Hardcore punk talks about rebellion. As the first wave of the rock punk lifestyle developed, its hardcore style also emerged at the local level. This style means louder, louder, faster, and more aggressive than the original version. Hardcore punk changed the face of the music industry and lives on to this day as a diverse and eclectic community. If you're interested in learning more about hardcore punk, you can learn to approach this music from the right angles, master the ideologies that define hardcore punk, and even start performing accordingly. Start looking at Step 1 below to learn more information.
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Method 1 of 3: Listening to Hardcore Music
Step 1. Learn about the original hardcore style
When punk rock music began to be considered too silly, simple, and "mainstream" (general) in the mid '70s to early '80s, local bands, especially those based in the Washington DC area, began to combine work ethic military during practice, in addition to developing a DIY attitude (doing things yourself) when performing. This way, they can control their own music. This music is also growing in Southern California and other local venues throughout the United States. Hardcore punk then became a unique and significant subculture in the American music world.
- These bands are usually independent and do not use the services of record labels and company officials. They treat the world of music in an anti-corporate and anti-establishment position. Before the era of hardcore punk the concept of an "independent" record label never existed.
- The music itself combines elements of metal and jazz with the attitude, aggression, and volume of punk, making the genre complex and nuanced. American Hardcore is a documentary about the history and ideology underlying hardcore punk and rock music. In this film, there are interviews with many pioneers of punk, such as Keith Morris, Ian Mackay, Greg Ginn, and Henry Rollins. This film is also a great base to start studying hardcore punk music.
Step 2. Listen to classic hardcore music
No matter what kind of music you like, if you want to be considered as hardcore punk, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the common and synonymous songs of the genre. Before you hit the tunes of a band like The Used, listen to the works of hardcore punk's predecessors. Here's a short (but not exhaustive) list of recorded classics in this genre:
- Hardcore '81 by DOA
- Damaged by Black Flag
- Minor Threat by Minor Threat
- Bad Brains by Bad Brains
- Frankenchrist by Dead Kennedys
- Rites of Spring by Rites of Spring
- Suicidal Tendencies by Suicidal Tendencies
- Double Nickels on the Dime by Minutemen
- GI by The Germs
- Age of Quarrel by Cro-Mags
Step 3. Follow contemporary hardcore punk developments
Over the years, hardcore punk has undergone various transformations and redefinitions, reaching its peak of popularity (roughly) in the mid-2000s, through emo-crossover bands such as Taking Back Sunday. Since no one likes it when you act like the old man who always complains that "old-school" music is better, you need to keep up with the latest hardcore punk trends. This is not the time to make comments like on YouTube videos. Find the things you like and are good at, then ignore the things you don't like. Contemporary hardcore records that usually attract fans both new and old are:
- Jane Doe by Converge
- Abandon All Life by Nails
- Wasted Years by OFF!
- Hazardous Mutation by Municipal Waste
- Hoax by Hoax
Step 4. Explore the crossovers and subgenres of hardcore music
Discussions about this music can quickly turn into a heated debate, for example: "That's not hardcore! This is real hardcore!" Nintendo Core ? Mathcore ? D-beat ? Crossed genres do not affect whether a particular band, record, or song is good or not. Listen to a variety of subgenres to familiarize yourself with the sounds and the rules, but treat them all neutrally. If you don't like it, don't listen. Here are some examples of popular hardcore punk subgenres:
- Grindcore: a mix of the industry's loudest cymbal sounds, sounds and music. Examples of his bands are Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror, and Meat Mist.
- Metalcore: is a combination of hardcore and extreme metal music. This subgenre usually contains elements of hardcore punk vocals, but uses a guitar sound and texture that is more like metal music. Bands such as Bullet for My Valentine and As I Lay Dying belong to this genre.
