A Baby Bat's Guide to Goth

What is goth?

Here’s a (very) brief summary of goth history: Goth, or more specifically the goth subculture, is a music-based subculture that started during the late 70s, most notably with Bauhaus’ release of Bela Lugosi’s Dead in 1979 (honorable mention to Screaming Jay Hawkins for being one of the pioneers of macabre music). Note: although bands with similar structures started before Bauhaus’ release, they are more referred to as the stepping stones of what created the scene. Think of goth as punk’s sister culture, where many elements of punk remain but instead of raw and aggressive expression taken from rock elements, goth is more Avant-garde and experimental with heavy influences from funk, ska, jazz, blues rock, dance/disco, amongst many others.

Isn't goth a mindset?

            (Opinion based) Eh, yes and no. See gothic literature and the rebellious mindset of the post-WWII era of the 60s and 70s influenced the scene greatly. However, anyone can have that mindset and love of the eerie works and not be goth. Arguably, what makes someone goth is the interest in the 80s music subculture, where it all started. Music subcultures evolve, but you gotta know your roots. For example, if someone calls themselves a metalhead but doesn’t listen to any type of metal, are they really a metalhead? Or for a more extreme example (possible TW), imagine not knowing the meaning of an egregious label associated with hate groups and calling yourself as such without doing the research. You can accidentally attract people who don’t agree with your morals, and now it’s just a big mess. Anyone is more than free to dress in a particular style without adopting the label, just to clarify. But all in all, don’t pick up a label if you’re not going to do the research; that is how misinformation spreads.

How can I dress more goth?

The fashion for goth, although always evolving, started with the aesthetics drawn from the 80s business casual, Victorian and Edwardian eras, New Romantic, and Industrial scene, amongst many others. However, the beauty of the goth subculture is that you can dress as a mix of these, stick with one particular style, or keep it simple. You make it your own, as is the attitude that is strongly present in the subculture. DIY-ing is the best way to figure out what style works for you. Although the common staple of goth is all-black everything, teased hair, and dark makeup, you are more than free to add pops of color if you choose! For style recommendations, you can either look up goth artists and take inspiration from them or you can ask any of us here in the group!

What genres are included? What are some bands that I can listen to?

Some genres that are included with goth are:

Post-punk (Indie Anthony, Siouxsie and the Banshees (early), The Cure (early), Joy Division, Wire, Bauhaus)

Darkwave (Aurat, Clan of Xymox, Cocteau Twins, Night Nail, Linea Aspera)

Deathrock (Specimen, 45 grave, Sex Gang Children, Alien Sex Fiend, Christian Death)

Gothic Rock (Sisters of Mercy, Virgin Prunes, Field of the Nephilim, Bauhaus, The Cure (later), Siouxsie and the Banshees (later))

Dark Cabaret (Voltaire, Tiger Lillies)

Newwave (Oingo Boingo, Echo and the Bunnymen, Talking Heads)

(Note: This is not an exhaustive list of bands, these are just the ones off the top of my head. Also, most of these bands overlap in the genres above as well as some outside of goth so take this as a starting point as to what makes music goth)

Are there any resources I could look into?

There are many articles on what makes goth “goth”, but a website I like to personally frequent is post-punk.com for the latest news in the goth scene.

A note to all baby bats and goths:

  You are completely allowed to listen to genres outside of goth. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a poser and sucks eggs anyways. For my POC baby bats, don’t feel like you have to change your hair or bleach your skin; goth is about coming as your most authentic, comfortable self and you are beautiful just the way you are. No one should shame you for who you are regarding race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristic that makes you who you are. We’re here for the music, the artistic endeavors, the literature that inspired the scene, and the togetherness. We are ALL creatures of the night, ‘nuff said.