The New York City underground teen music scene is an energetic, lively, and ever-evolving subculture where young people can find comfort and tranquility. This is ironic since the loud banging of the drums and harsh guitar riffs can scratch one’s ears, but they can certainly calm down some as well. In this scene, one can often find undiscovered talents and voices that build community in the heart of one of the world’s most influential cities. From DIY basement shows in Brooklyn to unrehearsed, impromptu performances in Queens, this scene thrives on its raw energy, diverse influences, and the DIY spirit that fuels it. Often defying mainstream trends, teen musicians create spaces for self-expression, discovery, experimentation, and collaboration, forging new sounds that challenge the status quo and reflect the pulse of a new generation.
In the city that never sleeps, teenagers find themselves wandering around, wondering what to do next. Five dollars to see a couple of bands does not sound like a bad deal to most. Adolescents strive most for change. Rebellion and self-discovery are what teenagers go through during their high school years, and what better way to express oneself than through music? By starting bands, adolescents are able to express themselves in similar ways to one another. Sharing ideas, lyrics, and riffs are just some creative ways that teenagers are able to share these talents. “I think my favorite part of being in a band has not only been the friends I’ve made but also the fact that I’m able to release all these emotions I’ve had in front of dozens of people. I’ve been given an opportunity to channel the mostly negative experiences I’ve had and turn them into art, that has reached a lot of people locally, which is insane to me,” said Lola Carolina, 16 years old and member of the Brooklyn band Talkbox.
With depressing but loud vocals, the “Screamo” scene has really caught people’s attention. But what is “Screamo”? It is a subgenre of emo and hardcore punk that emerged in the early 1990s. It is usually characterized by its intense emotional expression and harsh vocals. It blends the melodies of emo with chaotic and aggressive sounds of hardcore punk. Popular screamo bands that have influenced many local bands consist of Orchid, Saetia, and Pg. 99. These bands and the screamo genre have been influential in shaping emo and also post-hardcore scenes, especially locally in New York. Its DIY characteristics resonate with underground audiences. Despite its niche status, its passionate fanbase and cathartic musical approach have left a lasting impact on alternative music. Some particular bands making a name for themselves in the New York City scene include Newd, Grimlitter, Silk, and Ted Williams. These bands have risen to popularity within the underground scene. “Being in the scene has just given me a whole community of people who are interested in the same things as me but from different perspectives and has honestly been such a safe space from judgement,” said “C”, member of the band Servants.
This type of alternative sub-culture has been a staple in past centuries and important to the people who take part in it. The so-called “misfits” of society are allowed to feel important and like they have a space where they can share the one thing they all love, which is music. That is why lyricism is important; lyrics are able to convey certain feelings that a person might not be able to express out loud. “Listening to music that makes me feel like I’m not alone really brings peace to my life, especially if it is written by someone I know. I can actually talk to them about it. That’s why I love the scene where everyone knows each other,” said Kira Elysian, a 17 year old who has been a part of the scene for almost a year.
