It’s time to dispel some myths about Midwest emo, and I want to be the person who does it. If there was ever a “scene” that I was part of, it was the Midwest emo scene of the late 1990s.
Growing up in a small central Illinois town with a population under 2,000, I found little in terms of local music. However, when Midwest emo bands began playing nearby in Davenport, Iowa, and cities in Illinois like Champaign, Urbana, Bloomington, and Normal, I felt like I had finally discovered my crowd.
The music was a tad more intricate than the pop-punk I had been listening to, and it was far more relatable both physically and lyrically. After all, how often did I roll into the skate parks or visit suburban shopping malls referenced in pop-punk songs? My hometown didn’t even have a McDonald’s—or any chain restaurant for that matter.
READ MORE: 11 Best Midwest Emo Albums From the 1990s
Since those days, I’ve enjoyed witnessing the evolution of Midwest emo over the years. Yet, some misconceptions about the genre have persisted as it gained a broader audience. Here are five common misunderstandings about Midwest emo music.
1. Emo Didn’t Start With Midwest Emo
Depending on whom you ask, we might currently be experiencing our fourth or fifth wave of emo music. The latest iteration leans heavily toward a post-Midwest emo revival, with bands like Carly Cosgrove, Michael Cera Palin, and Harrison Gordon pushing the boundaries of the previous wave’s emo revival.
However, while Midwest emo is receiving a lot of attention, it shouldn’t be credited with starting the entire emo genre. Midwest emo is typically recognized as the second wave of emo, which followed the first wave characterized by punk influences and bands like Rites of Spring from Washington, D.C. and San Diego’s Drive Like Jehu in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
2. Midwest Emo Didn’t Start With American Football
It’s easy to assume that American Football, an emo band from the Midwest known for their iconic album featuring a house from the region, must be the founding fathers of Midwest emo. However, the reality is that this sound and style existed long before anyone heard the opening chords of “Never Meant.”
My personal introduction to Midwest emo came when I discovered Milwaukee’s The Promise Ring opening for Hum in the late 1990s. From there, I learned about vocalist/guitarist Davey von Bohlen’s earlier work in the influential band Cap’n Jazz. Notably, Cap’n Jazz’s drummer, Mike Kinsella, would go on to form American Football, albeit as a singer and guitarist.
Even though American Football only lasted briefly after their debut album’s release in 1999, their influence grew significantly, leading to a reunion in 2014 and a second LP in 2016. While their impact on Midwest emo is undeniable, many other acts helped shape the genre’s early sound.
3. American Football Never Lived in The House on Their Album Cover
Continuing with American Football, it’s important to clarify that the band never actually lived in the house depicted on the cover of their debut album, located at 704 High Street in Urbana, Illinois. Members did spend a few nights there, as it was a college-town rental at the time, but no one had a permanent residence there.
Today, the “American Football House” is co-owned by members of the band, Polyvinyl Records, and photographers Chris Strong and Atiba Jefferson, with the home currently operating as an Airbnb.
4. It’s Not Entirely a Midwest Thing
A popular meme among fans humorously claims, “It’s only Midwest emo if it comes from the Champaign-Urbana region of Illinois. Otherwise, it’s just sparking whine.” This quip highlights the prominence of the scene in those Illinois cities while drawing a parallel to how “champagne” must originate from the Champagne region of France, as seen in “Wayne’s World.”
In the 1990s, cities like Kansas City (home to The Get Up Kids), Milwaukee (where The Promise Ring hailed from), and Champaign-Urbana (with Braid and American Football) were considered hotspots for Midwest emo. However, the Midwest emo revival of the 2010s expanded this view, with bands from places like Pennsylvania—Algernon Cadwallader, Glocca Morra, and Modern Baseball—contributing to the sound. New Jersey acts like Pinegrove and The Front Bottoms also embraced the emo aesthetic.
Today, Midwest emo is less about geographical origin and more about a particular sound and style.
5. Not All Emo Bands From the Midwest Are ‘Midwest Emo’
I’m not here to police the genre, but it’s worth noting that just because a band is from the Midwest, it doesn’t automatically classify them as “Midwest emo.” It’s similar to how all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares.
For instance, Fall Out Boy, often labeled as “emo,” should not be considered a Midwest emo band. Their sound deviates significantly from the genre’s essence. Similarly, Chicago’s Alkaline Trio features emotional lyrics but leans closer to punk rock rather than true Midwest emo.
Moreover, the essence of Midwest emo is less about donning black attire and portraying a moody persona and more about wearing plaid, sweaters, and jeans while embracing a socially awkward demeanor—much like many true Midwesterners from rural areas.
Conclusion
As someone who has lived through the Midwest emo scene and seen its evolution, it’s essential to clarify these misconceptions. Understanding the roots and influences of Midwest emo enhances the appreciation for the genre and its contributions to the music landscape. While bands like American Football played a crucial role in shaping this sound, the story of Midwest emo is much richer and diverse than many realize.
FAQs
What defines Midwest emo music?
Midwest emo is characterized by its intricate guitar work, emotional lyrics, and a sound that blends punk and indie elements, often reflecting the experiences and environments of its Midwestern roots.
Is American Football the most influential band in Midwest emo?
While American Football significantly impacted the genre, many other bands, such as The Promise Ring and Braid, played crucial roles in its development before and alongside them.
Can bands outside the Midwest be considered Midwest emo?
Yes, the term “Midwest emo” has evolved to encompass a broader sound rather than being strictly tied to geographic origins. Bands from other regions have adopted and contributed to the style.
What are some classic Midwest emo albums?
Some classic Midwest emo albums include “Nothing Feels Good” by The Promise Ring, “Braid” by Braid, and “American Football” by American Football, all of which are essential listens for understanding the genre.
How has Midwest emo changed over the years?
Midwest emo has evolved from its original sound, incorporating new influences and giving rise to new bands that reinterpret the genre for contemporary audiences, especially during the emo revival of the 2010s.
