Hardcore is synonymous with rebellion and derives directly from the first punk rock for the high speed of the music, the shouted singing, the more aggressive and distorted sounds than the original. Hardcore has changed the face of the music industry and thrives today as a diverse and eclectic community. If you are interested in learning more, start by approaching music from the right perspective, delve into the ideologies associated with hardcore and learn about its various aspects.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Listen to the Hardcore
Step 1. Learn the history of Hardcore
As the punk rock current became increasingly simplistic and "conventional" in the late 1970s and early 1980s, some local bands, particularly in the Washington DC metropolitan area, have begun to combine an ethic of semi-militarist work with a propensity for do-it-yourself, taking control of your own music, from concerts to recordings. This current also flourished in Southern California and other parts of the United States, eventually becoming a significant definition and subculture in the American music scene.
- These bands were independent of record companies, taking an anti-establishment stance in the music world. Before the birth of hardcore, the concept of an "independent" label did not exist.
- The music blends metal and jazz elements with the attitude, aggression and volume of punk, adding complexity and nuance to the genre. American Hardcore is a documentary film on the history and ideology of Hardcore Punk Rock, with interviews with several pioneers of this genre such as, for example, Keith Morris, Ian MacKaye, Greg Ginn and Henry Rollins. It is a great introductory manual to this genre of music.
Step 2. Listen to classic hardcore
Whatever kind of music you like, if you want to be considered a hardcore punk, it is first of all important to familiarize yourself with the most important songs and bands. Before discussing the virtues of a band like The Used, listen to songs from previous bands. A short and incomplete list of "classic" hardcore productions includes:
- Hardcore '81 by DOA
- Damaged by Black Flag
- Minor Threat by Minor Threat
- Bad Brains from Bad Brains
- Dead Kennedys Frankenchrist
- Rites of Spring by Rites of Spring
- Suicidal Tendencies by Suicidal Tendencies
- Double Nickels on the Dime by Minutemen
- GI from The Germs
- Age of Quarrel by Cro-Mags
Step 3. Keep up to date with contemporary hardcore punk
Over the years, hardcore has withstood several transformations and redefinitions, reaching a peak in popularity in the mid-2000s, with the rise of emo-crossover bands like Taking Back Sunday. Since no one likes people who constantly complain about how much better music used to be, it's important to stay consistent and up to date. This is not a YouTube comment. Find the songs you like, support them and ignore the ones you don't like! Here are some contemporary hardcore records that both old lovers of the genre and newbies may like:
- Jane Doe of Converge
- Abandon All Life by Nails
- Wasted Years by OFF!
- Hazardous Mutation by Municipal Waste
- Hoax by Hoax
Step 4. Learn about hardcore crossover and sub-genres
Any discussion of hardcore can very quickly evolve into a battle where there is a loud discussion about the inclusion of a song in a specific genre. Nintendocore? Mathcore? D-beat? There is no need to rely on the arbitrary definition of a genre to determine the quality of a particular band, a song or some sounds. Listen to a variety of sub-genres to familiarize yourself with the sounds and conventions, but don't take it literally! If you don't like it, don't listen to it. Some common and / or popular subgenres of hardcore include:
- Grindcore. It's a very violent hardcore, it combines elements of thrash, noise and industrial. Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror and Meat Mist could all be classified as a grindcore band.
- Metalcore. A broad mix of extreme metal and hardcore music, this subgenre sticks to the vocal style of hardcore punk, while the guitar is reminiscent of metal. Bands like Bullet for My Valentine and As I Lay Dying probably fall into this genre.
- We screamo. A combination of melodic hardcore punk and aggressive emo music. It is one of the most difficult and controversial sub-genres to define, as it was commonly associated with bands such as Thursday, The Used and Taking Back Sunday, which alternated screaming high voices with more melodic singing.
Method 2 of 3: Being Hardcore
Step 1. Actively fight the system
Hardcore is a reactionary response to the commodification of punk rock, it is the rejection of consumerism and capitalism in music. Hardcore has grown enough to include groups with ideologies ranging from the far right to the far left on the political spectrum, as well as Christian, Rastafarian and Muslim hardcore bands. Each of them maintains reactionary positions with respect to some cultural traditions, making this musical genre an integral part of the subculture.
- What is hardcore for you in your community may not be the same for someone else. The meaning of being "hardcore" in Rome can be very different from being "hardcore" in San Francisco, Des Moines, Dusseldorf or Dakar. Investigate and embrace situations of social injustice that you believe may be important and inform yourself well before taking an active part in them.
- Hardcore punks in general avoid having an antagonistic position in the community. The anarcho-punks and nihilistic hard punks who follow GG Allin, Richard Hell, Brainbombs and other bands of the extreme subgenre Powerviolence hold a position contrary to the system which is, in some ways, linked to the hardcore tradition, but also in general. Hardcore is not defined by what it opposes, although it does take sides against some things.
Step 2. Learn about the straight-edge lifestyle
An early Minor Threat song called "Straight Edge", which carried out an anti-drug message, sparked an anti-drug movement in the hardcore community known as "straight edge". Those who follow the straight-edge lifestyle abstain, sometimes aggressively, from alcohol, drugs, tobacco and sometimes even avoid meat and casual sex. Those belonging to this current often confront other fans who, relentlessly, use drugs and behaviors deemed inappropriate. This is a very common subculture in the hardcore subgenre.
- Straight-edge practitioners often wear an "X" on the back of their hands or jacket to show their loyalty to this lifestyle.
