How To Write Punk Songs

Since nobody had it in them to put this up there I will. Punk Rock is different from every other type of music in a lot of ways, and it is truly a dying breed of music if you are actually talking about authentic punk rock.

It really all depends on what type of punk you want to write. Ill try to explain political, humorous, lyrical (think Bouncing Souls, Broken Anchor Diesel Boy, Sofa King Kool), angry, primitive punk (basically anything from the old days), and pop-punk (yes I hate the term too, but that doesn’t make it go away).

Political punk (Anti-Flag, Bad Religion, ect.) For the most part isn't too difficult if you are interested of kno much of the subject. It helps to show\w a little anger because that is what it's kinda about. You can mix in the feelings that you have about something currently occurring in your life, then compare and contrast it with what is going on around the world, nation ect. Using big and intellectual words helps you to prove your point in a way that makes you sound maybe a bit more prudent then in actuality. Rhyming words with the suffix tion in the end seems pretty easy (i.e. emancipation, vindication).

Lyrical punk might be a little more difficult, for those of you who refuse that they have feelings. Sh** happens, and you might want to express yourself. This doesn’t make you emo for those of you who are emophobes (like me). You can express that you are pissed off and want revenge if you want, or you can sing about the way that things are in your life good of bad (those of you who are fans of philosophy will like this one). It is all really up to you and what is important to you. You can express what’s in your heart w/out sounding lame, many people's songs could even be better (like You Don’t Care Nothing, Rancid). I feel that every good artist writes a least one heart-felt song in their lifespan. It is nice with punk rock because heavy and fast playing can help balance the lyrics to make it sound less "complainy”.

"Angry" punk can span across a lot of area. Misfits have established ghoul punk or whatever you want to call it. That kind of punk can only be explored, while still remaining to sound alright by a few, in my opinion. Like I kno that I cant pull off a devil's lock and look cool. You don’t necessarily have to be angry to write this kind of stuff, but it helps a lot. Comparing dark images to that of you feelings can be a nice way to express yourself. For example, I was hurt by a guy, so I wrote my werewolf song (tearing ppl to shreds, who dare to pass me blah blah blah)....yeah it was like the first song I had ever written... leave me alone! Other types Atheist Anthem, by Leftover Crack and things having to do with religious beliefs are pretty self-explanatory, just vent about what you feel. It helps to be sad of pissed of at something. If you’re having one of those days, then things just seem to flow a lot better.

Humorous punk (NOFX, ect) is the most fun (I think) to write, but it is also the most difficult. You actually need talent in order to write a good funny punk song (or at least a good idea). Things that people think about but never really say (most things are funny not because they aren’t true, but because they put things really bluntly and obnoxiously). Of course sarcasm and satire also work well, so do funny voices (think Not A Crass Song, Anti-Flag). My best advise is to just be a dumb-a** and sing about what you feel like and completely undermine political corectedness.

If you want to sound like old-school punk (Institutionalized, Suicidal Tendencies Of Puke On Cops, NOFX), then just tune your guitar slightly off and start yelling. Basically just have loud belligerent fun. You can put any type of lyrics in, and just use basic power chords and you are set. If you can also throw down some good solos, then you’ve got it. If you don’t have solo capabilities, just figure out some picking patterns along with the chords.

Punk music is easy to write because its mostly lyrical. If you know power chords, then find some cool patters and go off from this. Develop some kind of riff to play in the background of as lead or just to have some variation. I’m sorry that I cant tell you much about writing the music, but I have limited knowledge on guitar methods and punk is so dam* easy that if you just tinker around a bit you will figure it out.

Singing isn’t too hard, but since I’m a girl it might be a little different. I try to use a deep raspy voice, on tune really helps with this, kids. Even though its punk, it makes it a lot easier to be able to sing on key. Practice makes perfect. I used to sing like a dieing parrot, but now I’m pretty good. Back when I couldn’t get on key, I’d just sing off key louder and it actually helped me find the right note.

I’m sorry if I couldn’t be more help with this whole thing, but I’m completely self-taught. Ive been listening to punk for almost a decade and it’s a large part of my life. My best advise is to just follow your passions. Don’t write music to get chicks of to look cool. That’s not at all what punk is about.

