The world of the modern day emo is an aesthetic that is continuing to gain popularity. The emo lifestyle was at its peak in the early-mid 2000s with popular artists at the forefront such as Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, and Green Day. Although the lifestyle died down for about a decade, it has made a comeback—especially among millennials. I myself do not identify as emo, but as a lover of all things emo, I took to the streets to find out the reasoning behind the modern day emo.
I interviewed three women by the names of Izzy, Pippie, and Ash Pea.
Do you consider yourself emo?
Izzy: I mean, yes.
Pippie: I guess.
Ash Pea: I have very emo tendencies.
What makes up an emo?
Izzy: There are three parts: Music, Attitude, Style.
Pippie: Cropped pants, high top vans, oversized sweatshirt, beanie, skateboard.
Ash Pea: It’s mostly about the music. You should not only be emo on the outside, but emo on the inside too.
Can you describe the emo aesthetic?
Izzy: Kids who listened to mid 2000s emo music are now heavily influenced by that music. The millennial generation is very nostalgic.
Pippie: Black or red eyeliner tears.
Ash Pea: You probably cry a lot, so your mascaras always running. You have really dark hair, with some color going on. You also have black skinny jeans, Vans, a flannel, and always have headphones on you.
Is emo a phase or a lifestyle?
Izzy: It’s a phase that sticks with people. You can tell who used to be an emo kid.
Pippie: It’s a phase, but some bring it into a lifestyle.
Ash Pea: Maybe aesthetically it’s a phase, but if “Welcome To The Black Parade” comes on and you’re thirty-five, you’re gonna cry.
Finally, what’s your favorite band?
Izzy: My Chemical Romance
Pippie: McFly
Ash Pea: Brand New
After interviewing these women I have concluded that the modern day emo may not always be clear to the public, but to the individuals a little bit of emo will always have a place in their hearts.