How to Become Emo

Emo, short for emotional hardcore, is a subculture that stems from the hardcore style of punk music. Emo music first came on the scenes in the mid-1980s in Washington, D.C. Bands like Rites of Spring, Beefeater, Fire Party and Moss Icon are known to have put the genre on the map. There are three different eras with talking about emo music, from Jawbreaker all the way to Dashboard Confessional. Not just music, Emo is also a fashion statement and way of life. When thinking of emo, a picture of the skater kid with tight jeans, long bangs and tight T-shirts comes to mind. Just like the music, the fashion evolves with the era. If you’d ever been interested in the emo subculture, this article will give you some tips on becoming emo.

Instructions

1. Understand emo culture.. Don’t get it mistaken with punk. Emo is all about the emotional side of punk music. There is quite a debate going around about what exact emo is because the term is tossed around quite loosely. Read up on it and decide if this is the route you want to take for your image.

2. Purchase, and learn to love, emo music. Don’t just concentrate on the emo music of the day. Listen to some of the pioneers of emo music such as Samiam and Still Life. A good rule of thumb is if you don’t like emo music then you should try to become emo.

3. Learn and emulate emo fashion. The fashion you choose should represent your personality but also stay true to the emo subculture. Emo is also a combination of punk and goth. Guys and girls wear skinny, or tight, jeans. Tight T-shirts with band logos are also worn. Sneakers and studded belts finish off the ensemble. Also, dark colors, especially black, are usually worn. Plaids and stripes are also part of the emo subculture.

4. Get a fresh emo hairstyle. Dark hair with light or colorful streaks is the substandard for emo hairstyles. Some prefer to have long bangs that cover one eye or one side of the face. Even if you cut the rest of your hair short, keep the bangs long.

5. Go to emo concerts or get emo friends. A good way to properly learn how to be emo is to be around people who have already adopted the subculture. But, don’t tell them you are trying to become emo; they will shun you and call you a poser.

6. Finally, perfect the emo personality traits. People who are emo comes off as being bitter and depressed. In actuality, being emo is about being sensitive and quiet. They are introspective and insightful; choosing to concentrate on the emotions instead of their external environments.