Email me @ [e-mail]

Comments

[Ibanez714]

Good post. Thanks

[Let it Happen]

pretty good article, although i think lyrics should be purely organic and not follow any formula. 3 stars.

[Sorrynametaken]

Bad Religion isn't really political in general. Probably only 5-10 of their 200+ songs are overtly political.

[freebirdisepic]

Bad Religion provides social commentary, some of which is political. They also write songs that go a lot deeper than just the typical 3 powerchords and people screaming. Their lead singer has a ***ing PhD.

Good article to help get people started, but not in depth enough to be truely informative. That would come with more detail regarding a certain subject, though.

[ss311]

i don't like the thought of 'how to write punk' it's sorta lame. punk was about being unique. when everyone started wearing a safety pin in their ear, it got dumb, it wasn't punk. It was a pretty good article though....

[Martyrion]

Who wants to write punk... It's no punk-personal aspect in the lyrics... there's nothing unique about punk...

[skillsmcrobot]

"HOW TO FORMULATE A GENERIC PUNK SONG OF YOUR CHOICE"

[rockinlewis]

not bad

[BrianApocalypse]

complete shite.

I could write an article 100 times better than this, and it would have slight accuracy as well, and not be about bands that aren't actually punk at all, exception being the misfits.

[Livvo]

go on then

[Nesk_101]

I think it was Kierkegaard that said, " If you label me, you negate me."

So guess what? Shove it!

[ScummerVacation]

Good god.

[Iluvpowerchords]

I wish I had Four Hands.

So I could give that article four thumbs downs.

[The1963Riffer]

Horrible.

One star. And I shit on you.

[Thrashmetal92]

lyrics are based on what you feel
not from a DIY article

[friedsoup]

i dont know why i even chose to read an article discribing punk in anyway, its not possible to label punk and not be wrong

[molly's_lips54]

hey nice article..four stars..very informative

[justinhawkins]

*vomits*

[arsonite]

bad

[fret_blazer_86]

nice article. at least you knew what you were talking about. could have been more in depth but kudos to you my freind.

P.S. sneezecore.....what a fag....

[Nybb]

Not bad overall, except for your list of old-school punk. NOFX might have been around for a while but old-school punk is more like...The Clash, the Ramones, etc.

[ibanez666]

i liked it, good stuff.

[geenday409]

damn i was hoping it would be more about writing the chords and stuff. i wish it was a little more technical.

[capsfan17]

that was insulting

[runefan88]

Did you say that you've been listening for a decade?!?!?!

NOFX = Old School?!?!?!



Have you really been listening for a decade? Because I would think that you could learn a bunch more than what you've learned thus far. Wow. "Old School punk" is a lot more melodic then let's say 80s hardcore and most other things today. It's not just "tune your guitar slightly off and start yelling".

Wow.

[Hexagram]

I don't like punk. Atleast the punk the this writer speaks of. She says things are easy when i believe music is a talent and nobody cares for underdeveloped talents. Music should have a great amount of skill and the musicians dedication to their instrument of choice should show, not just go up to the mic and "start yelling" as she simply puts it. I'm not saying all punk is categorized under my opinion but i just don't care to listen to it.

[Mispeled]

BrianApocalypse:
I could write an article 100 times better than this, and it would have slight accuracy as well, and not be about bands that aren't actually punk at all, exception being the misfits.

I look forward to reading it and tearing it apart.

Author: You should have written what the article was about; "How to write punk". The only thing about writing was some stuff about lyrics, everything else was about the different kinds of punk and such. And the bit about singing was good.
4 stars

[the_who]

You wrote about punk without even mentioning the Clash or the Ramones??

[crawlingfaster]

do you really need a guide on how to write a punk song? my cat could write a punk song.

[badreligion6969]

ya, that was a piece of shit. New York Dolls? Sex Pistols? Clash? Ramones? Black Flag? Bitc* do you know anything about punk. NOFX is not old school. You are a Poser whore!

[howaceisjoe]

You are a Poser whore!

Bit harsh, But.
Yeah, Twas Bollocks really.

[Fajitaman22]

Hahhahahaha..
A guide on how to write a punk song.....
I can do that in one compound sentence.

Ok, so you need four

[Fajitaman22]

Hahhahahaha..
A guide on how to write a punk song.....
I can do that in one compound sentence.

Ok, so you need four chords, some anti-[insert establishment here] lyrics, a drummer, and a bassist to play root notes.

