immediately became wrapped up in the feeling I got from watching kids I know play great music, and how one show could bring the most diverse groups together. And my definition of the scene since then has been one of embracing music. But quickly I noticed other new comers like myself getting wrapped up in the so called style of the music scene. Because apparently asymmetrical hair, trans gendered clothing, and facial piercing will make a person enjoy music better. Now, I have a pretty good understanding where such an epiphany evolved from, but my question is: Do they?

This trend of girl pants for the boys, and short hair for the girls all stems from the early Punk scene, and its purpose was to blend genders, kind of setting an equal ground. Because Punk music presented, and still does, a very political and world changing idea. Punk music then, much like hardcore music now had to struggle to get its respect, and let’s face it, the clothing choices never helped much. But eventually, as the punk movement matured and became more widespread, fashion became less important as punk ideas became more so. I can only hope that the same movement occurs in the hardcore and ‘scenester’ scene.

Hardcore music also has a small amount seniority among genres, but I can’t say that I’ve noticed any message other than the brotherhood. From my knowledge of hardcore music their sayings can be broken down into “Straight edge for life, just like us, and if you’re not, we’re bringing out the brass knuckles.” Now, I support being straight edge, [that’s no drinking, drugs, or promiscuity for those out of the loop], but honestly hardcore tough guys, do you think you created something original? I believe the D.A.R.E program we learned in grade school teaches the same thing. The initial message of staying straightedge and true is a positive one, but it all is covered up by the tough guy personas and fashion statements. Most would argue that Punk did the same thing, with safety pins, patches and leather. In that aspect I do agree, because no matter what your genre or message, you’ve failed the music you love so dearly but allowing the clothes and haircuts to speak for your compositions.

One would think that a fashion statement would just be that, a fashion statement. But it’s become so much more for our young kids today. It’s become a way of measuring each other up, finding superiority when one has no other ground to stand on. I’ll admit, I’ve indulged in a studded belt, band t-shirts, and Converse. But all that grew from earlier taste, and yes, became more and more prominent as I submerged myself into music. Buying shirts was a way of supporting the groups I’d go to see, and the other things, well there really is no explanation for that other that personal taste. But I believe I’m a scenester minimalist, especially in comparison to some of these kids I see at shows and basically everywhere. I don’t mind people cutting their hair the same, wearing the belt to the side and piercing their lips. I won’t even crack jokes about them listening to lyrics about punching someone out by the latest band called “Blood Death Gore” while they drive to the mall to pick up the latest fashions from H&M. But I will confront the fact that they’re missing out on the music scene. Their gauges are blocking their hearing, and their bangs prevent them from seeing the band.

Recently I walked into a show at a venue I usually frequent, and at first had no problems. But as the night went on I noticed a particularly ridiculous group of girls, all with the same asymmetrical half mullet, ballet flats and white belt to the side. One, the worst of them all, was bleached blonde, caked in eyeliner, and smirking around with her little Monroe like she was God’s gift to all of us. Normally I wouldn’t pay them any attention, since I saw hundreds like them everyday on Myspace, but tonight I was getting the stink eye from these girls. Now, I’m a non-confrontational person, but when I feel like I’m getting the stare down, I’m not just going to walk away. So I stared back. Basically all this led to a lot of girl gang whispering and me just walking back to the pit with my friends. Later on, between sets, I was talking to one of the bands playing that night, and heard behind me “Just look at her.” Now, having the experience of high school I know that is the cue for shit talking among teeny boppers. So I perked up my ears and listened. “Some girls just don’t know how to appreciate the scene.” one said, “Look what she’s wearing.” said another. And the first voice retorted with “She probably thinks she’s really cool for talking to that guy.” At this I turned around and saw about 3 people away from me, Blondie and her friends, puffing on cancer sticks and giving me this malicious look. I ignored the immaturity and went back to talking with the bass player. But the rest of the night those few sentences and glares kept replaying in my head.

“Some girls just don’t know how to appreciate the scene.” What the hell was that supposed to mean? That because I don’t pierce every orifice on my body, wear tutus and leggings, or have hair cut at a 45 degree angle, I don’t appreciate the music scene? That just drives me crazy. Not crazy enough to feel pressure to go chop off all my hair and pierce something like most of these girls obviously have felt, but crazy over the fact that this is what our scene is coming down to.

I know I’m not a veteran to the scene, but that just makes it even worse. I’ve only been part of this for two years and I’m already grieving for what it used to be. I’m also in no way saying that the fashion statements are wrong, or that any sort of music is better than another. All I’m trying to do is bring some attention to this elitist behavior in what’s supposed to be a level ground. I know it’s been a while, but does anyone remember the family ties you’d get at Pirate Studios, or the old VFW’s? That’s what I’m pining for. That equality whether you had the right hair cut or not.

I just want everyone, new comers and veterans alike to take some time to remember why we’re all here. I’ll give you a hint: it’s not to out scene each other. Look back and remember your first show, or your fist pit. How it made you feel should be the reason you keep coming back, not to show off your new Asics or tattoo. I know that most trends run their course and die out, but let’s just hope that the scenesters don’t take the music with them.