POP PUNK

GENRE RESEARCH

CONVENTIONS OF

COSTUME

As pop punk comprises of elements of both the pop genre and the punk rock genre, the costumes and makeup worn by the artists in music videos hold similarities to that of both types of music. The punk rock subculture, which rose to popularity in the 1970s, can be perceived as almost as much of a fashion statement as the anarchic rebellion that they aimed to achieve amongst young adults through their music. Distinctive aspects of the punk rock style usually remain in the costumes worn by pop punk artists that often result in an overall dishevelled appearance, including ripped jeans. Piercing are also commonplace withing the genre, with nose and lip piercings being very common and stretched ears becoming more common in recent years. This is to signify the carefree, youthful attitude that the upbeat music and in fact the artists themselves hold. A connotation of rebellion is also brought with the costume worn by pop punk artists that keep in line with the rejection of authority demonstrated in songs such as “Fatlip” by the renowned pop punk band Sum 41.

YOUTH AND GENDER

As the artists and the demographic of their music consist predominantly of adolescents and young adults, the style of clothing and accessories tend to be casual, with jeans, tshirts and trainers such as skate shoes or converses being a staple. Similarities of this theme of youth can be observed throughout much pop music as well, which can be heard in the punchy beats of pop punk. The casual costume is also due to the energetic nature of the music which requires plenty of movement during performances at gigs and the carefree attitude of the musicians. In line with the theme of youth is often the hairstyles worn by musicians, which are often untidy and can be dyed bright colours such as the trademark orange colour that Hayley Williams is known for.

The casual clothing of jeans and tshirts is even true of female artists, who have become more common in recent years with examples being Hayley Williams of Paramore, Tay Jardine of We We Are The In Crowd and Jenna McDougall of Tonight Alive. Though women have become more frequently seen playing in these bands, the proportion of male musicians still remains far higher.

These women wear minimal makeup because aesthetics are seen to an extent as rather unimportant within pop punk, with the music and community it brings amongst the young listeners being the main focus. It is also practical during performances because due to the high energy of performances, makeup is likely to run due to sweat. Hair is also often usually untidy and remains fairly unstyed, for this would be difficult to maintain during a long, exhausting tour. This very much goes against the stereotype of women being ladylike or the requirement of sexualisation within the pop industry.

NINETIES FASHIONS

Though the themes of youth, rebellion and fun still remain in the costumes, fashions within pop punk do progress through the decades, just like an other genre. This is largely due to the interest in fashion that those of the 16-34 demographic tend to hold, as well as the fresh nature of the genre. For example, early pop punk bands such as Blink 182 and The Offspring would wear baggy jeans and shorts for the majority of the time because this was the fashion amongst young people and skaters at the time. Hairstyles were often spiked with hair gel; this could be seen on Deryck Whibley of Sum 41and on the mohawk of Travis Barker of Blink 182.

When the popularity of the genre increased significantly in the mid nineties with bands such as Blink 182 and New Found Glory, this style remained with just a few changes here and there.

EARLY – MID NOUGHTIES

FASHIONS

Though similarities remain, the style of pop punk clothing

has experienced significant progression since from the early

2000s until present day. One notable trend that emerged

during the mid 2000s was that of “Emo Pop” worn by newer

bands such as Fall Out Boy and Panic at the Disco, of whom

wore tight skinny jeans, eyeliner and the distinctive long dark

hairstyles that became popular amongst adolescents and are

often still seen now. Black was livened up with bright colours

such as reds and purples and patterns such as tartan and

skulls emerged. From the late noughties, this trend has

become less frequent, however skinny jeans remain a staple

part of most pop punk artists’ wardrobes as well as the long

straightened hair that is still worn by artists in “poppier”

bands such as All Time low.

CURRENT FASHIONS

Current pop punk fashion is rather recognisable and differs from earlier fashions. Still

remaining is the trend of skinny jeans and brands such as Vans, however the

emergence of new styles such as t shirts cut into tank tops and prints such as

camouflage and tie dye is fairly new, with these being used in merchandise as well as

being worn by musicians and fans. Hair styles have also evolved, getting shorter

recently with accessories such as snapback hats becoming more popular.

Styles of merchandise has also changed, with popular prints being utilised and new

images and fonts being used. For example, merchandise often now includes images of

the band performing live or adaptations of existing characters and brands to relate to

the band, such as Neck Deep’s popular Taco Bell and MTV related items, which entice

the fans with their relatability and fun. Varsity fonts are now commonly used for they are

associated with high schools so connote youth and address the Americanisation of

much of the genre, which started out in the USA. Lyrics and slogans such as Man

Overboard’s “Defend Pop Punk” are also often printed on merchandise. As record sales

account for less of the musicians’ takings, sales of merchandise is relied upon more

heavily so it is important that the styles of these constantly change to keep up with

fashion so that people are persuaded to buy and wear it; it is also an effective way to

advertise because people actually pay to wear the band’s logo in public. Musicians also

often promote other bands that they listen to or play alongside at shows and festivals

by wearing their merchandise whilst performing.

Current pop punk bands that can be seen wearing these fashions include Man

Overboard, The Wonder Years, Real Friends, Major League and The Story So Far.

BRANDS WITHIN POP

PUNK

The significance of popular brands in pop punk is an ever growing aspect of pop punk

that beccame more frequent in the mid nineties and early 2000s. These fashion labels

would often sponsor bands, as the skate brand Atticus did with Blink 182. This still

happens today with collaborations between current pop punk artists such Alex

Gaskarth and Jack Barakat of All Time low and the popular alternative brand of Glamour

Kills and their respective clothing lines “A.W.G” and “Jagk”. Even the band’s bass

player Zack Merrick now runs a clothing line, demonstrating the growing importance of

fashion within the pop punk community. Other clothing brands associated with the

genre include Vans, Drop Dead Clothing, and Converse.

Other brands involved within the pop punk industry are those affiliated with the lifestyle

of the listeners; these are often sponsors of stages at music events at which the bands

play. These rang from smaller festivals such as Slam Dunk Festival and Hit The Deck

Festival to larger national festivals such as Reading Festival and Download. These

brands may be for alcoholic drinks such as Jaegermeister or energy drinks such as

Monster Energy that were present at multiple festivals this year as well as Vans, which

is associated with the hobby of skateboarding, which is popular amongst the young

listeners of pop punk. These brands will have their logos printed on promotions such as

posters and on print as well as on the internet and television, as well as being visible in

the stage décor and around the venue. Brands may also promote themselves at these

events by handing out free products such as shots and may sell merchandise in stalls.

This collaboration is beneficial to all because brands are promoted whilst money is fed

back into the music industry via the fees paid to sponsor events and artists.