Imagine me, in business casual (barely), sitting in a dirty Brooklyn dive bar to see one of the DIY punk bands I’ve been following for all of three months. I can barely stay still from the excitement. Yet, I notice, like I always have, that I stick out like a sore thumb. I’m not referring to the business casual attire; we all do what we can to survive in the city.
Regardless, I’ve started to challenge myself and ask, “Do I really stick out at these shows?” Partly because I always end up leaving with a new friend when I attend a show alone.
And mostly because whenever I go to a show, the band’s lead singer stops their set to discuss a political issue that belongs to the ideologies of the left. As a black woman, this makes me feel safe. As an avid music fan and someone who is hyper-fixated on the history of anything and everything, I’m intrigued.
Uncovering Punk’s Anti-Establishment Roots
For the next few days after the concert, I did a deep dive into punk music and its anti-establishment roots. In the mid-70s, the punk subculture emerged in the United Kingdom and New York.
The punk movement began among teens and young adults looking for a more combative approach to rebelling against societal norms compared to the tamer peace and love movements of the 60s and early 70s. Punk music is and has always been grounded in counterculture — from fighting for working-class inequality to fashion to non-conformity in the realm of self-expression.
I discovered that you can’t separate punk music from politics, even in the slightest.
@mycelium_queen Replying to @mycelium_queen ♬ original sound - Mycelium Queen 🦋
Death Versus Bad Brain
As soon as I was old enough to go to shows alone, I submerged myself in the DIY scene. I had no idea what I was doing, I scoured the internet to find “small concerts,” as I called them, in Boston, where I went to high school.
I identified with punk for myself. But when I made the connection between punk and politics, I opened myself up to a whole new world of music.
Lyrics like: “Politicians in my eyes / They could care less about you / they could care less about me as long as they are to end the place they want to be,” from the band Death — considered to be the pioneers of punk music as a genre — spoke to me.
I was even more pleased that the actual founders of the genre — originally a jazz fusion turned hardcore punk band called Bad Brain — were Black Musicians.
I once declared that I’m only an amalgamation of those who came before me, so hearing this quite literally brought tears to my eyes (I’m so far from joking, it’s almost funny again). At my favorite DIY punk, emo, and rock concerts I belong just as much as anyone else.
I’ve always loved that punk music and its subculture take a stand for its listeners.
Feminist Punk: The Riot Grrrl Movement
Shortly after fully immersing myself in the scene, I was introduced to Bikini Kill and the Riot Grrrl movement. Emerging in the early 90’s, the Riot Grrl movement came about out of necessity for a space for women in the punk scene. Riot Grrrl directly combats sexism and works to normalize female anger and sexuality.
In 2023, I began filming a documentary about Boone, North Carolina — a small town rich in music, culture, and activism, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. My production team and I soon noticed that the conversations solely about the music scene quickly became political, especially for Babe Haven, a Riot Grrrl band hailing from Boone.
I now have the pleasure of calling the band members my friends. They’re an integral part of the history of punk and the Riot Grrrl movement, from their songs about objectification of women, like “Uppercut” and “Daddy’s Little Girl” to firsthand accounts of the band from those who believe that punk music has always been all about men — particularly white men.
“Riot grrrl is the way we dress, the way we talk, and the way we stand up for ourselves and other feminine folk. It’s aggressively inclusive, and that’s why we’re so drawn to it. We have on one hand, this outlet for our collective anger and grief, and on the other, we have this platform for queer and feminine celebration.” – Babe Haven
Jonathan Courchesne
Through the Looking Glass
Now, my eyes are peeled for signs and signals of the punk scene and its connection to politics. From the moment of silence for Gaza at a November concert to the New Jersey-based punk band Funeral Doors’ moment of silence for Gaza, and Brooklyn-based band Talon in February.
I remember standing in the crowds at that concert in February as the business casual people entered the bar, expecting a relaxing after-work drink with some light chatter in the background. I watched their faces as they slowly backed out of the door. While they heard howling, the fans listented to Juni, the lead singer of Funeral Doors, screaming, “F*ck trans genocide!”
Everyone was immersed in the safe space the band had provided us. Somewhere in the crowd, there was someone — or 3 or 4 individuals — struggling to truly be who they are. And — if only for a brief moment — they felt like they belonged.
Lead singer of Funeral DoorsERYNN WAKEFIELD
Inevitable Misunderstanding
Although there are essential conversations happening within the punk and DIY communities about what it means to be a part of the subculture, we still have work to do. Recently, I had an extremely jarring experience as I was peacefully scrolling through TikTok.
I came across a string of videos about right-wing punks trying to claim the subculture for themselves. Soon after my feed was flooded with stitches and clapbacks from left-wing people explaining the subculture of punk music and the inability to remove it from left-leaning political discourse.
