If you are a fierce individual who hates the world who only seeks profit, you may actually be punk at heart. Here's a quick review of punk fashion, lifestyle and music.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Lifestyle
Step 1. Own and show your own mind
Punk means an ideology that opposes tyranny in all its forms, followed by the ability to make decisions and go their own way without caring about the opinions of others. Punk is closely associated with rebellious and anti-establishment attitudes.
- Read classic punk topics such as fighting tyranny, doing things yourself (DIY - Do It Yourself), rebellion, anti-authoritarianism and anarchy. The more you know, the easier it will be for you to express yourself.
- Find interesting ways to express what you know and why you think it's important. There is a clear difference between complaining about authority figures and fighting the structures that allow authority to emerge.
- Talk to like-minded people as well as opposites. You need to have a dialogue with both parties in order to come to terms with a personal perspective. After all, if you only talk to like-minded people, how is it possible to convey a radical message to the people who need it most?
Step 2. Find your favorite situation
Get to know others who share similar beliefs. That way you will be comfortable exploring the punk side of yourself without judgment or conflict from the environment.
- Attend punk-themed concerts. Many places display posters for this kind of event. Pay attention to the power poles around you.
- Know where the punks in your area usually hang out, be it in a corner or a special place. Punks usually don't meet at official venues except for musical reasons. They always make maximum use of public facilities.
- If you can't find it, try asking another punk you meet on the street, when and where there is a punk music concert.
- Don't be afraid to admit that you're new to this. Everyone's been a green kid at one time, and they'll want to understand. If you're friendly, people will like it, no matter if you know every punk band on the face of the earth and have all their signature outfits.
- Join the punk community online. Here, you can meet many other punks from all over the world, exchange mp3 files, find concerts or find new punk bands.
Step 3. Avoid consumerism
Punk is very independent and able to meet their own needs without having to go shopping. Find new ways to enjoy yourself without giving money to big companies.
- Enjoy the outdoors, such as hiking in the mountains, or enjoying the park with friends.
- Learn to cook. This will not only be a fun way to pass the time, but also save money--good for you, bad for the status quo of establishment.
- Find free events through friends, favorite websites, or local forums.
- Be creative. For every craft you make, you don't support a shop that sells the factory version.
- Visit the mall or big store, only when absolutely necessary. You can still get furniture items for free through sites like craigslist.org and freecycle.org. If you really have to buy something, try looking for a used one first. Much cheaper for you, while supporting anti-establishment attitudes.
Method 2 of 5: Outward Appearance
Step 1. Express your attitude through clothes
Punk clothing is iconic because it captures the unique sensation of rebellion and individualism. Let's show anti-establishment through clothes!
- Punk is known to be unique--don't worry about not being punk-like. Just wear what you like, alternative is important, and you can be accepted in any punk environment.
- Make your own clothes if you can. Invest funds to buy a sewing machine. That way you can create a completely unique look without endorsing the establishment.
- Homemade (DIY - do it yourself). Many punk outfits are homemade or DIY. For a punk, it's always better to make your own or recycle old stuff than to support consumerism by buying new stuff.
Step 2. Start with punk staples
If you don't know how to make a punk outfit, here are some things to consider:
- Tight jeans or sack jeans.
- Black leather jacket or denim vest
- Metal spiked or horned garment, complete with bracelet
- Clothes that are mostly black
- Tartan, camouflage material, animal prints and bloodstains.
- Clothes that are intentionally torn and buttoned with safety pins
- T-shirt with band pattern
- Pieces of punk band patterned badge
- black shirt
- Hair is pointed up, mohawk style with a certain paint
- A leather (or pleather) jacket with patches of band emblem, safety pins, or painted in certain images such as symbols of anarchy
- Bondage pants, or pants with additional frills such as zippers that go down the back of the leg, chains, iron rings, or other additions
- Bullet belt
- Fishnet stockings
- Classic accessories include arm warmers, spur belts, bullet belts and rubber bands with pyramidal, star, or spike-shaped protrusions
Step 3. Unpack and arrange some purchased shirts or jackets yourself
This is the same as remaking, but focuses on small touches that express your unique point of view. Perhaps cutting the sleeves, sewing a political emblem, or simply cutting the collar, or back differently--all these are things that traditional circles wouldn't dare to imitate, especially for aesthetic effect.