That was hard.

[satanic_cigar]

i don't know what the hell this is aboot.

Misfits are considered horror punk, by the way. I don't think you really need to be angry for that. You just have to like horror movies.

[vwtsaob89]

I personally don't really consider the Misfits punk. They don't really sound all that punk. They're just the Misfits i guess. They're really more metal than punk. However, the Misfits are F***ING AWESOME!!! dig up her bones... anyway. To be politically punk (as the author forgot to add) you, sadly, HAVE to be liberal. And, unfortunately hate society, republicans, and whine ALOT. Don't get me wrong Bad Religeon rocks (i'm freinds w/ greg's son...) but come on. It's basically the same 3 things, anti-war, anti-America, and anti-republicans/atheism. that reminds me...
WARPED TOUR SUCKS!!!

[rubysoho8779]

what is this, a witch hunt? let's hold her head under water untill she confesses that she's not a punk! dude, at least she TRIED to write SOMETHING. that's a lot more than i can say for some of you on here. instead of trashing her article, why don't you go write one yourselves if you can do so much better!
P.S. i really don't think that any of you are punks, considering that you're obviously wealthy enough to have a computer to even BE on here and criticize her article. last time i checked, punks were poor, cuz they refused to live by mainstream ideals of getting jobs and such...

[I_Buy_Peace]

i love when people are trying to put a point across, and dont want to get flamed they try and sound intelligent, if your point is right you wont get flamed, if its wrong you will, no matter how smart you sound

[Eladamri]

undefined wrote:
P.S. i really don\\'t think that any of you are punks, considering that you\\'re obviously wealthy enough to have a computer to even BE on here and criticize her article. last time i checked, punks were poor, cuz they refused to live by mainstream ideals of getting jobs and such...

Na... They are just all 13.
Not a bad bit of writing, but I don't think you got the old school thing right at all.

[acadaca]

to write a punk song all you need to do is winge n whine bout your dad.

[kat10star]

the_who wrote:You wrote about punk without even mentioning the Clash or the Ramones??

thats what i was thinking!!!or the sex pistols....

[screen21]

This doesn't tell you about how to write punk songs, it's just examples of what punk lyrics sound like and it's pretty much common sense what you read here. Useless...

[newyorkdolls138]

capsfan17 wrote:

that was insulting

You are correct. It was just about sounding like mainstream punk bands. And she didn't mention DK as a political punk band! What the fuck?

[MrLucky77713]

Is name dropping really that necessary? Really...

Undefined and all who agree with him are morons.

[Saynotopunx]

riiiiight.

[misfits385]

WOOT misfits

[fukkindoyle]

your fukkin retarded you dumb girl. im not trying to say im a better human being or anything, im probably worse, but you cant define punk as how you've done so, if you say old school the ramones and the clash and the sex pistols better be in your list or fukk off, and secondly, all you've informed your readers on is that you have to be angry and scream and tone your guitar down? and by the way rubysoho8779, you dont have to be a "punk" to listen to the fukking brand of music you moron. there really is no such thing as "punk" anymore. its been drained out by the mainstream and "pop punk" bands that sell out to major labels and brands for more cash *good charlotte, simple plan*. what a fukking joke.

[fukkindoyle]

and by the way, the definition of punk is not a poor whiny kid you ****s.

[jimmcs2000]

Not a bad article. It kind of reminded me of the hardcore one last week but what the hell.To the author

[Sun of a Studio]

Just don't write articles anymore. I didn't think it was bad, it's just not worth the flaming that goes along with trying to help people. Better luck next time.

[PunxRckr]

I think this is bullshit. Because There really is no "Punk" sound. It's a ****ing action not a damn sound what is up with people. Greenday doesn't count. The P.U.N.X Rocker.

[PunxRckr]

Just read the article:

if i quoted wrong i tend to Warped Tour does suck. Now. But it's only because this year they had a shitty lineup. Last year though. That was a wrped tour to remember.

[Peace Sells4456]

how could you write a punk article and not have the sex pistols what the f++k ~!~Shits On Your Article~!~

[pistols]

That doesn\\\\

[RENEGADE8]

How dare you bag a girl. Anyone named Emily must be nice.

Look honey, maybe you should have titled it "How to Write Punk Lyrics". Well done for having a go, don't listen to these #####, there will always be people who criticise.

