How to Start an Emo Band in Middle School

Emo music has evolved from a hardcore punk scene to a more indie acoustic rock vibe. You can't play emo music without being emo or people will think you're a poser, so be prepared to possibly change your look drastically. With a lot of practice, you can have the greatest emo band your middle school has ever heard of.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Perfect your emo persona. Listen to emo bands like Fugazi, Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional and Jawbreaker. Dress emo by wearing skinny jeans, black t-shirts with band names on them, Chuck Taylors and tight, argyle sweaters. Dye your hair black and let your bangs hang over your forehead, into your eyes.
2. Recruit band members. Your band members should also dress emo and be familiar with emo music. The best place to look for band members is at your school.
3. Get instruments and learn to play them. This is the most important step, because your band won't go anywhere if none of you can play your instruments. You'll need an acoustic or electric guitar, a bass guitar, drums and possibly a keyboard. Look for instruments at pawn shops and garage sales to save money.
4. Write some emo songs. They should have emotional lyrics about being in love, breaking up or just plain being miserable.
5. Name your band. Pick something obtuse and nonsensical, like Coheed and Cambria or And You Will Know Us By the Trail of the Dead.
6. Practice. Add emo cover songs to your repertoire so you can play more than just your own music. Playing cover songs will ensure that the crowd really gets into your music.
7. Book some gigs. Try out for your school's talent show or battle of the bands. Check with your friends to see if your band can play at their parties. Talk to the principal and teachers at your middle school to see if you can play at school functions, like dances and assemblies.