last of the Underground

Of all the so called music "scenes", one of the few that has, for the most part, avoided mainstream bastardization, is the goth and industrial music scene. However, the problem this creates is a very strong misinterpretation of what 'goth' really is. When goth is mentioned, the only name most people have to throw around is Marilyn Manson, which is probably the worst possible example there is. Not to say that Manson does not have some goth and industrial influence, but he is most definitely not a representative of the scene many of us 'goths' hold dear. So if Manson isn't goth, what is it? First of all, goth is not completely devoted to shock value as Manson would have us believe. It is a type of music that simply lets out a lot of the darker and, more often than not, openly repressed of human emotion. Does this mean that we who call ourselves goth revel in the negativity of our human nature? For many goths yes, but you can not judge and entire subculture based on a few individuals. But back to the music.
Goth and industrial music, with the exception of a few bands such as Ministry, Skinny Puppy, and the Sisters of Mercy, has avoided mainstream attention. These bands receive no radio play, book smaller venues, and are sold in few record stores mostly in small quantity. However, all these factors have contributed to the fact that a lot of the music has stayed true to the original ideas and roots of the goth and industrial music of the early 80s. This does not mean that the music has not evolved and expanded, but what has happened is that it has avoided the blatant commercialization that has ruined many music scenes, such as emotional music like the Smiths and the entire punk genre. Goth is one of the last true 'underground' music scenes and is very encouraging to me, because there is still some part of what i love that has not been pissed on by the bullshit of the mainstream and pop culture. Long live goth! Long live the underground!

coming soon- the history of Goth