From Paul.

[littledrmmr4]

punk died w/ the sex pistols

[joshsirjoshules]

okay that was a piece of shit, what about bands like the clash, cock sparrer, stiff little fingers you bitch!!! thats punk rock not the stuff you put up there, nofx is by no means anywhere near punk

[Mattsz111]

Could have been a bit more technical and you left out quite a few good bands.

[Steelrod]

you left out that punk was started in ann arbor michigan in the early sixties while the rest of the world had beatle mania, the MC5 and the stooges were dishing it out raw (the sex pistols were a commercial band the stooges were ****ing it) the music world always likes to think in record sales.

[Steelrod]

you left out that punk was started in ann arbor michigan in the early sixties while the rest of the world had beatle mania, the MC5 and the stooges were dishing it out raw (the sex pistols were a commercial band the stooges were ****ing it) the music world always likes to think in record sales.

[merfsullivan]

Et Cetera is abbreviated as Etc, not Ect. It's not Ec Tetera, it's Et Cetera.

[thefinalcut]

rubysoho8779

i really don't think that any of you are punks, ...you're obviously wealthy enough to have a computer....last time i checked, punks were poor, cuz they refused to live by mainstream ideals of getting jobs and such...

So I guess the Clash, Sex Pistols and Ramones are too rich to be punks...

Anyway it was a bad article but some of you guys are a bit harsh calling here a bitch, Wow, that's outta line.

[Hobo_fisherman]

Why are youi complaining? i havnen't seen you write a better artical so shut your shit holes.

[BrianApocalypse]

"I personally don't really consider the Misfits punk. They don't really sound all that punk. They're just the Misfits i guess. They're really more metal than punk."

The old misfits stuff is punk. Post danzig and earth ad were a lot more metal sounding.

I think it's funny how people call the girl a poser and go on about the pistols.

[punksock]

this is a guityar website, we know how to make up a few lines about a song!!

are for god sake where are the sex pstols in this mess??

[Butterknife]

what the hell is this?

[angusfenderbend]

Umm so how do you write punk songs? its not called my opinion on how difficult certain genres are too write

[soankeyman820]

i think thats it pretty good-besides teh fact u told me hardly anthing! U just pointed out teh obvious "be angry in angry punk!"-WUT IS THAT?!?! Also u have no idea wut ur tlakin bout some times-u scream teh least in REAL old skool punk (ramones, sex pistols, social distortion), only in 80s hardocre is there tons of screaming. but "tion" SWEEET

[soankeyman820]

i kno seriously-bad religions name makes em sound political-but tehyre just AWESOME SKATE PUNK (btw-where teh hell was that in ur article?????)

[DISCONNecktie]

nice article LEFTOVER CRACK GREATEST BAND EVER

[DISCONNecktie]

^ if u disagree with this ur just blinded by there greatness

[kelso12345]

what kinda music would propagandhi be considered

[kelso12345]

leftover crack ****in rock (athiest anthom)

[kelso12345]

Hahhahahaha..
A guide on how to write a punk song.....
I can do that in one compound sentence.

Ok, so you need four chords, some anti-[insert establishment here] lyrics, a drummer, and a bassist to play root notes.

That was hard.

i like the music but that is true

[Coheed_Fan105]

kelso12345 wrote:


Hahhahahaha..
A guide on how to write a punk song.....
I can do that in one compound sentence.

Ok, so you need four chords, some anti-[insert establishment here] lyrics, a drummer, and a bassist to play root notes.

That was hard.

i like the music but that is true

sooooo true

[laF@U]

wel,daTz only an idea ryT????//heheu

piz beybi!!!!!

[laF@U]

wel,daTz only an idea ryT????//heheu

piz beybi!!!!!

[Dogwillhunt]

So what you're saying is I don't have to use any of my musical talent to write a punk song? Just play 3 or 4 chords, sing out of tune, write about antiretrobutiondisestabli
shmentism (whether I know anything about it or not) and pretend that the whole world's against me? Did anyone even mention that punk guitarists only downpick when they strum? Flea used to play bass in punk bands and they told him to use a pick and he thought it was ridiculous. Hmmm... maybe he's on to something, or maybe he grew up.

[kelso12345]

what are u trying to say man?, and another thing how do u quote correctly?

