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
Now Is The Perfect Time To Get Summer-Ready With YogaClub
As the days get warmer, we're trading our snuggly winter blankets and Netflix binge sessions for lighter outfits and sunny days outside. We're counting down the time until we can hike through the wilderness, have outdoor charcuterie picnics, or sip umbrella drinks by the pool. This year, we're determined to look and feel our very best and take advantage of the most anticipated season! Now is the perfect time to get ready for summer, whether that's losing a bit of that winter take-out food weight or stocking up on cute new outfits. Luckily, YogaClub is here to help us with both.
YogaClub is a subscription box that sends you curated, 3-piece outfits of brand name workout apparel from designer brands like Niyama Sol, Threads 4 Thought, and Beyond Yoga. Before getting your first box, you take a short style quiz that collects info like your size, body shape, color & style preferences, and more. Then they send you a hand-picked outfit (that's leggings, a sports bra, and a top) right to your door. My subscription is $79 a month for 3 luxury items, and it costs less than one pair of leggings usually costs at the studio!
Here's why you need YogaClub before summer rolls around.
1. The clothes are so cute, you can't wait to show em' off.
Gone are the days when you could get away with wearing the same boring black leggings over and over. Summer is coming, so shove those to the back of your closet and make room for YogaClub! They have such a wide range of colors, prints, and details you can mix and match, no matter what your style. Bright florals? Check. Neutral patterns? Check. Still, want to stick with black? Spice it up with a fun mesh cutout. Their style quiz lets you opt out of certain styles, so you know you're getting an outfit that fits your taste.
2. It'll become your motivation to hit your workout goals.
"Okay, I'm actually going to start my workout plan… tomorrow!" We know the feeling. But opening your pink YogaClub box and seeing what new outfit you got is the perfect spark of motivation you need to ignore all of your excuses and work on that #summerbod. Feeling confident in what you're wearing and how you look can really give you the mental boost you need to run that extra mile or sign up for the kickboxing class you've been too intimidated to try.
3. You'll look trendy everywhere you go, from the gym to the grocery store to brunch.
We promise you won't look out of place. YogaClub outfits are high-quality and functional, but also super stylish. Many of their brands are sold in designer boutiques and high-end studios, so you won't be wearing the same old department store styles as everybody else. No more lugging around giant tote bags with all your changes of clothes, these outfits are super cute and versatile!!
4. You'll fill your closet with high-end athleisure without splurging.
With a YogaClub subscription, you're basically getting 60% off name brand workout apparel. Instead of paying a cringe-worthy $98+ for one pair of Lululemon leggings, you're paying $79 a month for a top and sports bra and leggings! That means more money for fun things, like frosé at the rooftop bar. They also have different frequency subscriptions if you want it less often, and it's great that you pay every month instead of upfront. It's also really easy to pause or cancel your subscription online (but you won't want to).
If you're ready to stock up your workout closet for summer without draining your wallet, it's time to join YogaClub. Your personal stylist will hook you up with athleisure that's individually picked for your style, so there's no way you won't love it. But be warned, you'll be getting a lot of compliments and you might need to spill your secret at the next girls' brunch!
USE MY DISCOUNT: Follow this link and use my discount YOGI69 to knock your monthly price of YogaClub down from $79 to $69!
Now Is The Perfect Time To Get Summer-Ready With YogaClub
As the days get warmer, we're trading our snuggly winter blankets and Netflix binge sessions for lighter outfits and sunny days outside. We're counting down the time until we can hike through the wilderness, have outdoor charcuterie picnics, or sip umbrella drinks by the pool. This year, we're determined to look and feel our very best and take advantage of the most anticipated season! Now is the perfect time to get ready for summer, whether that's losing a bit of that winter take-out food weight or stocking up on cute new outfits. Luckily, YogaClub is here to help us with both.
YogaClub is a subscription box that sends you curated, 3-piece outfits of brand name workout apparel from designer brands like Niyama Sol, Threads 4 Thought, and Beyond Yoga. Before getting your first box, you take a short style quiz that collects info like your size, body shape, color & style preferences, and more. Then they send you a hand-picked outfit (that's leggings, a sports bra, and a top) right to your door. My subscription is $79 a month for 3 luxury items, and it costs less than one pair of leggings usually costs at the studio!
Here's why you need YogaClub before summer rolls around.
1. The clothes are so cute, you can't wait to show em' off.
Gone are the days when you could get away with wearing the same boring black leggings over and over. Summer is coming, so shove those to the back of your closet and make room for YogaClub! They have such a wide range of colors, prints, and details you can mix and match, no matter what your style. Bright florals? Check. Neutral patterns? Check. Still, want to stick with black? Spice it up with a fun mesh cutout. Their style quiz lets you opt out of certain styles, so you know you're getting an outfit that fits your taste.
