Gothic Subcultures Part I

Hello Everyone,

Here is a variety of different Gothic Subcultures. This shall include their common interests, hobbies, and fashions. Remember that though some of this be true, that everyone is created to their own person, a unique individual created lovingly and fearfully by God. I think that I definitely fall under the Victorian category for my hobbies and interest. I have also collected different pieces from some of these fashions! To Goths fashion is ART! What hobbies, fashions, interests, etc, may you connect with or would like to try? All credit goes to the artists and the writer; though I did do some editing. Enjoy! :yellowheart::heartpulse::grin:

1.Trad Goth

The Original Goth. Whether they were actually around in the 80s or not, the Trad Goth most values the traditional scene from its earliest days, when it began to evolve from Punk. Trad Goths venerate those original Goth bands - anything played in the infamous Batcave club. Other influential bands (e.g. Christian Goth: The Velvet Underground) may also be revered as minor bands. Fashion is, naturally, based on the look from the period, which itself was heavily influenced by Punk - leather jackets, piercings - in addition to heavy make-up, HUGE hair, and of course, lots of black. They listen to their extensive record collection. Sadly, TradGoths often believe that Goth is, appropriately, dead, and the modern scene offers little consolation. New “goth” music genres such as EBM are perhaps their biggest pet peeve.

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2. Romantic Goth

While TradGoths tend to be all about the 80s music scene, Romantic Goths (or "RomantiGoths") focus on the dark, sensual and mysterious world of Gothic created by Victorian literature and subsequent movies. In other words they’re probably more “Gothic” than “Goth,” if that makes sense. Identifying features are velvet and lace, flowy clothes (often Victorian or Medieval inspired), and a love of poetry and literature. It is therefore unsurprising that Romantic Goths are typically emotional, creative and dreamy types. Dead roses, crumbling graveyards, and old skulls are things of exquisite beauty to these creatures. Preferred bands tend to be those that focus on being “brooding”, and so may include downtempo ethereal bands, and folk-ish bands. And of course a bit of atmospheric Classical music, especially Bach or Wagner.

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3. Cyber Goth

Cyber Goths are truly the antithesis of all that is Goth. They like bright neon colours, like futurism and technology, and listen to dance music that is as different from Gothic Rock as possible. So why are they called Goths at all? It could be because the music scene gradually evolved from Industrial, Goth’s experimental electronic cousin. It could be that the lyrics of their preferred music genre (Electronic Body Music, or EBM) are generally too deep and too depressing for other dance fans. It could be because they have weird hair. Identifying Cyber Goths is easy: they’ll be the most conspicuous ones around with their insane pony falls, goggles, futuristic inspired clothing, towering New Rock platforms, and miscellaneous glowing bits and pieces. Despite being some of the most lively members of the scene, all other Goths seem to loath this type. Especially the Industrial fans. However, it cannot be denied that the cyber scene is huge now, and is getting ever more popular.

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4. Hippie Goth

In the world of Goth stereotypes, you get two sorts: those who think hippies are too optimistic for their own good, and those who are hippies. A relatively abundant species, stereotypical Hippie Goths are nature-loving. They are into candles and incense. The only major difference between hippies and Hippie Goths is the prevalence of black. Like their hippie cousins, Hippie Goths are quite often vegetarian or vegan, and are dedicated eco warriors or animal rights activists. When not campaigning for world peace, however, they usually know how to have a lot of fun eating excessively and running around in fields at midnight. When it comes to music, Hippie Goths may be found meditating to dark folk, ethereal, in addition to regular folk, and New Age. Older Hippie Goths may listen to the more psychedelic end of the 80s spectrum.

Guy
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Girl
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5.J-Goth

The fashions sported by the alternative crowd in Harajuku (Tokyo’s equivalent of Camden) were largely inspired by the Western Goth movement, J-Goths tend to enter this subculture via different roots: either anime “cosplay” (dressing up as your favourite anime character) or through Japan’s own alternative music scene: Visual Kei, often thought to be started by the Japanese rock. Visual Kei bands vary hugely in sound. They can either take the form of heavy metal or something more like cheesy Euro-pop. What’s important, however, is the band’s look, which takes Goth, Punk, and Glam elements and blends it all into something unique. This style has recently come full circle, with Westerners now borrowing fashion elements from the Japanese. The most popular and distinctive of these is undoubtedly the “Gothic Lolita” look (a kind of cross between Goth, Victorian fashions, Alice in Wonderland and French maid), which has now become a part of the Western Gothic spectrum.

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6. Rivethead

Rivet Heads, or Industrial Goths, often do not consider themselves “Goths,” although their preferred music and fashion can be found in the same shops. The scene all started with the Industrial label, for a new genre of extremely weird experimental electronic music. For some Rivet Heads, this is the only “real” Industrial music - bands spawned from this scene of the early 80s. However, in the modern era the Industrial scene has come to resemble a dark, rough, dystopian version of the Cyber scene. The modern Rivethead may listen to Darkwave bands resembling a heavier form of EBM or even the commercial “Industrial Metal” bands. Industrial fashion is somewhat like Cyber in its futuristic appearance but, is generally more monochrome, less polished, and often has a military influence. It is also undeniable that Sci-Fi movies such as The Matrix have inspired the look of many Rivet Heads; a lot of them will refuse to remove their trench coats.

Guy

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Girl
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7. Perky Goth

More of a general attitude than a true type, Perky Goths know how to have a good time. Abandoning the dark and gloomy Gothic stereotype, these Goths are cheerful, friendly and often bouncy to the point of hyperactive. They see the gothic lifestyle primarily as a way to have fun. Because, they often don brighter colours and readily dance crazily to the more upbeat music in the gothic spectrum, Perky Goths are often associated with the Cyber scene. However, you’ll find plenty of “Perkies” in all other aspects of the scene, from Death Rockers to Victorian. The key point is, these Goths do not make the mistake of taking themselves too seriously. The typical Perky Goth loves all the cheesiest and silliest aspects of Goth, including cute things, 80s cartoons, and TV shows, and anything to do with All Souls Day. While music tastes are diverse, typical Perky Goth bands include 80s electropop, silly-as-heck Death Rock, and comedy artists.

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