[Diceman42]

no sex pistols? no clash? ramones? velvet underground? iggy pop?


**** you. and the mindless pap that is pseudo-punk.

[eraldal]

Ive noticed something very weird. If the first user to comment says something nice, then everybody else says so too. But if he says he didnt like it, then everybody else hates it. You (the author) probaly got away with it just because you mentioned that you are a girl. The article is Ok, but only 1 star and half.

[DudeZ]

THE USED SUCK.....

[PunkRawkFreak]

Brian Apocalypse: I could write an article 100 times better than this, and it would have slight accuracy as well, and not be about bands that aren't actually punk at all, exception being the misfits.

Hey buddy... I havnt seen you post it yet so shut up... and as lame as this article sounds... its quite true so you can't bag it.

[PunkRawkFreak]

Brian Apocalypse: I could write an article 100 times better than this, and it would have slight accuracy as well, and not be about bands that aren't actually punk at all, exception being the misfits.

Hey buddy... I havnt seen you post it yet so shut up... and as lame as this article sounds... its quite true so you can't bag it.

[rubysoho8779]

^^^ i agree with you, PunkRawkFreak. so what if its a little lame, at least its the truth.

[rusted embrace]

can't we just get away from arguements about who is what genre or why they are, aren't, or suck for one week?

[newyorkdolls138]

littledrmmr4 wrote:
punk died w/ the sex pistols

THE SEX PISTOLS ARE OVERRATED!!!! Get that into your little emo heads.

[dont abandon me]

The condensed version of 'How to write punk songs':
verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus.

[BrianApocalypse]

Sex pistols aren't a punk band, they're a shitty pop rock band with a little out of tune bitch on vocals.

[str4trocker]

pretty pointless

[hobophobic]

...yes im deffensive. sorry to GG allen DI, Agent Orange, Ramones, Sex Pistols, angry samones, clash, blah blah blah. Would it make ne of u f*ckers feel better if i told you that i stole this computer, goeing through 7 keyboards to write this article at 5 in the morning when i was on PCP? Ill admit that this is my moms computer. But for all those kisw who say how can i label punk, youre labeling me, 4 craps sake. im not a punk im a person who likes punk, polotics, n my guitar. The article WAS piontess. I wouldnt like someone to tell me how to write songs, but I wouldn't have read it. I didnt mean to put those bands into generes, just as examples. Next time ill put up a bigger disclaimer for u soccer moms. I agree bad religions lead singer is a genious and he should be the pres. to sum it up, punk is what you make of it. Theres a lot of bands that kick ass, that i could have put up, but i figured the ppl who wanted 2 kno how to write punk might not know the exploding **** dolls, or texas terri and the stiff ones, csk or beefcake (ect). you evil kids need to take a vallium and watch the care bears or somethin. And thnx 4 the complements to u kind kids. thus ends my rebuttle. and "help is on the way" lol
yours adoringly, Emily

[hobophobic]

ps jus cause i got a vulva dont mean i cant kick ur ass

[cryan2]

ei!are you making your own version of punk?
making NOFX a part of your little list of punk bands.. well i guess you really dont no true punk not including pioneers of punk like Sex Pistols,Ramones, Black Flag and the Clash?i dont even think you knew them at all...i really didnt learn anything in here i just wished that you should just put some chords and shit here,this article sux and you suck!peace out bollock..

[cryan2]

ei!are you making your own version of punk?
making NOFX a part of your little list of punk bands.. well i guess you really dont no true punk not including pioneers of punk like Sex Pistols,Ramones, Black Flag and the Clash?i dont even think you knew them at all...i really didnt learn anything in here i just wished that you should just put some chords and shit here,this article sux and you suck!peace out bollock..

[cryan2]

ei!are you making your own version of punk?
making NOFX a part of your little list of punk bands.. well i guess you really dont no true punk not including pioneers of punk like Sex Pistols,Ramones, Black Flag and the Clash?i dont even think you knew them at all...i really didnt learn anything in here i just wished that you should just put some chords and shit here,this article sux and you suck!peace out bollock..

[DisgruntledDuck]

End.