2. It'll become your motivation to hit your workout goals.
"Okay, I'm actually going to start my workout plan… tomorrow!" We know the feeling. But opening your pink YogaClub box and seeing what new outfit you got is the perfect spark of motivation you need to ignore all of your excuses and work on that #summerbod. Feeling confident in what you're wearing and how you look can really give you the mental boost you need to run that extra mile or sign up for the kickboxing class you've been too intimidated to try.
3. You'll look trendy everywhere you go, from the gym to the grocery store to brunch.
We promise you won't look out of place. YogaClub outfits are high-quality and functional, but also super stylish. Many of their brands are sold in designer boutiques and high-end studios, so you won't be wearing the same old department store styles as everybody else. No more lugging around giant tote bags with all your changes of clothes, these outfits are super cute and versatile!!
4. You'll fill your closet with high-end athleisure without splurging.
With a YogaClub subscription, you're basically getting 60% off name brand workout apparel. Instead of paying a cringe-worthy $98+ for one pair of Lululemon leggings, you're paying $79 a month for a top and sports bra and leggings! That means more money for fun things, like frosé at the rooftop bar. They also have different frequency subscriptions if you want it less often, and it's great that you pay every month instead of upfront. It's also really easy to pause or cancel your subscription online (but you won't want to).
If you're ready to stock up your workout closet for summer without draining your wallet, it's time to join YogaClub. Your personal stylist will hook you up with athleisure that's individually picked for your style, so there's no way you won't love it. But be warned, you'll be getting a lot of compliments and you might need to spill your secret at the next girls' brunch!
USE MY DISCOUNT: Follow this link and use my discount YOGI69 to knock your monthly price of YogaClub down from $79 to $69!
Now Is The Perfect Time To Get Summer-Ready With YogaClub
As the days get warmer, we're trading our snuggly winter blankets and Netflix binge sessions for lighter outfits and sunny days outside. We're counting down the time until we can hike through the wilderness, have outdoor charcuterie picnics, or sip umbrella drinks by the pool. This year, we're determined to look and feel our very best and take advantage of the most anticipated season! Now is the perfect time to get ready for summer, whether that's losing a bit of that winter take-out food weight or stocking up on cute new outfits. Luckily, YogaClub is here to help us with both.
YogaClub is a subscription box that sends you curated, 3-piece outfits of brand name workout apparel from designer brands like Niyama Sol, Threads 4 Thought, and Beyond Yoga. Before getting your first box, you take a short style quiz that collects info like your size, body shape, color & style preferences, and more. Then they send you a hand-picked outfit (that's leggings, a sports bra, and a top) right to your door. My subscription is $79 a month for 3 luxury items, and it costs less than one pair of leggings usually costs at the studio!
Here's why you need YogaClub before summer rolls around.
1. The clothes are so cute, you can't wait to show em' off.
Gone are the days when you could get away with wearing the same boring black leggings over and over. Summer is coming, so shove those to the back of your closet and make room for YogaClub! They have such a wide range of colors, prints, and details you can mix and match, no matter what your style. Bright florals? Check. Neutral patterns? Check. Still, want to stick with black? Spice it up with a fun mesh cutout. Their style quiz lets you opt out of certain styles, so you know you're getting an outfit that fits your taste.
2. It'll become your motivation to hit your workout goals.
"Okay, I'm actually going to start my workout plan… tomorrow!" We know the feeling. But opening your pink YogaClub box and seeing what new outfit you got is the perfect spark of motivation you need to ignore all of your excuses and work on that #summerbod. Feeling confident in what you're wearing and how you look can really give you the mental boost you need to run that extra mile or sign up for the kickboxing class you've been too intimidated to try.
3. You'll look trendy everywhere you go, from the gym to the grocery store to brunch.
We promise you won't look out of place. YogaClub outfits are high-quality and functional, but also super stylish. Many of their brands are sold in designer boutiques and high-end studios, so you won't be wearing the same old department store styles as everybody else. No more lugging around giant tote bags with all your changes of clothes, these outfits are super cute and versatile!!
4. You'll fill your closet with high-end athleisure without splurging.
With a YogaClub subscription, you're basically getting 60% off name brand workout apparel. Instead of paying a cringe-worthy $98+ for one pair of Lululemon leggings, you're paying $79 a month for a top and sports bra and leggings! That means more money for fun things, like frosé at the rooftop bar. They also have different frequency subscriptions if you want it less often, and it's great that you pay every month instead of upfront. It's also really easy to pause or cancel your subscription online (but you won't want to).
If you're ready to stock up your workout closet for summer without draining your wallet, it's time to join YogaClub. Your personal stylist will hook you up with athleisure that's individually picked for your style, so there's no way you won't love it. But be warned, you'll be getting a lot of compliments and you might need to spill your secret at the next girls' brunch!