Isolation

Through the various comments existing on one of my favorite blogs, The Ultimate Goth Guide, it appears to me that quite a few members of the Goth community suffer from a sense of isolation. They are alone in their communities, appearing to their classmates, co-workers and neighbors as outside the mainstream. Yet, they lack the much-needed support and camaraderie of other like-minded folks. For these people most interaction with fellow darklings takes place through the internet, which to a great extent, helps alleviate the situation.

Eventually, many of these folks, especially the younger ones, will become more able to visit clubs in other cities. They will have the option of moving to or visiting places where the scene and alternative culture thrives. The mobility and financial independence that comes with adulthood makes it all possible and those desiring personal interaction and friendship with other Goths will likely find it. They and their circle of friends--their common experience in the lifestyle, will allow for the development of a shared history, that will link them together culturally and socially for a lifetime. 

My own dilemma stems from the fact that I don't have that shared history; and while I'm certainly old enough to be an elder Goth, I cannot lay any claim to such a title. Then again, I'm certainly no baby bat either.

Perhaps because of geographical location and my own personal responsibilities, I didn't discover the world of Goth until nearly twelve years ago when a new university radio station took to the airwaves and every Saturday night broadcast a program entitled From the Crypt, hosted by a young lady who called herself The Death Mistress. I listened to her program almost religiously; and in return, she treated me to the wonderful sounds of Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, the Sisters of Mercy, Joy Division and Type O Negative. I was also very surprised to learn that the Cure, some of whose music I already owned, was a vital part of this compelling subculture. 

If I had been behind the curve for considerable part of my lifetime, I remained in stuck mode for several years after From the Crypt disappeared from the Saturday night lineup. It seemed that I was always trying to play catch up. For awhile, I had no idea where local Goth events were being held. Admittedly though, I tend to get reclusive and can very much be a creature of habit, always going to the same places in which I feel comfortable. 

At some point I heard that events were being held at a venue on the west side of town. I had no sooner figured out where the place was located however, when it shut down. Again, I was left for an extended period of time without a clue. At the time I worked for the local school system. One day a student, who mentioned that her parents were Goth, told me about a new club where occasional gatherings were taking place. I had friends who sometimes frequented the same establishment for other programs who related that the venue was extremely smoky. As a non smoker and a somewhat reserved person who doesn't like going to new places alone I hesitated; not for very long, but I hesitated nevertheless--and the place shut down!


It is only during the past year or two that I have finally made the acquaintance of a few similarly inclined folks from the general area. Most of my developing friendships center around a tea society that meets once a month at the local library or Facebook friends who happen to show up at special metal events. Most of these people, wonderful though they are, tend to be considerably younger than me; so what's missing is that shared sense of history, that common experience, the camaraderie borne from people of a certain age drawn together by similar interests. Sure, the love of dark music, styles of dress and literature we hold in common; but it can be hard to fit in--to really fit in, when the age difference goes beyond a certain point. It's just natural. 

Yes, I have friends with whom I occasionally get together, so it's not like I'm dying of loneliness or anything. I tend to be fairly solitary anyway, but I remain somewhat isolated in my gothiness; if I can use that word. My friends and other associates ask me questions about it from time to time, but they really don't understand it or relate to it in any way. They don't like horror movies, vampires, stories of deceased souls lurking in cemeteries, old-school Goth music, metal, dark ambient or black clothing; at least not clothing sporting vampires drinking from wine glasses filled with blood or other aspects of the macabre.


Although I'm sure that I'm not alone in my predicament, I do feel that my situation is somewhat unique. It would be great if I could eventually find the other older darklings who still reside here. I know they're around. But in the meanwhile, what's a person like me to do? Well, I guess I can be grateful for one thing; at least there's the internet.


Photo source: Gothicpictures.org. 
Author: Unknown

 

   

Metal's Place in the Subculture

Of all the discussions that take place within the Gothic scene, the one I find most difficult to stay out of is the debate over where metal fits into the subculture. On the one hand, there are the more traditional folks who rightfully insist that Goth culture grew out of the punk and post-punk scenes. Metal, they like to point out, has very different roots and it's hard for me to disagree with that assessment. On the other hand, there are many similarities between the Gothic and metal scenes and crossover between the two subcultures is not at all uncommon. For what it's worth, this is my take on the whole thing: 

Merriam-Webster Online defines the word Gothic this way: "of or relating to a style of fiction characterized by the use of desolate or remote settings and macabre, mysterious, or violent incidents"

Since there's no mention of music in the above definition, let's substitute the word fiction with music instead. Would Merriam-Webster's definition not still be correct; a statement of truth? Shouldn't Gothic music then, invoke the darker aspects; the macabre, desolation, despair, melancholy and the more occult aspects of our personalities, psyches and very souls? Doesn't it often do just that; and doesn't some metal accomplish the same thing? If so, then how can it not fall under the definition of Gothic? 

Admittedly, I have a bit of prejudice in this regard. I listen more to metal than any other genre of music; partly because so much of it does invoke the above-mentioned feelings in me. I would go so far as to argue that certain sub genres of metal come across as considerably more Gothic than much of the so-called old-school Goth. In other words, as much as I love Siouxsie Sioux and her music I would have to categorize her style as post punk. Siouxsie herself has actually denied that either she or her music are Gothic.So while I really enjoy the music and bands that started it all and those who carry on in the same vein, it's metal that generally brings me to that special place--to that desolate landscape in which waits the dark goddess of my dreams awaits me. Not all metal brings me there, and not necessarily that which is referred to as Gothic metal either. After all, labels are an inexact tool at best.

