It’s Okay to Be Emo Again
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
I believe most of us would be lying if we said we didn’t have an emo phase at least once in our lives. Whether you like it or not, the alternative scene is becoming mainstream again. Regardless if you were going into Hot Topic regularly or were terrified of going inside the store, the lifestyle has become more than just a passing trend.
There’s no denying that bands such as Panic! At the Disco, Paramore, and My Chemical Romance ruled the punk rock scene in the late 2000s. Of course, not only did the music influence people into changing their wardrobes, hair, and makeup, but many decided to stick with their love of punk rock by continuously streaming this music today. However, the punk rock scene has recently had a significant resurgence.
Who or what is to thank for its comeback? Oh, just TikTok. We all know how this works; someone makes a cool TikTok, adds a catchy song (new or old), it goes viral, and subsequently, a new trend is formed. But this time, the difference is that many of these catchy songs stem from rock band songs such as “Misery Business” by Paramore, “Softcore” by The Neighbourhood, and “t r a n s p a r e n t s o u l” ft. Travis Barker by WILLOW. Let’s face it—these songs have all become ingrained in our brains (in a good way) thanks to constant TikToks made with 15-second clips of the choruses. TikTok’s influence on music isn’t a new concept; however, alternative music has influenced many to hop on the bandwagon and made many want the look. Some famous TikTokers who did so include Lil Huddy and Nessa Barrett, both becoming rock artists as well.
While newer artists like Olivia Rodrigo and WILLOW are primarily responsible for making rock mainstream, it has caused many rock legends to come back and do features on newcomers’ songs. Take Travis Barker, former drummer for Blink-182, for example; he played drums for one of WILLOW’s recent songs, as previously mentioned. This resurgence has also made rock queen Avril Lavigne come back with a new album titled Love Sux, which she will be opening for Machine Gun Kelly’s “Mainstream Sellout” tour this year. Speaking of MGK, it’s ironic how he is reclaiming his “mainstream” label to promote his new album and tour. Maybe it’s because he's in love with an emo girl (pun intended).
There are so many different rock music subgenres—punk rock, emo rock, pop-rock, pop-punk, soft rock, you get it… but when it comes to style, those who have always loved rock and those just now getting into it share similarities. Most agree that black is the superior color to wear (I agree) and dye hair, but with all the subgenres stems different looks. If you gravitate towards a pop-punk vibe, think the bubbly pink yet grungy look Olivia Rodrigo has made her signature. I can sense you’re probably into mom jeans, a band tee, chokers, and Chucks or Vans if you like pop-rock. If you’re an MCR stan or just love emo rock in general, you tend to have a darker sense of style with lots of blacks and reds and arms filled with rubber bracelets of your fave bands. Bonus points for dark lipstick and heavy eyeliner.
However you may feel about the rock movement that is reigning over the music scene right now, it’s time we acknowledge that it’s really not just a phase and that it was or is becoming their way of life for some. So if you’ve never been inside a Hot Topic, it’s time you go and get yourself a band tee because this is a wave you will soon want to join.
Strike Out,
Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret
Boca Raton
Emily Fiorini-Casamayouret is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine FAU. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys listening to sad music, doing some retail therapy, and eating pasta. You can reach her at emily.fiorini710@gmail.com