@c4b1n_1n_th3_wxxds_ Sorry i look kinda bad 💀 ive bad a rough few weeks . . . . . . #punk #punkstyle #punkclothing #punkrock #punkfashion #crustpunk #folkpunk #queer #gay #lgbtq #pride #leftist #leftistpolitics #anarchism #Anarchy #Socialism #anarchocommunism ♬ original sound - C4b1n 🔻
Punk's Proclamation: A Movement Rooted in People’s Power
I’ve said it time and time again: artists must reflect the times. It’s both comforting and empowering that this genre I love so much does not deny me. And it wouldn’t be what it is without me. As silly as it sounds, I often return to a meme, one that declares that people — if they choose to create — need to carry the burden of the world they’re living in. This has only proven to be true.
Punk music and the subculture behind it aren’t merely screaming and studded belts from your local Hot Topic (if they’re a thing anymore). The punk scene highlights the struggles of the working class, sheds light on political issues relating to marginalized groups, fosters community, and fights for what’s right.
Punk music has always held a space for me; all I had to do was claim it.
@wormtriip via Instagram
Here’s How cleancult Is Cleaning Up The Industry
Did you know that 91% of plastic isn't recycled? And the chemicals we use to clean our home and clothes contribute to a lot of that waste. A lot of store-bought green cleaners claim to be good for the environment and free of toxins, but they often come in plastic containers that will end up lying in landfills for years to come.
Luckily, cleancult is changing the green cleaning game for good. The line of natural household products includes everything from laundry & dishwasher tablets, all-purpose cleaner, to hand and dish soap. All products are made with only natural ingredients and aim to reduce your plastic waste by sending you the products in "milk carton" refills. You can use these to fill up your own bottles at home, or they sell zero waste glass starter bottles that you can reuse forever. Here are four reasons why people are raving about the only true green cleaning company.
cleancult sends you glass starter kit bottles that you can keep and reuse forever. From then, they send you refills in milk carton containers which save up to 90% plastic. These refills are recyclable, meaning zero waste.
Generic cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can cause serious health conditions, like cancer. cleancult products are free of parabens and sulfates & blended with essential oils, making them perfect for those with sensitive skin.
All products are pet friendly and cruelty free.
They actually clean! The plant based formulas are tough on dirt but kind to the earth. Neat-freak approved, we promise!
It's affordable! The refills start from just $6.95 and can be delivered as little or often as you like.
cleancult products are gentle on your skin and kind to the earth. Their convenient refill plan can be delivered every one, two or three months, so you never have to worry about running out. Taking care of you, your home and the environment has never been easier!
UPDATE: Our friends at cleancult are offering readers a special discount. Follow this link to get 15% off your first order!
Here’s How cleancult Is Cleaning Up The Industry
The Green Cleaners That Actually Work
There has never been a more important time to act on improving the state of our environment. Did you know that 91% of plastic isn't recycled? That's just the tip of the iceberg.
The chemicals we use to clean our homes have catastrophic consequences on our habitat. A lot of store-bought green cleaners claim to be free of toxins, but they often come in plastic containers that will end up lying in landfills for years to come.
cleancultis changing the green cleaning game for good.
The line of natural household products includes everything from laundry & dishwasher tablets, to all-purpose cleaner, to hand and dish soap. After you take a quick quiz outlining your cleaning habits, cleancult will recommend the products you need.
When you decide which ones you want (you can customize their recommendations), they send you one-off glass containers filled with their products, so you can stop buying disposable plastic. For good. After that, they send you refills in biodegradable "milk cartons" to pour into the glass bottles.
Here's why people are raving about the only true green cleaning company.
Save up to 90% plastic. cleancult sends you reusable glass starter kit bottles, pre-filled with their products. From there, they send you refills in recyclable milk carton containers.
All products are free of toxic parabens & sulfates that can cause serious health conditions.
All products are pet-friendly & cruelty-free, and blended with essential oils, making them perfect for those with sensitive skin.
They actually clean! The plant-based formulas are tough on dirt but kind to the earth.
It's affordable! The refills start from just $6.95 and can be delivered as little or often as you like.
cleancult products are gentle on your skin and kind to the earth. Once you sign up for your first order, you can specify if you want your products delivered every one, two or three months, so you never have to worry about running out. Taking care of you, your home, and the environment has never been easier!
Subscription Laundry Detergent Is A Thing. We Tried It: Here's What Happened
As I've gotten a little older, I feel like I've really refined my sense of style, and have started to buy more high-end basic, pieces of clothing that'll stand the test of time. They're the type of pieces that can be machine washed, but I feel like store bought laundry products are all have the same generic scent that makes me smell like a flower that swallowed a dead flower. Plus, the generic brands just don't really take care of my clothes, and now that I'm actually investing some money into what I wear, it's important to me that the clothes last as long as possible. If I buy the same laundry products as my mom, I'm going to smell like my mom. Poof, mind blown. There had to be a detergent out there that didn't look and smell like they were meant for housewives from the 1950's. I did some Googling, and found Frey, a line of products designed to change the way we think about washing our clothes.