- While you don't have to go straight-edge to be a hardcore punk, straight-edgers are more commonly associated with the hardcore community, so it's a good idea to start familiarizing yourself with this philosophy, even if you don't want to embrace it. It is usually best to avoid offering a beer to someone with an X on the back of their hand.
Step 3. Experience the local scene
More than any other musical genre, hardcore is a local movement. Touchstone bands in Boston and Rhode Island were completely different from classic hardcore bands in Southern California. Such a behemoth on the east coast may be virtually unheard of on the west coast of the United States, because the goal of hardcore music was never global popularity or record sales, but outstanding performances for elated fan groups.
- Look for a place in your city where hardcore bands perform, check that it is frequented by people of all ages and start hanging out. Get in touch with that world, find out which bands are in the area and other underground clubs where you can attend shows and concerts.
- If there are no venues in your city to listen to this kind of music, you can start by putting the bands together in the basements, warehouses or other places. Call to play bands from nearby towns. In Florida, the home of a major punk band was, for quite some time, in a warehouse.
- It is not necessary to travel around the world to find the ideal stage. Make it right in your neighborhood. Love the place where you live.
Step 4. Do it yourself
The hardcore punk bands work with record labels because they founded them themselves and organize the shows by contacting the locals directly. The tours are organized with half-broken vans and the music is played on portable instruments. The bands do not collect anything more than the money needed for gasoline and do not complain about the lack of resources available.
- If there is a concert, look for volunteers to hang flyers around and possibly create the flyers yourself. Give a hand in the room, at the end of the evening, if necessary, do the cleaning. If the band cancels, call your friends to play, to save the night. Organize yourself by contacting the various musical groups directly.
- Apply this philosophy in all moments of your life, learning to become self-reliant as much as possible. Depending on where you live and your interests, even urban horticulture or fermentation could be considered "hardcore."
Step 5. Respect the etiquette of hardcore shows
Violent Slam dance is often an integral part of hardcore live performances and can be a fun way to experience live music and relieve tension. It can also be a safe way to break your nose. Consider whether to join the fray or stay safe… you will certainly have fun!
- Observe the scene. What are the people who dance like? Do they seem unapproachable or scary? If so, avoid the area in front of the stage. When the energy of the crowd gets this intense, people start moving and bumping into each other. It is a way to fraternize and have fun, not to start fights. Try and see if it sounds fun to you. If so, go for it and enjoy!
- Don't go after other people, just get into the spirit of the fray. A common mistake about slam-dancing or "pogoing" is to go to the front of the stage and start pushing other people. If you do that, you will definitely get punched in the nose.
- Remove any loose piercings or sharp objects from your clothing that could injure someone. The studs you have on the leather jacket make you look cool, but they can also clip onto someone's arm while you are dancing, hurting them.
Method 3 of 3: The Right Clothes
Step 1. Buy used clothes
Shop at thrift stores and buy sturdy clothes that won't need to be changed very often. The focus should be on durability, reliability and usefulness, not "style". Some hardrock punks look like traditional punks, with spiky pink hair and patch-laden vests, while others look like TV fixers or metalheads.
- Black denim and Dickies are ideal for making a simple hardcore style. Jeans or leather jackets are optional.
- Avoid malls and large distribution chains. Don't buy a band branded t-shirts, buy them after a concert or buy them directly from the band. That money, instead of going to some corporate minions, will go straight to the band, where it will be used to make other records, like the ones you like. You will be funding (and thus helping) the artists, not the CEOs.
Step 2. Put on boots or skate shoes
Nothing is more hardcore than a big pair of work shoes, like the Doctor Martens. A pair of plain-colored rolled-up jeans, a pair of work boots are the ultimate hardcore. Especially if in black leather.
Step 3. Wear band or plain colored shirts
The simpler they are, the better. Make your favorite local bands known by wearing their t-shirts, or wearing a plain plain t-shirt. A solid color work shirt, buttoned up to the collar, is also perfect.
Step 4. Style your hair in a simple and manageable way
Most hardcore punks don't wear studs or dye their hair. You risk appearing as if you don't have enough time to take care of yourself and your hair as you are too busy destroying traditional values. Keep your hair short and messy or shaved to zero.
Some hardcore punks wear dreadlocks, like Keith Morris of Circle Jerks, but it's rare and spills over into a vast cultural territory
Step 5. Use symbols smartly
Something might seem hardcore and "punk" while you are with your friends, but try to empathize with others who may not share your worldview and your particular way of seeing things. Get a good reputation in the community for initiating change, don't be a drifter. Swastikas, iron crosses, and other offensive imagery aren't punk and won't give you any credibility in the hardcore community. You will look like a kid trying to be tough.
Be smart and aware. In a current as varied and complex as hardcore, there have been a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings due to the symbols adopted and images associated with it. Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols routinely wore swastikas, because this was the pinnacle of "punk". This is now considered the most disgusting thing that can be done, but it lived in a completely different period and cultural moment than today. Think twice before choosing what to represent you in front of strangers
Advice
- Patches are fine, as long as you don't overdo it. Prefer cloth patches and keep in mind that political patches give you extra points.
- Some people may criticize your ideas. Just have a little patience and listen to them. Tell them your opinions and ideals but don't go on for more than 20 minutes on the subject. Everyone can have different points of view than yours.
- The pogo can get very violent. During the pogo you will be pushed outward as people push from all sides. Only enter the fray if you are sure you can stand upright and, also, be careful not to trip or fall. If you fall, often the people around you will help you get up, and you too should do your best to help people when they fall. Underlying everything is unity and respect.