- Screamo: a combination of melodic hardcore punk and aggressive emo music. Screamo is one of the most controversial and difficult to identify subgenres, as it is usually synonymous with bands such as Thursday, The Used, and Taking Back Sunday. They combined the use of high-pitched screaming vocals with more melodic "singing" vocals.
Method 2 of 3: Becoming a Hardcore Lifestyle
Step 1. Actively challenge the general ideology
Hardcore punk stems from a reactionary response to the commodification of punk rock, as well as the rejection of capitalism and consumer culture in the music world. Although the mainstream hardcore band has expanded to include left and right-wing bands (in addition to Christian, Rastafarian, and Muslim hardcore bands), each of these bands still positions itself in reaction to the general cultural rules they oppose. In this way, they are an integral part of the subculture.
- What is considered hardcore in your community may not be considered the same by others. The meaning of hardcore in San Francisco may be very different from the definition in Des Moines, Dusseldorf, Dakar, or Jakarta. Look for social justice issues that are important to you and study them so you can actively participate.
- Hardcore punk usually avoids antagonistic positions in the community. Anarcho-punk and nihilistic hardcore punk bands such as GG Allin, Richard Hell, Brainbombs, and others, centered around a position of being anti-all (as long as they were in touch with the hardcore tradition), but also far from it. The hardcore lifestyle isn't defined by what it's against, although it's true that this principle goes against several things.
Step 2. Learn about the straight-edge lifestyle and consider it
Minor Threat's early career song, "Straight Edge", which promoted an anti-drug message, contributed to developing an anti-substance-abuse position in the hardcore community. This position became known as the "straight edge". Its adherents, the straight edgers, avoid alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and sometimes meat and casual sexual activity – both active and aggressive. They also frequently confront other hardcore fans who use these objects/behaviors. This subculture is very common in the hardcore subgenre.
- Practitioners of the straight-edge lifestyle will usually write an "X" on the back of the palm, or pin the symbol on a jacket to show their outlook on life.
- While you don't have to be a straight-edger to embrace hardcore punk, be aware that these people are often associated with the hardcore community. So familiarize yourself with his philosophy, whether you support it or not. Never offer beer to someone who has an X on the back of their palm.
Step 3. Do something locally
Hardcore punk is a local movement, much more centered than any other music genre. Hardcore bands in Boston and Rhode Island are very different from hardcore bands in Southern California and the Gulf Area. A famous band in your area may be completely unknown in another, because the goal of this music is not world domination, national tours, or record-breaking sales. Hardcore music aims to look cool in a room filled with fanatics.
- Look for concert halls for all ages in your city that host hardcore music events and attend them. Network in that world and find out about local bands and other secret concert venues, which are often the location of cool shows.
- If your city doesn't have concert halls for all ages, start visiting basements, warehouses, or other unused locations. Call bands in neighboring towns and ask them to come over to play. In Florida, USA, one of the most frequently used concert venues by punk bands is a locked storage container.
- You don't have to move elsewhere to find an artistic location so you can enjoy it. Resist the temptation of Bandung. Make the concerts you want happen in your area. Love the area you live in.
Step 4. Try it yourself
Hardcore punk bands remained signed to record labels (because they made them themselves) and put on shows by calling locations and planning them themselves. The band's tours are carried out in old vans and played on short circuit equipment. They produce nothing but the cost of gasoline. Don't complain about the lack of resources at your disposal-start doing something with what you have.
- If there's a show, offer to volunteer. Paste brochures or make your own. Help out at the venue and clean up the venue afterwards. If the band cancels a performance, call your friends to replace it if needed. Rent your own bands.
- Use this philosophy in every corner of life. Learn to be as independent as possible. Depending on where you live and your hobbies, you could be an urban farmer, wild fermenter, or shoemaker. All of this could be considered a hardcore act.
Step 5. Practice good concert etiquette
Dancing wildly and looking rough is usually an important part of hardcore concerts. This way, you can enjoy live music and relieve tension. However, you may accidentally break your nose. Learn to control yourself and stay safe, so you can dance to local hardcore concerts responsibly.