When I landed on Frey's site, I felt like I was onto something different. The vibe was sleek and modern, unlike any laundry brand I'd ever seen before, almost like a lifestyle product for cool men that hitchhike across the country to swim in hot springs, but also own a closet full of suits. I scrolled over to products, and honestly was surprised to see more than one. I guess I never really thought past detergent. I learned Fabric Conditioner could reduce the wrinkles in my shirts, who knew? Still, I didn't know if a natural product would actually get my clothes clean, or if I could trust that I'd like the scent. Scent is so personal, how would I know I liked something I bought online?
I decided to read more. I learned that Frey has no parabens or toxins, which is good for the environment and my sensitive skin, plus its concentrated formula means less waste per load. I liked how Frey has total transparency about its contents and created a business model based on sustainability—Frey plants a tree for every order placed. These guys get it.
But going back to my original dilemma, I needed to know about the scent, and didn't know if buying something on the internet I couldn't smell first made sense. There was a lot of hype with the customer reviews. . . "So. F'ing. Good." "Smells like a man with an 815 credit score." "Nomad Wizard Lumberjack." I wasn't even sure what the last one meant, but with such unique and detailed descriptions, I figured people must really like it.
Then I noticed Frey's Laundry Plan. It was like they knew I needed a little help. I answered a few easy questions like what kinds of fabrics I would be washing (work or workout) and if I ever wear clothes a second time in between washes (who doesn't?!). Then they gave me a suggested laundry list. They even have articles with really useful tips like "How To Get Barbeque Stains Out Of A White T-Shirt." The only thing left was to try it. . .
Smelling my clothes after washing with Frey was like doing a cannonball into a creek in an autumnal forest. But also really subtle- I understand the hype. Now when I put on a clean shirt I feel put-together and on top of my game. And it doesn't even costs less than regular detergent; those can cost up to $0.93 per load, Frey's cost is just $0.40 per load! #MathNerdAlert. Plus the smell is amazing . . . Excuse the pun, but what a breath of fresh air.
Subscription Laundry Detergent Is A Thing. We Tried It: Here's What Happened
As I've gotten a little older, I feel like I've really refined my sense of style, and have started to buy more high-end basic, pieces of clothing that'll stand the test of time. They're the type of pieces that can be machine washed, but I feel like store bought laundry products are all have the same generic scent that makes me smell like a flower that swallowed a dead flower. Plus, the generic brands just don't really take care of my clothes, and now that I'm actually investing some money into what I wear, it's important to me that the clothes last as long as possible. If I buy the same laundry products as my mom, I'm going to smell like my mom. Poof, mind blown. There had to be a detergent out there that didn't look and smell like they were meant for housewives from the 1950's. I did some Googling, and found Frey, a line of products designed to change the way we think about washing our clothes.
When I landed on Frey's site, I felt like I was onto something different. The vibe was sleek and modern, unlike any laundry brand I'd ever seen before, almost like a lifestyle product for cool men that hitchhike across the country to swim in hot springs, but also own a closet full of suits. I scrolled over to products, and honestly was surprised to see more than one. I guess I never really thought past detergent. I learned Fabric Conditioner could reduce the wrinkles in my shirts, who knew? Still, I didn't know if a natural product would actually get my clothes clean, or if I could trust that I'd like the scent. Scent is so personal, how would I know I liked something I bought online?
I decided to read more. I learned that Frey has no parabens or toxins, which is good for the environment and my sensitive skin, plus its concentrated formula means less waste per load. I liked how Frey has total transparency about its contents and created a business model based on sustainability—Frey plants a tree for every order placed. These guys get it.
But going back to my original dilemma, I needed to know about the scent, and didn't know if buying something on the internet I couldn't smell first made sense. There was a lot of hype with the customer reviews. . . "So. F'ing. Good." "Smells like a man with an 815 credit score." "Nomad Wizard Lumberjack." I wasn't even sure what the last one meant, but with such unique and detailed descriptions, I figured people must really like it.
Then I noticed Frey's Laundry Plan. It was like they knew I needed a little help. I answered a few easy questions like what kinds of fabrics I would be washing (work or workout) and if I ever wear clothes a second time in between washes (who doesn't?!). Then they gave me a suggested laundry list. They even have articles with really useful tips like "How To Get Barbeque Stains Out Of A White T-Shirt." The only thing left was to try it. . .
Smelling my clothes after washing with Frey was like doing a cannonball into a creek in an autumnal forest. But also really subtle- I understand the hype. Now when I put on a clean shirt I feel put-together and on top of my game. And it doesn't even costs less than regular detergent; those can cost up to $0.93 per load, Frey's cost is just $0.40 per load! #MathNerdAlert. Plus the smell is amazing . . . Excuse the pun, but what a breath of fresh air.