Are you GOTH? Have you ever been? Are you nostalgic for the early 90s?
Let’s find out what a group of 17-19 year-olds had to say about the Gothic lifestyle back in 1995. The youngest of these teens would be 34 today.
I remember those days fondly but it’s sometimes hard to hear how these kids sound knowing that I sounded the same way. Other times it’s downright comical.
On top of all that you get a refresher course on the music that spawned what these kids called “The Gothic Movement”.
How did I get this interview? It was 1996. I was 21. While working at a college radio station, WXOU I came accross a box full of tapes. Each one contained an episode of a syndicated show. To my surprise I found a cassette tape labeled “Gothic Teens” which had been recorded at some point in 1995.
I asked my station manager if I could have the tape since the show had already aired. He said I could borrow the tape but he could not give it to me since it was supposed to get mailed back at the end of the year. Apparently thats how they did things back then.
So I took the tape to my dorm room and I made a dub to another cassette. My machine was a bit beat up and I used a crappy cassette. The tape survives but it has experienced some damage over the years.
It is especially noticeable on the music. I had planned to re-author this show by fading in fresh copies of the musical selections. The flutter effect is not obvious on the spoken interview parts but it’s just barely with the music parts come in.
I haven’t had time to work on that and I can’t sit on this tape any longer because it’s just really hilarious to listen to.
If you are looking for some great samples look no further! This program is entertaining both for the insight into the period of the gothic movement and for the sheer hilarity of some the things the kids say. This thing is really priceless! Seriously.
So break out the black candles and the incense. Find a journal to write in. Get out your box of clove cigarettes. Turn off your cellphone and dim the lights.
Further Exploration:
Goth Subculture, Goth Rock, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, Christian Death, Dead Can Dance, Sisters of Mercy, Front Line Assembly, Skinny Puppy, Hope is Emo, WXOU, Leland City Club
Having gone to City Club since the age of 16, it seems to be a center for intellectuals and artists of our own ways…a place where all kinds are accepted . Back in the day now close to 40, I still hold my own style though grew out of my spiderweb and black and white striped tights. Thankyou for acknowledging a near movement of independant creativity. For era, do not forget Peter Murphy.
That is very true Maija! We left out Peter Murphy! OOOPS! What an oversight. I knew it was missing something! Thanks for listening though. Feel free to comment any time!
Nice presentation, Alex. Thanks! And maybe there wasn’t Peter Murphy proper, but you did include Bauhaus. I appreciated the Bride of the Monster monologue at the end of “Bela Lugosi Is Dead.”