- Tear or cut certain parts of the garment, then replace it with a row of safety pins instead of sewing thread, or deliberately expose the inner lining.
- Stencils the name of a particular band or symbol onto clothing.
- Shred your denim. Use scissors or an x-acto knife to cut, or rub sandpaper to make it look worn.
- Drizzle bleach strategically onto jeans or T-shirts to create interesting patterns, or make them look worn.
Step 4. Get punk shoes
Consider the possibility that you'll be traveling a lot, given the punk lifestyle, because punks don't like to use public transportation when you can. You need a pair or two of shoes that are sturdy and durable, but have to be obtained traditionally.
- Boots - for men and women. Boots are often dark in color and are usually the best choice because they last a long time, are easy to get, inexpensive, and the aesthetics matches the overall style of the outfit.
- Stay away from branded shoes. Because commercialism and materialism were despised by the punk community, many chose to buy shoes from military surplus stores.
- The punk community's common shoes include black boots, Dr. Martens, Converse and a number of sneakers such as the Draven and T. U. Ks. Note that because all of these brands are owned by large corporations or corporations, many punks refuse to buy from stores, even if they are aesthetically pleasing. So don't be surprised if someone has a problem with your shoe choice.
- Thrift stores are a great place to buy cheap shoes and boots. You also don't have to worry about your money going into the pockets of big companies.
Step 5. Adjust the hairstyle
Make a model of a hedgehog, or even a mohawk. Paint in color too if you want.
- Both men and women can wear a mohawk model (although this is actually a model for men). Some girls can also complement the Devilock model. Research various punk hairstyles and choose the one that best represents your expression. Might fit a fan-style Mohawk, Bihawk, Trihawk, "bitch" handles, or even liberty spikes.
- If you're worried that you won't fit into a conservative work environment, go for the "Fauxhawk" style (a hedgehog's hair that is wider and can be combed down to hide the shaved bald spots on both sides of the head). But please be aware that this style is not liked by other punks because it is too adaptable to the mainstream environment.
- While it's very common for punks to keep their hair only up to their chin, long hair is still acceptable.
- Patches of random embellishments--feathers, beads, ribbons and strings--on your hair, also make you stand out, if that's what you're looking for.
- There are also variations of 80s hairstyles, even dreadlocks in a number of punk sub-cultures.
- Consider dyeing your hair. You can paint it solid black, platinum blonde, bright red, or an uncommon color like green or blue. Whatever you choose, be prepared to stick with that color for a long time (or try a temporary paint first).
- If you don't want to bother with a complicated hairstyle, just shave your head until it's bald. This sends a big message to others: that you don't have to follow the others! The bald head has always been a classic punk look, and applies to both men and women.
Step 6. Wear piercings and tattoos
Body modification is also another form that punk uses to identify themselves.
- You'll see a lot of punks with their ears pierced by ring piercings, some even large.
- Lip and septum piercing (ears, nose, etc.), is commonly done by punk men and women.
- On tattoos, you will see a wide variety of images that are commonly used. Many punks have the logo of their favorite band engraved on it, or a cobweb tattoo on the elbow (please note that in the UK, this tattoo signifies that you have been in jail). Straightedge punk sometimes has an X on both fists. Old-fashioned tattoos (Sailor Jerry, for example) are also very popular, especially for chest and arm decoration.
- Whatever tattoo you choose, keep in mind that these will last a lifetime! Make sure you choose one that reflects your attitude and personality. Not just a favorite band that is popular now but sinks later!
Step 7. Be patient with your style choices
Many people would advise avoiding drastic changes from normal to punk in one fell swoop. It's best to do it gradually and slowly, so as not to appear fake or just stylish. This is true, because it is impossible for a person to change from a normal human to a punk overnight. You can't buy a knowledge of punk music and get all the punk outfits without searching hard first. Go to a punk show, introduce yourself to the other punk members. Slowly your style will develop from there.