[days_to_daze]

what is this, a witch hunt? let's hold her head under water untill she confesses that she's not a punk! dude, at least she TRIED to write SOMETHING. that's a lot more than i can say for some of you on here. instead of trashing her article, why don't you go write one yourselves if you can do so much better!
P.S. i really don't think that any of you are punks, considering that you're obviously wealthy enough to have a computer to even BE on here and criticize her article. last time i checked, punks were poor, cuz they refused to live by mainstream ideals of getting jobs and such...

well said man... i think that alot of you are guys are being retarded.. like honestly grow up...if you are writing a page about punk you can't list every good punk band... and everyone here who is whining about not putting black flag, ramones, sex pistols and the clash (who are by the way some of the best known punk bands and perhaps the only ones that you have every heard of)on here, who cares! really! it was a decent article and she made an effort to explain many of the people who dont have s clue about what its about.. really... critisizing her for not being a punk shows just how much you arent punks...Punks dont care about "posers"... thats all

[days_to_daze]

Sex pistols aren't a punk band, they're a shitty pop rock band with a little out of tune bitch on vocals.

oh ya.. i just noticed that... you wanna talk about punk pioneers? dont say that the sex pistols are "pop-rock" ... pop-rock is like simple plan.... and last time i checked, simple plan wasnt the band that seriously brought the punk musical asthetics to youht music, or dropped the first coupple of F-bombs on the radio... or sang about anarchy and the queen...

[Dogwillhunt]

DEAD MILKMEN RULES!

[2ndslash]

the sex pistols are more punk than any of the shit like greenday or good charlotte you have out today. pop rock my arse if they were pop they wouldnt have took drugs and been banned from most places and drank and smoked.

[StuartR]

If you dont know how to write a punk song you are not punk.

[StuartR]

Also we dont just want people playing the same stuff over and over again, if you can only play power chords then go away and learn some other stuff then write something new and interesting.

[Nosf3ratu]

NOFX is old school?

What the **** is this shit.

[jamstation]

this is an amazing little progam .. create punk music from random numbers.. gotta say its not all that bad..

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/147276

guess it kinda shows you how cheap punk is

[moomin]

ss311 wrote:

punk was about being unique. when everyone started wearing a safety pin in their ear, it got dumb, it wasn't punk. It was a pretty good article though....

You're extremely right dude.

[mrbounce]

It's funny how many people personally insulted her. Would this happen over another genre of music?

DudeZ wrote:
THE USED SUCK.....

No one gives a shit if you think the used suck. Give constructive comments/critisism on the article or don't post.

Warned.

[americanmovie23]

HOW TO WRITE A PUNK SONG

1) scream about "THE MAN" even though he left town
or scream about how your mother won't let you stay
out past 10 oclock on school nights

2) play three chords over and over again.....or you can be creative and use four chords

3).....

4)Grown Insane Acne to pretend that you dont care

5) put that penis in your ass and rock away

[thesmartguy50]

This article isn't really good OR bad. It isn't good, simply because noone can really tell you how to play punk. That's what punk is - it's YOU. If you are interested in writing a punk song, it's because you wanna express yourself, and there shouldn't be any ****ing format for expressing yourself. However, it's not bad, because I think she put a good bit of time into this article, and unlike that guy on that 'Lessons' page article, "Punk Rock Music" (in music styles... go rate him badly), she didn't really throw mindless opinions into the column; she just stated what she observed punk as consisting of. Now, to say that punk is JUST powerchords... that is close, but not quite it. There are also riffs played along with the powerchords (either by a bass or by the lead guitarist) to insinuate more sophisticated chords instead of just A5, E5, etc. There's my five cents. Finally, let me just say that Flogging Molly rocks.

[matt_133]

DEAD KENNEDYS!!!!!

[the glue man]

that was a stupid article

[punkrocker_336]

no sex pistols,clash or ramones...but rancid is ok ..speaking of are they coming out with a new album thats what i hear?

[rpguitardude]

cool article

[Unseen_Punk]

littledrmmr4 wrote:
punk died w/ the sex pistols.

Punks not dead u *******. The scene(s) are alive and well. Heard of the Exploited, A Global Threat, Dillinger Four, or the Casualties? Or are u just one of those "punk purists" who won't listen to anything written after 1988?

[chemical_girl]

i think punk is the best! but if your gona talk about punk u hav 2 talk about Blink 182!!

