Let’s get one thing straight, goth and emo are not the same.  They’re both music based subcultures that stemmed from punk, but that’s where the similarities end.  Goth originated in the 80s and is often referred to as post-punk since it stemmed from the punk movement.

Being raised by a dad who likes industrial and a mom who likes emo, it was safe to assume that I’d end up in some music based subculture.  Over the years, I’ve continued to drift back to goth rock.  Here’s the thing that most people don’t realize about being goth, you have to actually listen to the music to be goth.  Some people will dress in dark colors and automatically call themselves goth.  The fashion is beautiful in my opinion, especially romantic and victorian goth, so it makes sense that lots of people would want to wear it.  Some goths will get mad at you if you wear goth fashion but don’t listen to the music, while others understand that the music and fashion are two different things.  Most people in the goth subculture, myself included, do like to dress in gothic fashion, but you don’t have to.

Let’s talk about the literal backbone of being a goth, goth music.  What defines music as goth?  Goth music has minor bass cords, reverb, as well as dramatic and melancholic melodies.  Goth music isn’t all dark and gloom when it comes to lyrics though, a lot of songs are actually about love.  Some pretty standard goth bands are The Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Lebanon Hanover, and Bauhaus.  Some more modern goth artists are Vision Video and Aurelio Voltaire.  Of course there’s way more then just these, but these are just some of my favorites.

For me, goth is not only a way to express myself and my beliefs, but it’s also a way for me to connect with people.  It gives me a sense of self.  It’s also a way for my parents and I to connect by going to concerts together and talking about music.  Some people may laugh and make jokes about me because of it, but I’m proud to be goth.