Method 3 of 5: Punk Music
Step 1. Head to a punk show to see your favorite band live, whenever you can
That's the most important part of identity as a punk. The burst of energy is extraordinary. You don't have to be in the middle of a mosh pit, but this alone is fun to watch. Be careful, stay safe and have fun. Get to know local events. Maybe you'll see the same people and bands at multiple shows, over time.
Step 2. Get used to listening to punk music, old and new
There are many different types of punk music, and it's important to remember that not every punk listens to all the music. Many of them focus on only one era of this genre or genre of music, as styles also change drastically over time. Here is a list of each era of punk music, and some of the bands that influenced its birth.
Step 3. Try listening to the following punk genres:
- Punk rock - Overall, this genre is loud hard rock music with electric guitars playing strong strings, energetic drumming, heavy bass strumming. Starting from the rebellion movement, DIY, and anti-establishment. Bands carrying the flow of punk rock include: Ramones, the Clash, Sex Pistols, Green Day (in old songs), Alkaline Trio, Rancid and Against Me!.
- Modern punk - Against Me!, Gallows, Dropkick Murphys, Title Fight, etc.
- Celtic punk - Punk with a number of Irish musical instruments. For example: Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, the Briggs
- Hardcore Punk (or just hardcore): A faster, louder genre of punk music, accompanied by vocals, and usually without a melody. The supporting bands are: Black Flag, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Gallows, Poison Idea, Suicidal Tendencies (although usually perform thrash metal), AFI (in the early career), Conflict, Rise Against, Agnostic Front, Kill Your Idols, etc.
- Beatdown hardcore (or moshcore/beatdown/youth crew/tough guy hardcore) - A genre of hardcore punk music that is exacerbated by loud, explosive vocals and low-chugging breakdowns. Usually carried by traditional metalcore bands (Hatebreed, Converge, I Am War, Earth Crisis, Unit 731, Bury Your Dead) and earned the nickname hardcore. Metalcore is heavier than tough guy hardcore and has metal elements in it. Beatdown bands include: Madball, Agnostic Front (recently), Youth of Today, Death Before Dishonor, etc. Bands from this genre that have also played metalcore include Terror, Vision of Disorder and Stick to Your Guns.
- Oi! - Often misunderstood as a genre or genre of racist music. It's not though. Oi! it's not about racism at all. Oi! is a punk music genre midway between punk and skinheads (not racist ones) simple in tone, easy to play in pubs, treble guitar based and with a hint of blues influence. Supporting bands: Cockney Rejects, Sham 69, Skrewdriver (first album; before turning into racism), 4-Skins, the Business, The Exploited, UK Subs, etc.
- Punk crust - Fast, crazy, metal-influenced punk rock genre that was born in the 1980s in England. The bearer bands are Amebix and Electro Hippies. Often wears an all-black costume when performing, with black leather and denim, slogans, lots of emblem patches, and dreadlocks.
- Thrashcore - The fast, crazy and thumping genre of hardcore punk that began to emerge in the early 1980s. The supporting bands include DRI, Raw Power and Electro Hippies.
- D-beat - Hardcore style influenced by heavy metal with a bit of metallic character but still considered pure hardcore. This genre is played by bands such as Discharge. Druknya game is also extreme aggressive.
- Queercore - A hardcore punk genre that supports homosexuality and LGBT rights. The bearer bands are the Dicks and Big Boys.
- Street punk - Starting from the punk era UK82 (1980s). This is hardcore punk music with a catchy chorus, monotone singing, lyrics that dwell on anti-establishment/insurgency/politics/etc, playing short guitar solos, and usually carried by bands dressed in black leather jackets with plain clothes, denim vests, lots of patches. and spiked spikes, tight jeans, plaid pants, black combat boots, and multicolored mohawk hair. His bands include The Exploited, the Casualties, Clit 45, GBH, Cheap Sex, the Virus, Street Dogs, etc.
- Powerviolence - Mostly carry the flow of punk. Often influenced by the flow of hardcore, crust, thrashcore and grindcore. Usually carries thrashcore that is extreme wild and chaotic, with screams and screams, performing very short songs. Its supporting bands include Iron Lung and Spazz.
