I didn’t always listen to the genre of music, I do today. Before discovering the Emo scene and, later, the alternative scene, I found the whole vibe and theme to be intimidating and “scary”.
I found the transition to be quite authentic or naturally effortless. A big part of that experience was the bands. It may be obvious since it is a music-based scene.
This post is for similar people who are new and just discovering the scene. I want to first like to preference that the genre is not for everyone. Likewise, in a subculture that can be quick to label almost any newbie as a “poser”, I do support those who want to look into different things as a way to discover what’s for them and what’s not.
With that being said, here are five emo bands I listened to when discovering the Emo and Alternative scenes.
Panic! At The Disco
When looking back Panic! was one of the major ones that made the change seamlessly for me. At the time I already had heard and enjoyed the song Miss Jackson and This is Gospel. So, those first two songs already planted the seed of curiosity of wanting to go deeper and learn more. First things first the band originated in Las Vegas, Nevada in the year 2004.
The band has been through many different member lineups. The first lineup consisted of Brendon Urie, Ryan Ross, Spenser Smith, Jon Walker, and Brent Wilson. The first album they released was titled; A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. If you know even the smallest amount about Panic! you would know that eventually, the only remaining member consisted of Brendon Urie, before discontinuing this year, in 2023.
Often when I join a new bandom, my favorite album tends to be the album that came out during that time and this was the beginning of said realization. My favorite album by them is Too Weird to Live Too Rare to Die. Although, I did like a few other albums too, before losing interest after Pray for the Wicked came out.
Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy is and has always been one of my favorites. The band is probably one of the most well-known bands in the Emo scene. Joe Trohman, Patrick Stump, Andy Hurley, and Pete Wentz, formed the band in 2001 in Wilmette, Chicago. Some of my favorite albums include; Save Rock and Roll, American Beauty/ American Psycho, and Infinity on High. Another thing the band is also known for, other than Pete Wentz himself, is their sentence-long song titles.
As an emo band currently still active, they are known for a list of things. One example is the song Immortals, featured in the Disney movie Big Hero 6. The songs Centuries, Thnks for the Memories, My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark, and Uma Thurman are also very well known. Most recently they have been getting recognition for their single We Didn’t Start the Fire, as a cover that is kind of a continuation of Billy Joel’s original song, We Didn’t Start the Fire. The song brings up many critical events that have taken place over the years and still affect us today.
In late 2009 or 2010, The band went on hiatus. During that time, Patrick Stump, the frontman/ singer, went on to release a solo project, Soul Punk. As to be expected, he took this time to do something new. In the Soul Punk era, he would often wear tuxedoes and just all around a different appearance than before. It wouldn’t be until 2012, the band would reunite and come back, creating again.
My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance is; Ray Toro, Mikey Way, Frank Iero, and Gerard Way. They are arguably one of the first bands people think of when the subculture is brought up. The band originated in 2001, not too long after 9/11 took place. Later, in 2002, they would release their debut album. Some well-known and beloved songs, of theirs, include; I’m Not Okay (I promise), Welcome to the Black Parade, and Helena. For me, My Chem. is one of the first bands I grew to like and even love, despite finding them to be scary beforehand.
Unfortunately, they would break up later on March 22, 2013. It wasn’t until Halloween of 2019, that they announced their return. Over the years, the released albums; Danger Days, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, and The Black Parade. I would say my two favorite albums from them would be Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge and Danger Days.
The band is known for their theatrical performances during live shows, upon other qualities. Throughout their career, My Chemical Romance has inspired many bands in the emo and alternative scenes, today. They’ve left an impression on other artists, bands, and fans alike.
At first, after the unexpected breakup, each member went on to do solo projects. Frank Iero went on to have many different albums with various group names. Mikey Way went on to create Electric Century and released an album in 2015. Ray Toro released his solo album in 2016. Gerard Way went on to create Hesitant Alien in 2014. Later, Gerard’s Umbrella Academy was picked up to create as a show in 2019.
Twenty One Pilots
Much like a lot of us in the emo scene, I actively deny that it is a phase. However, when it comes to this duo/band, I do believe that it was a phase, for me. Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun make up Twenty One Pilots. The band was formed in Columbus, Ohio in 2009. Their songs, Stressed Out, Doubt, Heathens, Ride, and Car Radio are just some of their well-known and popular songs. My, personal top two favorite albums of theirs are Blurryface and the self-titled album.
Most recently, upon looking on Spotify, their latest released album consists of seven songs titled; MTV Unplugged. Aside from that, the last studio album is Scaled and Icy, released in 2021. Heathens is featured in the Suicide Squad movie. Twenty One Pilots are successful and have made a name for themself over the years.
All Time Low
High School friends, Zack Merrick, Alex Gaskarth, Rian Dawson, and Jack Barakat formed the band in 2003. They are from Baltimore, Maryland. Their latest album release is; Tell Me I’m Alive. So, they have been on tour with that album cycle. Many know them for songs such as; Dear Maria, Weightless, Monsters, A Love Like War, Popping Champagne, Something’s Gotta Give, Somewhere in Neverland, and I Feel Like Dancing, etc.
Future Hearts is one of my favorite albums by them. One of my favorite things about the band is their carefree, lighthearted, and fun vibe. They seem never to take themselves too seriously. All Time Low’s Toxic Valentine was featured in the movie Jennifer’s Body in 2009, which features Megan Fox. New Found Glory and Blink 182 are just a couple of band influences of theirs.
Notable All Time Low side projects
Alex Gaskarth created Simple Creatures with Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus in 2019, with an ep. I would say, based on some of the few music videos, they are meme-worthy. Another notable side project is Who Hurt You, a project of Jack Barakat and a friend. Also in 2019, they released an EP as well. A side project that’s not music-related is the clothing brand Amerrikan by Zack Merrick.
AdviceDisclaimer: The advice below is based on my experience and may not work for everyone. Yet again everything that happens may be too much for some individuals. Use to your discretion.
1. The first piece of advice I would give is to learn the history of the Emo subculture and the bandoms, both the bands and the fandoms. Once you learn the history you can build upon it, and improve going forward, with the origin in mind. Not to mention you will better understand and appreciate it all as well as form your own opinion with the the information you may not have had before.
2. Expect stares and looks. You don’t necessarily have to have “the emo look”, although many do. If such style changes are going to occur, likely, you will probably receive certain looks from outsiders or random people in public. If it isn’t something you truly want to do or are not sincere, it may not be worth it to or for you.
I don’t know, for sure, why this happens, but my guess is because others either aren’t used to seeing different styles or simply just don’t get it. It may take some time to get used to, but don’t take it personally, you’re not doing anything wrong, and their reaction isn’t a reflection of you. Enjoy expressing yourself.
From many people’s experiences in various subcultures, it seems to be normal.
3. It is also likely that certain demeaning and offensive comments will be said to you. From my personal experience, since becoming “Emo”, I find it is better to ignore or dismiss it, although it isn’t always easy. It may also feel like it is better said than done, especially given how bad things can escalate. If it is some random stranger or person, I find power in the fact that they don’t know me.
Where many of us may be learning about ourselves, no one knows us better than us, so why would you believe a random person about you? On the other hand, knowing the person makes it a bit more difficult. I would still say that there is power in knowing yourself better than anyone else. In this scenario, I would say to wait it out the best you can or try to get the person out of your life, if you feel that you can’t have a conversation about it.
