This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Ky Tanella. Find them on Instagram at @ky.tanella. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
As the culture shifts, stereotypical “punk” seems to be fading into nostalgia, or is not as popular in the modern day. To truly see if punk is still alive and well, we must dive into multiple resources, including the modern-day artists, and the birth of the punk scene in the 70s. So… is punk dead? Or are you just not looking in the right places?
Origins of Punk
The “punk rock” genre emerged in the 1970s as a cultural movement as a direct response to social unrest in the late 1960s and early 1970s – more specifically, the Civil Rights Movement, opposition to the Vietnam War, and the Women’s Rights movements. For younger generations, it provided spaces and opportunities for rebellion, indie music production, self-expression, and protest.
In New York, punk rock gave way to bands like The Ramones and Blondie, and in the UK, The Clash and Sex Pistols became more popular. The 1980s brought bands like Joy Division and Siouxie and the Banshees to experiment with the older “ethos” of punk with stylized sounds and lyrics, which paved the way for subgenres like alternative and indie rock. In the 90s, Green Day and The Offspring’s mainstream popularity brought the punk revival to a new generation with better production.
Key Associations
Music
Punk rock bands were essential to pioneering the punk movement, through their intense lyricism and confrontational approach to sociopolitical issues. The taboo nature of these topics in the 70s-80s caused the “underground” movement of music, as mainstream stations and labels wouldn’t allow the spread of their messages.
POC in Punk
It would be impossible to talk about the punk movement without stressing the black influences that paved the way for popularized punk media. Don Letts is most known for his unique blend of punk rock and reggae, Pure Hell was one of the first all-black punk bands, and Death (from Detriot) is categorized as a proto-punk (or pre-punk) band, known for their discordant sound.
Women in Punk
It’s no secret that the punk scene was mainly dominated by men in the ’70s-’80s, but women have played a crucial role in the movement, contributing to its ethos around feminism. Patti Smith fostered a unique blend of rock and poetry; Debbie Harry (the frontwoman of Blondie) mixed bratty pop and punk while maintaining her unique edge; The Runaways were one of the first proto-punk bands, paving the way for the movement. The Slits were a female-led punk band from the UK, addressing issues with societal gender norms; Siouxsie and the Banshees lean more towards the goth subgenre, but are also known for their innovative approach to the pop-punk scene in the ‘80s.
The Riot Grrrl Movement was also an essential part of feminist punk history, paving the way for bands like Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, Le Tigre, and Heavens to Betsy. The genre is known for its intense feminist commentary featuring high-pitched voices, metal screaming, and fearless performances. It’s closely associated with third-wave feminism, and created a space for women to express themselves and feel safe in the punk scene. The movement and genre still continue to thrive today!
Politics
Since the movement was so closely tied to political unrest, ideologies are an essential part of being a “punk.” Most commonly, punk politics are derived from individualism, anti-establishment, and non-conformity politics; this includes the “DIY ethic,” which translated through the creative arts and fashion culture at the time. They were dissatisfied with working-class conditions and the commercialization of the rock genre by big labels and corporations. British Punks were closely associated with nihilism and a disregard for the present, while American-based Punks were associated with anarchy.
Additionally, the word “poser” quickly became an evaluation term for those who indulged in the music and fashion, but didn’t align with or share the political values of the “real” punks. There was an unfortunate movement of conservative and Nazi punks, but they did not concede with the anti-establishment ideologies of the left-leaning movement. Nazism has never been fully tolerated in the scene, The Dead Kennedys especially were huge proponents of this movement with their extremely popular song: Nazi Punks, Fuck Off!
Aesthetic
Aside from music and politics, aesthetics were very individualized and evolved throughout the years as subgenres began popping up. The main fashion staples included leather jackets, ripped jeans, combat boots, lots of tattoos/piercings, and spiky hairstyles (including mohawks and Liberty spikes). However, its DIY approach set it apart from the other movements through its approach to thrifting and repurposing. For example, ripped clothing sutured with safety pins, customizing items with spray paint or markets, and unconventionally using pieces (like a shirt as a pencil skirt).
Film
A few movies and documentaries focus specifically on the punk movement in different eras, here is a great Letterboxd list for long-form movies. I recommend SLC Punk!, We Are the Best!, Green Room, and Daises. Documentaries were essential in spreading the punk message, including The Filth and the Fury, 24-Hour Party People, and Threat, which unfortunately can be hard to find!
The 21st Century Punk Scene
The rhetoric on fashion and lifestyle practices has since loosened a lot, and many modern punks are adamant about music and political ideologies defining “punk” in place of fashion. It’s always been about more than the clothes, it’s a statement of rebellion! However, let’s dive into its modern impact on culture and music.
New Punk Music
In the modern-day, many punk bands continue to push commentary on political corruption, misogyny, and systemic racism! Women-led punk bands/artists like Panic Shack, Pussy Riot, Billy Nomates, CHERYM, Dream Wife, and The Maxines are keeping the Riot Grrrl movement alive and well in the 21st Century. Mykki Blanco also stepped up on the scene recently, as a non-binary Riot Grrrl rapper from NYC!
Other bands like Pig City, The Runts, Rat Cage, Amyl and the Sniffers and Broken Cuffs are all recommended modern punk bands to get you into the movement (if you’re new)!
How Politics & Culture Have Changed
Modern post-punk has evolved past just “sticking it to the man,” but it still holds those core values close. LGBTQ+ punk bands are keeping the queercore social movement going, like The Menstrual Cramps, ONSIND, & Dazey and the Scouts! Punk continues to be the modern soundtrack of most marches/protests, pioneering resistance and the fight for a better future.
However, modern punk doesn’t come without its critique. Privilege in the movement seems to contribute to a racial diversity problem within the scene (despite its messaging), and the existence of Nazi/conservative punks still reigns (despite far-left ideologies).
Clearly, 2025 is a time of political unrest, potentially paving the way for another movement. Rebellion and protests seem to be popping up globally and for a good reason. This is not a time to be ignorant, rebellion and movements are just as important now as they were in the past.
So… Is Punk Dead?
In my humble opinion, absolutely not! Punk it’s different, evolving with the times, but it’s not dead.
The DIY-ness of the punk movement continues to be prevalent in the form of self-made musicians, indie filmmakers (shout out to Anora for the Oscar), platforms like Bandcamp, and handmade/online zines! It lives in the thrifting trend to evade fast fashion, in crocheting/sewing your own clothing, in slow living, in anti-consumerism! It thrives in global protests!
Just keep looking in the right places. As Lars Fredrickson said: “Punk is not dead as long as there is an angry kid with a guitar.”
So… what do you think? Is Punk dead to you? Let us know in the comments down below, especially if you’ve got any recommendations for music/media to keep an eye out for!
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