In recent weeks, multiple indie rock/punk bands have came under fire for sexual assaulting/coercing underage fans. The Buttertones and The Frights were the first to be called out for their inappropriate behavior and that has led to many more information from fans about assault/coercion/ and rape towards underage fans. from the bands in the SoCal music scene including many bands associated with Burger Records.
This led to many bands showing support for these womxn(Womxn being spelled this way to include non-binary, trans, and any woman of color), specifically fans, that have gone through these bad experiences and to womxn in the community in general. Many of these groups asking how they can make shows better for their female and non binary audiences.
Including, well-known pop-punk band SWMRS, came out saying they didn't stand with what The Frights did and wanted to remind their audience that they were a band that stands for feminism and were standing right beside their femme fans.
This seemed great to have a band actually be supportive and respectful, but it didn't stay that way. Lydia Night of The Regrettes came out saying she dated Joey from SWMRS and how their relationship was manipulative, was ridiculed by SWMR fans, was sexually coerced, as well as the relationship being inappropriate as she was 16 and he was 22 when it started.
It even then came out that Vi from punk band Destroy Boys knew about the inappropriate relationship and did nothing to stop it as well as continue to work with SWMRS despite knowing the full extent of the abuse.
The indie rock/punk music community is one that I love deeply and have been a part of for a long time, but it comes to times like these that I feel so lost and not sure where my place really stands.
The sexism and abuse towards womxn in the community doesn't just fall on the fans, though this is a big part of it. Womxn who are photographers, designers, managers, and musicians are constantly disrespected and not taken seriously while trying to do their jobs.
And how can we trust these bands who say they are on our side and that they stand for what we stand for when they are the ones that are causing a lot of the problem by abusing the power they have over their fans and employees. Their 'morals' are completely performative.
If we can't even trust a woman/non-binary led band that's literally called 'Destroy Boys' whos 'core values' are feminism and calling out abuse, to actually call out this abuse that is happening to their friend, who can we count on?
It's time for things to change in this industry. It's not about 'cancelling' it's about accountability from the bands and from men within the crowds that continue to do wrong.
We also can't be worshipping said bands that do state they are on the side of their womxn fans. 1. This is what they should be doing anyways and this should be considered normal, not glorified. 2. Considering what's happened with SWMRS we can't be so certain to trust their statements. We can't continue to believe bands are 'unproblematic' and feminists just by them saying so. We need to start paying more attention to their actions.
Teenage girls and womxn are a crucial part of the community, and most of these bands wouldn't be anything without them. It's important to make this space safe for all, no female or non binary should have to feel unsafe for seeing the music they love live or even meeting these bands.
I'm so glad to see fans and the community holding these bands accountable for their actions and not letting them continue to take advantage of their underage fans. These things cannot continue and we need these brave womxn to come forward with their stories so we can continue to make the community a safe space. As long as we keep seeking accountability and not giving a platform to these predators, the future for women in the industry will continue to look brighter.
