Why Hardcore is Popular Among Young Men
It’s not what you think
The hardcore punk subgenre (which I will refer to as ‘hardcore’ in this article) is a wild mix of passion, aggression, and camaraderie.
When my partner and I started dating, she was surprised when she discovered that I listened to it. When I asked her what she thought of the music, she openly said she didn’t like it. She couldn’t understand what was being said, and she didn’t like that there was so much cursing. I wasn’t surprised. Its music is often associated with hate, anger, violence, and even death to an outsider. There is a negative stigma attached to hardcore (and probably other extreme forms of rock and metal).
But there is more beneath this misinterpreted image.
I find the hardcore scene fascinating. The music, the mosh pit, and the community. But what’s even more fascinating is its appeal to young men. The mosh pit is crowded with young men — shoving, kicking, and screaming the lyrics along with the band. That was certainly my experience back in the day. As an avid hardcore listener, I am always blank for words when I get asked: “How can you listen to that?” Most of the time, I respond with, “I don’t know, I just can.”
Lately, it’s got me thinking — What is it about hardcore? Why has it attracted so many young men?
Here is my case for hardcore.
Young men crave meaning
“So sing your song with the highest choir; preach from the top of the world. Share your voice”
~The Ghost Inside
There is a quality about hardcore that makes you want to get up destroy sh#!. It’s why you will most likely hear it in a fighting scene from a movie. It’s music that would probably be played in the locker room before the big game. So, when I think of why it’s popular amongst young men, I can see why. It’s music that screams testosterone. It’s music that screams risk-taking. It’s music that screams anger, aggression, and anarchy.
But I believe it’s more for young men.
It’s the meaning and substance behind the anger and aggression. It’s the meaning behind the heavily distorted guitars, the fast-paced drums, and jaw-opening screams. Like all music, it’s the messages and ideas that are being shared.
I only started to truly embrace hardcore a few years ago, when I was invited to a few shows during my university days. Before then, I had a narrow view of hardcore. I assumed that the lyrics were all about ‘f#!*ing sh*# up’. I could only stand so much. It wasn’t my thing. But during this time, I learned about ‘straight edge,’ a hardcore movement that promoted an alcohol and drug-free life.
This was a surprise to me.
I thought it was cool hearing about bands who promoted and supported this lifestyle through their music. Up until then, I thought most bands lived up to the typical rock star lifestyle. I was even more surprised when I learned that the hardcore movement grew from sharing ideas and opinions around various issues such as government corruption, human rights and justice, domestic violence, having a positive mindset, and even veganism.
Seeing how many young people, particularly young men, embraced hardcore and its ideals was quite moving.
Hardcore is an unconventional path to self-exploration and self-awareness. Beneath its rough and often misjudged exterior are messages that help young men learn about the reality of the world and themselves.
Young men need to express themselves
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words”
~Victor Hugo
Pretty violent, huh? That’s what I thought when I first saw a live mosh pit. You’re probably thinking, the mosh pit is the perfect space to do some damage. But what if we saw the mosh pit as a space for young men to relieve stress, to express emotions, and to let off some steam?
From my experiences in the mosh pit and as an observer, there are a few things worth mentioning: Firstly, not everyone has an angry look on their face. Secondly, people do whatever the hell they want in the pit — no one really cares about how you move in the space, and it seems like no one is there to judge. Thirdly, although it looks like people are out to hurt you, there is respect in most mosh pits. There are some unspoken rules and guidelines (unfortunately, these don’t always get followed):
- Help someone up if they are on the ground.
- Don’t take it personally.
- Have fun.
I see the mosh pit as a space where you can let it all out without judgment, a space where you can just ‘do you. Some people moshed with a smile on their face, and others moshed quite intensely. ‘Moshers’ have the freedom to choose when to go in and which part of the song to mosh to.
There were no right or wrong answers.
It is interesting when people say that men — particularly young men — have difficulty expressing their emotions and feelings. And I would say that it is worth remembering that emotions and feelings can be expressed in many ways. Some ways being healthier than others. From personal experience, moshing is like exercise (well, it is exercise if you think about the number of calories you burn off in a set).
Sure, from an outsider’s perspective, mosh pits and circle pits look violent (and dangerous). And in no way am I telling you to dive straight into a mosh pit. It’s essential to know about the risks. And it might be worth understanding what they are all about and some of the unspoken rules.
Sometimes it’s hard for young men to talk about their emotions and feelings. And when I think about it, the mosh pit is a kind of therapeutic space — a space where young men can express their hopes, joys, passions, and frustrations.
Young men need to connect
“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth” ~African Proverb
The hardcore scene has built quite a large community over the years, considering its underground status. People are brought together not only for the love of the music but also for an idea or a cause.
Hardcore helped me to gain a sense of belonging and connection. I felt a sense of connection not only with the music but with fellow listeners. The music formed a significant part of my identity — it formed my beliefs, values, and the way I experienced and acted in the world.
As we know from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, humans have an innate need to belong and connect. This is particularly true for boys and young men. They want to be a part of something where they feel heard and where they feel protected. They want to contribute to something meaningful — not only to them but also to the broader community.
Final Words
It is important to mentor young men and connect them with groups and communities aligned with more positive and constructive forms of masculinity. I believe that hardcore offers this to young men. Beyond the surface lies a music charged with meaning and passion. Lyrics drenched in positive and uplifting messages. A subculture built on expression, exploration, respect, and community lies beneath the pushing, shoving, and stage diving you see at a hardcore show.
“…to an outsider, this sometimes looks like people are [gonna like] trying to kill themselves. But I just wanna [I just wanna] clarify that we should [let each other ] let… the… the outside world that is in at this show tonight that… we’re not here to kill each other, we’re here for a good time and we’re looking out for each other…” Patrick Flynn, singer of Have Heart at their final show, at Club Lido in Revere, Massachusetts, October 17, 2009.
P.S. I can’t leave an article writing about hardcore without suggesting some bands. So, here are some bands that I have been listening (and COVID-19 lockdown moshing) to lately:
- Magnitude
- One Step Closer
- Inclination
- The Ghost inside
- Incendiary
Until next time!
Stephen