- Ska punk - Punk with a ska influence - for example: Rancid, Against All Authority and Operation Ivy
- Skate punk – Fast-paced punk rock with lots of guitar riffs, sometimes solos, singing and raw notes. Much enjoyed by the punk and skater. Its supporting bands include MxPx, NoFX, Blink-182 (1992-1997; before Travis joined), Bone Brigade, Guttermouth, Pennywise and preceded by Suicidal Tendencies. These bands also often bring comedy nuanced lyrics.
- Melodic hardcore - Like hardcore punk, but with melodic vocals and instrumental playing. Its supporting bands include Rise Against and Bad Religion.
- Horror punk - Gothic style punk style, with horror themed sounds and lyrics. The band sometimes wears surprisingly dark make-up, all-dark clothes, leather, spikes, and devilocks-style hair (as opposed to emo models). Supporting bands include: Misfits, Balzac, AFI (1998-2000), Murderdolls, etc.
- Deathrock - Punk music that is also gothic, but has an extreme dark, atmospheric feel, with haunting or unsettling lyrics and themes. Supporting bands include Christian Death and Alien Sex Fiend.
- Post-punk - Punk, but more complex, closed and experimental. The band includes Joy Division, the Clash, The Cure (in the early years) and Siouxsie & the Banshees.
Step 4. This genre is derived from punk or fusion
Actually not punk, but rooted from there. Many call it punk, while others disagree.
- Emo - A genre of music that comes from punk/alternative, with emotional melodies and lyrics. In fact, it stands for emotive hardcore, with influences from hardcore punk and post-hardcore. Along the way, it was later rewritten for non-punk music and alternative/indie/poppy music. Initially played by bands such as Rites of Spring, The Hated and Embrace. Then brought up by Jawbreaker, Sunny Day Real Estate, Jimmy Eat World, the Get Up Kids, American Football and Drive Like Jehu. Now also performed by Senses Fail, My Chemical Romance, From First to Last, Snowing, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Thursday, Paramore, Dashboard Confessional and the Used.
- Screamo - A subgenre of emo, only harsher and uses screams. Initially played by bands such as Pg 99, I Hate Myself, Orchid (not a metal band) and Saetia. Now carried by I Would Set Myself on Fire for You, Underoath, Thursday and Alexisonfire.
- Pop punk - A genre of loud pop rock-style music, using loud strings and punk influences. Usually brings lyrics with youth nuances and is influenced by bands such as Descendants, Green Day, Ramones, Screeching Weasel, The Offspring and Bad Religion. The supporting bands include Sum 41, Blink-182, Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, Lit, Jimmy Eat World, Man Overboard, New Found Glory, Yellowcard, Motion City Soundtrack, Millencolin, and Fall Out Boy.
- Folk Punk - A sweet combination of folk and punk music, often using more acoustic instruments (violin, harmonica, trumpet, upright bass). Not always fast-paced like most punk genres, even more sad in the lyrics. The Pogues popularized the genre in the late 80s, but even then it is still considered an underground sub-genre. Some good bands from this genre include Andrew Jackson Jihad, Wingnut Dishwasher's Union, Johnny Hobo and The Freight Trains, Ramshackle Glory, Mantits, as well as Neutral Milk Hotel.
Method 4 of 5: Further Information
Click the link below:
Step 1. Are you ready to have punk style hair?
Step 2. Is punk style good for girls
Step 3. Bring punk style to the School Farewell Party
Step 4. Try steampunk style
Step 5. Start making your own punk music
Step 6. Make a punk style outfit
Method 5 of 5: Punk Music Band:
Step 1. Below are the bands that carry the flow of punk
- Alkaline Trio
- Ramones
- Action Swingers
- Sex Pistols
- The Clash
- Minor Threat
- Satan's Rats
- Rancid
- Against All Authority!
