As humans, we sometimes judge certain things without ever giving them a chance. Punk music is something in this world that is constantly passed over or looked down upon. People tend to think that it is scary or only for a certain type of person.

Punk music was not invented for only one type of person. Instead, it is for everyone because it deals with issues that everyone can relate to and that people are afraid to talk about, including depression and self-hatred.

However, punk music does not just deal with these issues. It also deals in the realm of relationships, and it can be witty and enjoyable, which is what makes this genre so remarkable. Punk music is able to span the whole spectrum of human emotion and connect with its audience in ways that some others cannot. Unfortunately, few people will give this type of music a chance.

“I think that people tend to associate punk music with the ‘emo’ kids and never give the actual artists a chance because they’ve already stereotyped the music,” sophomore Ellie Franklin said.

If people were to actually take time to listen to punk music, they would find that it is, in fact, art. The artists incorporate incredibly difficult musical techniques into their songs, and the voices of the lead singers are breathtaking. The voices of these artists, such as Kellin Quinn of Sleeping With Sirens or Tyler Carter of Issues, are incomparable to others in the music industry. These musicians put their all into the artistry of their music, and it comes across in their songs.

“Instrumentally, I feel like it consists of sounds that are harsher and more consistent with the themes of the reality of life,” senior Sutton Hewitt said.

This is why punk does not receive the recognition that it is due. Some music today does not deal with real issues like punk music does, and it does not have any sort of substance. When listening to different songs and artists that sing punk music, the audience can find depth and meaning, something that is difficult to find today because people do not want to deal with issues. They want to ignore the problems of everyday life.

“It’s not there to make people happy or [help them] ‘forget’ about their daily troubles,” Hewitt said.

If you listen to the lyrics of punk music and what the artists are saying, it is unbelievable what they are able to convey in just one song. The artists are able to take a real, painful experience and turn it into something beautiful.

“It makes you feel like you’re not alone,” junior Anna Darty said. “It makes you feel like you’re a part of something.”

Punk music unites people all around the world, and if it is able to convey real emotions and experiences, it is therefore not for a particular type of person. Punk music is for everyone, and it is not scary. People just need to give it a chance.

Rachel Ducker’s Recommendations:

Recommended Bands: Neck Deep, Issues and You Me At Six

Recommended Songs: “Millennia” by Crown the Empire, “High Regard” by The Story So Far and “Don’t Say Anything” by Sleeping With Sirens

Sutton Hewitt’s Recommendations:

Recommended Bands: Too Close To Touch, Coldrain, PVRIS and Crown the Empire

Recommended Songs: “Stained Glass Eyes and Colorful Tears” by Pierce the Veil, “Knives and Pens” by Black Veil Brides and “Jesus” by Brand New

Ellie Franklin’s Recommendations:

Recommended Bands: All Time Low, Sleeping With Sirens and 5 Seconds of Summer

Recommended Songs: “Drown” by Bring Me the Horizon, “The Reckless and the Brave” by All Time Low and “Castaway” by 5 Seconds of Summer

Anna Darty’s Recommendations:

Recommended Bands: Pierce the Veil, As It Is and State Champs

Recommended Songs: “Warning Sign” by ROAM, “Other Side” by Tonight Alive and “Breaking Ground” by State Champs