That said, there is a lot of Gothic metal that I believe does accomplish the mission--and it does so exceptionally well. And then there's doom metal with its various sub genres, such as Gothic doom, funeral doom and death doom which never fails to take me into that realm where I so often need to go. I would recommend, just to mention a few, the following bands for a truly Gothic experience: 

Draconian, Tales of Dark, Wine From Tears, Nox Aurea, The Sins of Thy Beloved, Tristania, Sirenia and Forest of Shadows. 

Perhaps I don't view Gothic music as traditionally as some because I wasn't there when it all happened. Oh, I'm old enough that I could have and perhaps should have been; but for whatever reason, I remained unaware of Goth culture until about twelve years ago. It's true, I was totally oblivious to it even though I was listening to The Cure--even though I loved Dead Can Dance, Loreena McKennitt and dark ethereal music in general. In any event, I'm a music lover who is more than ready to proclaim some metal genres as a type of Gothic music, even as I readily acknowledge that it sprang from different roots.

As Exhibit A, I offer you the following video. The song, which is performed by Amederia, a Gothic/Doom band from Russia, is entitled Doomed Ground. Enjoy!




Top Photo: The Pianist - Author unknown. 
Source: Gothicpictures.org



     

                 

Halloween Weekend

It can argued that I'm always in Halloween mode, but as the nights of October lengthen and autumn's colorful leaves break free of the trees that birthed them and spiral down toward the Earth in the afternoon breeze, my excitement grows with the knowledge that All Hallows Eve is truly approaching.

This year of course, Halloween took place on a Monday, which means that related activities were spread out over the course of the weekend; and then, there were even neat things to do here that actually had nothing to do with the yearly celebration, but which fit in nicely.

On Saturday and Sunday the Renaissance and Fantasy Faire of the Ozarks was held next to the county fairgrounds. Although not the largest such event in the world, there were still plenty of things going on there to make for an interesting day as several members of my local tea society held fairy court. How stately these Fae looked, all dressed in white, as they were led in procession by a kilted man playing the Scottish Bagpipes!

As it turned out, I knew quite a few of the faire's participants. Visiting the gypsy camp was special to me as it was organized and maintained by a special friend whom I hadn't seen in quite a while. It took quite a while before the sun moved around enough to warm the camp but inside my friend's sizable black witch's cauldron burned a fire that provided a welcome amount of warmth as we stood around and talked.

Of course, there were the usual things that you find at such affairs, which included medieval combat displays, the queen's procession, vendors with fine leather products and chainmail, belly dancers, and some of the best chicken wings that I've had in a long time.

On Monday, I arrived at our town square early knowing full well that it would soon be occupied by legions of youngsters dressed in their costume finery for the annual trick or treat festivities. Each year, the local businesses around the square set up shop out on the sidewalks in order to give the kids a safe Halloween experience. My criticisms concerning this event centered around two things: Instead of playing Halloween music the local PA system was playing totally unrelated material such as some by the Supremes and other mainstream popular music. Couldn't they have at least found more appropriate music for such an event? Then, there was the problem of trick or treating in the sunshine. I mean, come on now, Halloween is all about the darkness isn't it? Still, I can't really blame the event organizers for hosting the kids in the bright sun of day. After all, wasn't it the Congress who, in their infinite wisdom, decided to extend daylight savings time for another week? Truth be told though, the legions of little ghouls seemed happy enough to be in costume and receiving lots of candy.

Later that evening, I walked down to the entertainment district in order to attend a Monday Halloween Metal event, which featured four separate bands. I stayed for three and really appreciated the first group's vocalist as he was quite a good grunter. I always enjoy seeing the ladies dressed in their costumes for such events; they never fail to be...well...enticing might be a good description. One adorable-looking lady introduced herself to me and talked me into trying a tequila drink that is allegedly named after her--the Wild One. It was a very tasty beverage that has a way of sneaking up on a person. After two of these I certainly needed nothing else to drink; and while I wasn't hung over the next morning, I felt a lingering buzz throughout the next day.

Yesterday, one of the local Halloween stores held its day after 50 percent sale. Needless to say, I added a bit of decor to my humble abode.

Ah yes, Halloween is truly a glorious night. The good part about it all is that there are only 363 days left until it comes around again. In the meanwhile, I can pretend, just like I always do. 

Photo source: Free Stock Photos.com

 

Inspiration

I find it hard to believe that several months have passed by since I removed my short stories from this blog. During the interim, I added nothing here; although I have continued work on my short fiction and believe it or not, am currently working on a story that could very well fit the description of novelette. That's something I have not been able to attain up until this point since I have considered myself a short-story writer without the staying power to write a novel. Still, writing a novelette is a step in the right direction and I'm very please with the way in which my new creation is unfolding. We'll see how it goes. So where does the theme of inspiration fit in to all of this? Actually, it has come to me in two forms.

This past June I joined a local tea society, which is in reality, a new group that holds monthly meetings in order to support and inspire we creative types. Originally, I got involved with hopes of meeting up with some of the Gothic members of my community, and I can't say that I'm disappointed in that respect. Still, as a group we're getting more focused and are inspiring one another toward greater achievement. Yesterday, we discussed the fact that next month will be National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo.  While some group members may attempt to write an entire novel during November, others committed to doing something creative each day of the month. Although I committed myself to neither, I did think of this long-neglected blog and mentioned that I might pay more attention to it. While November is still a little over two weeks away, my other source of inspiration made an update here a little more immediate.

Just today, I became a follower of a popular blog known as the Ultimate Goth Guide, which is maintained by a young lady named Amy, who presents a wealth of information to her readers on all things Goth. I highly recommend visiting her site. Still, after becoming a follower I didn't want people visiting her site to discover mine only to come here and find nothing. That said, between the two motivations I have finally added something here and now that I've broken the ice, maybe I'll stay inspired enough to at least post here from time to time; after all, there's plenty to talk about.


Photo source: Gothic Pictures Gallery. Artist unknown