- Anti-Nowhere League
- Bad Brains
- Gorilla Biscuits
- Crass
- The Exploited
- AFI
- Oxymoron
- Fugazi
- GBH
- Guttermouth
- The Offspring (mostly in old songs)
- Blink-182 (Scott Raynor era)
- Siouxsie and the Banshees
- 45 Grave
- Killing Joke
- Joy Division
- The Casualties
- Clit 45
- Anti-Flag
- Black Flag
- Gallows
- Title Fight
- Yellowcard (early years)
- MxPx
- Bone Brigade
- The Runaways
- Dead Kennedys
- Street Dogs
- Bad Religion
- Rise Against
- NoFX
- Social Distortion
- Aiden
- Murderdolls
- The Creepshow
- Calabrese
- The Misfits
- Samhain
- Scream
- Gray Matter
- The Descendants
- Screeching Weasel
- Teenage Bottlerocket
- Dropkick Murphys
- Hot Water Music
- Discharge
- DRI
- Suicidal Tendencies
- Balzac
- The Vandals
- Skrewdriver (early album)
- Against Me!
- The 4-Skins
- The Business
- Cockney Rejects
- Conflict
- UK Subs
- Flash
- Anti-Heroes
- Blood on Blood
- Agnostic Front
- Madball
- Comeback Kid
- Death Before Dishonor
- Terror
- Antidote
- Youth of Today
- The Queers
- The Dicks
- Snoop Dogg
- Jawbreaker
- Buzzcocks
- Millencoline
- Pennywise
- Cock Sparer
- The Partisans
- Sham 69
- Cro-mags
- Beastie Boys (only multiple Mini Albums (EPs)).
- Chaos UK
- Suicidal Tendencies
- Flogging Molly
- Operation Ivy
- The Damned
- Blanks 77
- Less Than Jake
- Green Day (Nimrod, Dookie and Kerplunk).
Warnings & Tips
- Stupid punks aren't attractive; Smart punk is awesome. Speak grammar, spelling, history, geography, etc., to break down the public connotations of punk! Punk is a community that is always evolving and evolving. Don't make a fool of yourself for the sake of others. There are smart, cool punks everywhere, and if the first punk you met acted a jerk, please know that jerks are everywhere. Don't act like that just because you want to be part of a group. Punk jerks and idiots are only a small part of the entire community. Good examples and role models are always there and many are out there.
- Never be afraid or worry about what people say.
- Be a complete individual. This is the real essence of being a punk. If you want to grow your hair, grow it and maintain it. If you have a Kelly Clarkson album next to the Misfits album, be proud. The main part of being punk is belief. Even Johnny Rotten once stated that modern punk is nothing more than a "hanger". Remember that punk is not about clothes worn, but about identity. That's all that matters.
- Don't be racist. This is not good for anyone, especially yourself. All punk people hate racism. Racism will make you look like a "Nazi punk," and that's not punk at all. "White people" are no more valuable than people of color. Your treatment should not depend on your ethnicity or skin color. It doesn't matter what race you are. Judge people by their attitude, actions, and heart.
- Always remember to live your life out loud. If someone laughs at you, ignore it. Don't worry about people's opinions. Be yourself.
- Just because you're punk doesn't mean punk has to be the only music choice. Punk is not about music played in a certain movement. Expand your musical horizons into other genres such as rockabilly, hard rock, ska, psychobilly, and heavy metal (remember that you may be rejected if you admit to listening to music that some people don't consider "punk enough", but ignore this. Fans of the band) anyone from the list above will definitely think other bands suck, and vice versa. Just listen to what you like. Remember that some punks hate it when you like mainstream music, regardless of punk or not).
- Don't think you know better than others. There is always someone who knows more.
- Respect elders, if they deserve respect. If someone in a necktie and shirt comes along saying they like your Misfits t-shirt, be cool and ask if he or she is a fan of the band. Who knows he's actually seen the band's concerts in the '70s, when the punk movement first started, and that he has lots of interesting stories, or better yet: advice on bands you've never heard before.
- A common misconception about punks is that they are not self-serving (bums, always drunk, dropped out of school, etc.). It's an idea created by a community outside of punk. So try to get a job, live the attitude and life you really want. One example of a successful punk doing this is Tim Armstrong of the band Rancid. He successfully finished school, battled alcoholism, owned his own home, and worked with many other producers and artists. Other people may want to see you as a punk flop, so go the other way and show off what you're good at.