[boostedh23]

Holy shit guys. Seriously, after reading this article and the comments, I just had to join this website to put in my 2 cents. I just like good, fun music to listen to. Most of what I listen to would be considered "pop-punk" (blink 182, New Found Glory, some Greenday, Sugarcult, etc...) NO. THESE ARE NOT "PUNK ROCK" BANDS in the true definition of the word. But, does it truly really matter.
#1. Today (yes, 2005 old school guys) when you ask someone what punk rock is, the description above does sum up what is generally thought of. The older stuff does seem like alot of screaming (trust me, I've tried to listen to it, some is good, but ALOT of bad). Times change guys, face it. If you ask someone what rap is do they start bringing up Flava Flav or would they say Nelly? I am only 20 so I wasn't introduced to any kind of "punk" until I was 13,14,15... When I started liking new punk, I went back to see the roots of punk were and aside from a little bit of Ramones stuff and some Clash, it just wasn't enjoyable to listen to. I would rather listen to the newer bands. Times change, people change.
#2. Answer me this question, are bands not truly punk unless we have no idea who they are? The reason I say this is that it seems like some of you true "punk rock purists" believe that the bands would never dare sell out and make a CD and make money for making music. Look, if I was ever approached by a label and they ask to sign a contract (in other words, from crappy equipment, old van, and screwing the half retarded chick who works on the fry-o-lator at mcdonalds, to new stuff, tour bus, and my choice of blondes each night) you bet your ass I would go for it. Much like the crappy underground punk bands that are not "sticking to the true root of punk", they just haven't been approached. For the record, I have heard some amazing unsigned bands so I'm definately not saying the best are actually signed... *cough* nickelback *cough*
#3. People who think punk rock is easy and generic. What's so easy about it? I personally may not like some punk bands but they aren't by any means talentless. Most songs are set up as v,c,v,c,b,c. I've never heard a song that was just one long verse, no chourus, and every chord was different. That would honestly suck. Someone, and I'm being serious, give me an example of a song that is not set up in a v/c format and uses more than maybe 6-7 chords that sounds good. Many songs can be played with less than six chords and almost all bands have a drummer and bassist (for the record kelso).
It's getting late and I've got to go to work in the morning (for the Man of course =) ) so I'm gonna wrap this up: the girl wrote an article. Give her some credit, she tried. She generally based her observation on what kind of music is put into the punk genre in todays terms. YES, she should have mentioned some of the more influential older punk bands, but if she missed your favorite, then let it go... no need for calling her a *****. YES, I too wish this article had been more technical, but it wasn't... so? It was interesting to read for a minute or two and then I move on with my life (so I thought before I started reading the comments.) I'm just saying, unless you have written a more informative, more technical, and more interesting and detailed article (being sure to list all punk bands from the start till the present as not to offend anyone) lay off her. This isn't intended to directly flame anyone, but flaming someone for trying to do something just kind of gets on my nerves. Can't we just all get along?

[Zuka]

Oh... My heart has been torn into pieces. Punk has taken a direct hit. Blink 182... Bleaugh. Oh, poor Punk Rock, why must you shelter these people?

[mikecappa]

I dont listen to many punk bands, ill listen to the Ramones, The Clash, Sex Pistols and if you want to call Nirvana punk then them too, but from what ive heard punk is just raw, upbeat, simple, overdriven guitar with powerfull messages in the lyrics although they may not always make sence. so to be able to write a punk song cant be done by doing some reading and ripping off other songs like this article seems to lean towards

[punxkool]

even though nofx isnt punk the rest of the bands are. i should know. all of you little 13 year olds that posted messages should just shut the f*ck up. you kids probably think that green day is punk. stop gettin on emilys case. she wrote this article to help you kids and your punk fantasieis so you should be thanking here not critisizing her. (all you girls out there should be punk. there arnt enough punk girls out there.)thanx emily.

[BatPig]

What a load of bollocks, Listen to sex pistols, the who, the clash and greenday, the real punks of their time and this article is a a load of shit, i know punk when i see it and if you listen to this shite then that will probably make you look like a poser

[Andro Luigi]

Its not her fault if she wrote bullshit about punk music... I kinda understand her... She might just be a beginner in the field and just showed her insights...

Then again, if you are not sure of what you are going to post, just shut your mouth...

[Mike17]

Lagwagon like NOFX are humerous punk. NOFX are the original of the trend though.