- Do a site survey. How do people dance? Do they look scary or unapproachable? If so, avoid the front of the stage. Slam dancing occurs when the energy of the crowd becomes so intense that people start moving and hitting other people. This is a fun way to build enthusiasm and enjoy the situation, but not to start an argument. Observe and see if it looks like the way people dance is fun. If yes, join.
- Don't try to imitate other people. Just follow the spirit of the crowd. A common misconception about slam-dancing or "moshing" is that you run to the front of the stage and start pushing other people. If you do, someone will punch you in the nose.
- Remove any loose earrings or sharp objects from your clothes. All of these can hurt the other person before you even come into contact with them. The safety pins on the band patch on your leather jacket are cool, but they can also stab someone's arm while you're dancing, or hurt yourself.
Method 3 of 3: Dress Properly
Step 1. Buy used clothes that are versatile
Shop at a thrift store and buy sturdy clothes that you don't need to change often. These clothes should be durable, versatile, and reliable. Don't think about the "style". Some types of hardcore punk look like traditional punk, with spiky pink hair and patched vests, while others look like TV repairmen or metal music lovers.
- Black denim and dickies are perfect for a hardcore visual style that is simple and representative of the working class. You have to look comfortable no matter what you're wearing. Leather or denim jacket is optional.
- Avoid malls and big shops. Don't buy band t-shirts on Uniqlo. Purchase this t-shirt at a show you attend, straight from the band. The money you spend, instead of being used by the company's top brass, will go directly to the band's coffers. They will use it to produce as many new recordings as you like. This way, you are living the artists, not the CEO.
Step 2. Put on boots or skates
Solid work shoes are a great representation of hardcore style, especially if you're wearing thick Doc Martens. Pair it with rolled-up jeans in a solid color and you'll look really hardcore in these versatile workers' boots. Choose especially black skin.
Step 3. Wear band shirts or solid colors
The simpler it is, the better. Represent your favorite band with a local t-shirt, or a simple, solid-colored bra. Plain button-down shirts and work shirts can also be worn, usually buttoned up to the collar.
Step 4. Keep the hairstyle simple and easy to style
Most hardcore punks don't wear accessories or dye their hair/decorate them. Make sure you don't seem to have enough time to pay attention to things like "hair" because you're so focused on destroying common values. Keep your hair short and messy or shave it off.
Some adherents also wear the dread, for example Keith Morris of Circle Jerk. However, this is rarely done and usually symbolizes the cultural significance of a particular area
Step 5. Use symbols intelligently
Things may seem like hardcore and punk when you're with a group of friends, but you still have to empathize with others who may not share your views and your way of seeing things. Build a good reputation in the community to spur change, don't be a hindrance. Swastikas, iron crosses, and other offensive symbols don't represent punk – all of this makes you less credible in the hardcore community. You'll just be seen as a kid trying too hard.
Be smart and alert. Like all things complex and varied, hardcore is often misunderstood and misconceived as a result of the symbols and images identified with it. Sid Vicious of the band Sex Pistols often uses the swastika as a habit, because he thinks it's the most disgusting "punk" thing he can do, as well as because – although this is not an excuse – he lives in an era of very different cultures and contexts. compared to today. Think twice about how you represent yourself to strangers
Tips
- You can use a patch as long as you don't overdo it. If the material is cloth, you will look cool. However, political patches make you even more charming.
- Some people may criticize your views or ideas. Be neutral and relaxed. Tell them why you think so, but don't spend 20 minutes talking about it. Other people of course have a different view.
- Mosh pits can be very dangerous. Being in it will tire you out because people are pushing each other. Only enter if you believe you can survive. In addition, you must not slip or fall. When you fall, people around you usually help you get back on your feet. Do the same for them. In essence, you must show a sense of unity and mutual respect.