- You'll be judged on how you dress if you "look like a punk." When in doubt, remember that this is who you are. This is what you like. Don't let other people take it.
- Don't go around calling people fake punks. You will be like the person who tries so hard to be convincing and will even appear arrogant.
- If you weren't a punk before, people might be surprised. Be nice. Don't walk away from old friends and join new groups. The rule to always "make new friends and keep old ones" applies to everyone.
- Remember that if you don't have a stand, it's easy to fall for whatever reason.
- Not all punks hate the government. If you hate it, there has to be a definite reason. Otherwise, don't pretend or act hateful.
- If you just want to abuse the punk movement and use it just for style, forget it. No one, including true punks, will believe you.
- The difference between fake punk who just wins in style and true punk is that fake punks are worried about how punk they are. Just do what you want. That's true punk: have a mind of its own. Play by your own rules, not someone else's.
- Punk culture is not just about clothes and music choices. Punk is idealism. A way of thinking that is often accompanied by expressive music and clothing.
- Punk rock has many meanings to many people. There are those who think that all corporations in America are evil, and there are those who buy their punk gear at the mall. Maintain an attitude of respect. The mall punk may become a revolutionary activist someday, and the "old punk" with the patchwork that hasn't been changed in 30 years may have a lot to teach. Listen to everyone, and if you don't agree, present the argument in a way that accepts that the other party has their own opinion, even if you don't admit it. Mall punks are usually kids in black shirts, hedgehog hair, piercings, and call themselves punks. They also tend to listen to music from bands like Sum 41, New Found Glory and Good Charlotte.
- Remember to gradually change the way you think towards punk. If you find yourself out of the house dressed as a punk on the street corner, it's just a costume. No more.
- If your parents or guardians don't agree with your punk beliefs, etc., listen to them and explain your beliefs. Consider their point of view. Your mom will probably react strongly to your dyed haircut, because your real hair color is a gift from her, and it's hard for her to watch you grow up.
- Often people do not understand what punk really means. Many say that punk is just a matter of going against the mainstream just because they don't like it. However, if that's true, it's ironic, because the Ramones, Sex Pistols, the Clash, etc., were very mainstream in the 20th century but in fact remain punk rock legends. Anyone who tries to be anti-mainstream is actually just a fake figure trying to position themselves. Efforts to become anti-mainstream itself is actually already considered mainstream because many people are trying to do so. True punks love what they like and be themselves. Don't be afraid to like mainstream stuff if that's what you like.
- Many people think that punk is all about protesting and making changes. But even legends like Wattie Buchan and Jello Biafra say that punk is all about rebellion and a do-it-yourself (DIY) attitude. However, the fact is that there are some punks who often make protests or riots if they don't like the authorities.
- Listening to punk rock doesn't suddenly make you a punk.
- Parents/teachers/bosses/etc may feel threatened by the punk aesthetic because they don't understand. Consider thinking of yourself as an ambassador for a community, but also consider that it would be more shocking/rebellious/subversive if you would say please, thank you, and turn in your homework on time even if you don't seem like the person you normally would be, rather than stubbornly living up to stereotypes. which is echoed by the mainstream media, which really wants to make everyone think negatively about punk.
- There are skinheads in punk too. But don't equate them with neo-nazis! Not all skinheads are racist! Generally joined in SHARP (SkinHeads Against Racial Prejudice) or working class skinheads. Most belong to the group Oi!, a punk genre that refers to bands such as The Business, 4-Skins, Sham 69 and The Exploited.
- Punk is primarily about being yourself. Don't change your identity just to look more punk or not like fake punk. If you can appear uncompromising about your stance and attitude to life, that's already very punk. There is no unanimous definition of "punk" because the meaning is different for everyone.
- Appearing like a punk is not important.
- Remember that punk rock started out as a movement, not a genre of music. Punk bands became punk because of their choice of music. Popularity, appearance, fans, etc., do not affect how punk a band is. In fact, there are those who think that punk should not be popular, even though there are many famous ones such as the Sex Pistols, Ramones and The Clash.
- If you play punk rock music, make music for the sake of the music itself, not selling albums or seeking popularity. However, selling albums is not the same as trying to become famous or changing the genre of music.
