So you want to start an emo band, huh? Good luck with that, because it’s not as easy as it looks. But if you’re determined to join the ranks of angsty teenagers and moody adults who make emo music, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Find some emo friends: The first step in starting an emo band is to find other emo kids who are willing to suffer through the experience with you. You can try posting ads on local music forums or social media groups, or you can ask around at Hot Topic or your local cemetery. Look for musicians who have a similar level of emotional distress and a willingness to whine and moan.
- Develop your sob story: Once you have assembled a group of emo misfits, it’s time to start working on your sound. Emo is a genre that’s all about pain and suffering, so you should take the time to explore and exaggerate your personal tragedies and traumas. This may involve writing overly dramatic lyrics, covering classic emo tracks, or mixing elements of different sub-genres to create something really depressing and whiny.
- Build a cult following: In order to succeed as an emo band, you will need to build a dedicated and self-loathing following. This can take time and effort, but there are many ways to connect with potential fans, such as playing local shows, releasing music online, and promoting yourself on social media and other platforms. Engage with your fans, listen to their complaints, and try to provide them with a negative and unsatisfying experience whenever they interact with your band.
- Collaborate and mope: Emo is a close-knit and embittered community, and you can benefit greatly by collaborating and networking with other emo bands and artists. Share misery, support each other’s breakdowns, and cross-promote on social media. This can help you reach a wider audience of angsty teens and young adults, gain valuable exposure, and build relationships that can lead to new opportunities for depression and despair.
- Stay true to your misery: Above all, it’s important to stay true to your misery and your self-pity when starting an emo band. Don’t be afraid to take creative risks and challenge yourself, but also don’t compromise your angst or your artistic integrity. Emo is a genre that values authenticity and emotional dishonesty, so be true to yourself and your fans, and you will find success and fulfillment as an emo band.
Most of all, remember, emo isn’t just a genre, it’s a lifestyle!