Well I guess green day CAN be considered punk, but seriously, the clash are long since disbanded and the who are really old.

I like writing typical pop-punk about girls etc (Blink-182, Sr-71, New found glory, Sugarcult)

[black_coffin]

this is really helpful cos i didnt know how to write punk songs before i read this and in about 3 days i wrote 2 songs so yea this is really helpful

[WhatIDontKnow]

Man.....forgive me if what I say isn't coherent, half drunk at the moment.

I'm only 20, got into the scene at around 13, started off in the godforsaken band of Blink, moved to NOFX, Bad Religion, Clash(101ers for all you real lovers ), Ramons and Misfits a little later. Haven't looked back.

As far as I can see, I'm as elitest as all you buggers. But give the girl some credit, she tried, she expressed herself and that makes her a little more punk than any of you people who flammed her down. She gave her views, she wanted to say something and she did. Sure the Sex Pistols were a mainstream band formed by a record exec(Too drunk to remember correctly, correct if wrong) But they did step on some toes and seriously showed that they didn't give a frak.

NOFX started a serious trend in terms of being punk influenced and hitting a humorous note on that too. I think they're punk, but what I think doesn't matter except to me, and well that's all that is important to me anyway

For all you guy who wanted to flame her and express your hormonal imbalances and random angst, go you! You've officially brought the punk scene down to the moronic idiots they all think we are. So she didn't mention the old school bands who started it all. Last I heard, you didn't have to like them or even know about them to be punks. We are what we are....most of you would probably think I'm a poser and try and to beat the hell out of me, go for it, after I kicked your ass or you kicked mine, I'd grab you up for a drink and maybe we could go bang the heads of some seriously dumb dudes who deserved it.

Most of you guys will grow up and become mature enough to accept the differences in others, that's more punk(in my opinion) than what your screaming is.

If her article is bullshit or not isn't important. She tried, she put some effort into it...and she gave it a go....give her a break. Punk isn't music, it isn't lyrics, it's not politics, it is what we are and want to be.

I don't care what any of you think of me, I wanted to say my piece, be done with it and let it go. "Label me and you negate" Label me whatever the hell you want, I'm who I am and proud of it.

Go Emily, don't let the morons drag you down.

(Coherency of post not assured due to alcohol consumption) This is directed at the morons not the intelligent, you know who you are.

[VelvetAlley411]

It was an okay lesson.The part about tuning you're guitar off and yelling is accurate.Those of you who commented on this lesson saying i dont listen to punk and blah blah, thats alright we're doing just fine without you :]

[AnybodyOutThere]

i like the part about political punk (rhyming stuff with "tion")....works for the clash...lol

good job

[guitar_gczr]

Martyrion..shut up!

[guitar_gczr]

Punk's Not Dead-The Exploited..

[XxPunkMafiaxX]

why is everyone trashing punk??
its not techinical, but its ****ing hard to write a good punk song. theres loadz of wannabe punk bands around 2day, but they all fail coz they arent real punks. just posers. Metal songs are easier 2 write. lyrically anyway.
and to the person that said about bassists playing root notes....ever lisened 2 Green Day?? or any proper punk bands (im not calling GD proper punk-to save arguments). they use scales and underlying melodies on the bass, not friggin root notes. thats for indie twats who cant play

[paquiquinho]

XxPunkMafiaxX wrote:

why is everyone trashing punk??
its not techinical, but its ****ing hard to write a good punk song. theres loadz of wannabe punk bands around 2day, but they all fail coz they arent real punks. just posers. Metal songs are easier 2 write. lyrically anyway.
and to the person that said about bassists playing root notes....ever lisened 2 Green Day?? or any proper punk bands (im not calling GD proper punk-to save arguments). they use scales and underlying melodies on the bass, not friggin root notes. thats for indie twats who cant play

Errm I love punk rock and that's why I think what you just sayed it's stupid. Have you ever heard of The Ramones? The bass plays the roots. Is that a bad think? NO! Why? BECAUSE IT SOUNDS GOOD! Geez

As for your article, it's not bad if you need help with lyrics but that's not what I needed. So a 6/10 IMO.

[SirGarbageMann]

OMG! Punks only play 3 chords!! How outrageous!!Punks should dhave played 10 minute solos like everyone else was doing in the 70s! Woo! glad to see punk still pisses people off to this day