Goth is a unique and creatively bold subculture that is significant in modern pop culture and has a fascinating backstory. It can be defined as a musical category, a lifestyle, and a fashion style which often portrays a ‘dark’ aesthetic. Subculture communities tend to spring from the collective feeling of “otherness”— a feeling that bands outsiders together. Those within the goth subculture share a liking for themes of covert mystery and melancholic romance.
The term goth developed in the late 1970s from a variety of subcultures associated with youth cultures such as punk. Initially, the culture was limited to the UK, but it gained worldwide popularity, sparking new kinds of music like deathrock, which is a US-based sub-genre. The official ‘gothic’ musical category was famously invented by Martin Hannett, who had used the word to describe the post-punk band Joy Division. After circling worldwide through the media, the word was used to define many other bands who had gloomy themes.
In terms of the music subculture, there are numerous diverse groups known for having a gothic theme. The 1980–90s band, Sisters of Eldritch, for instance, was among the most popular groups in the goth community, despite its own lead singer rejecting all association with goth. Today, many in the subculture may associate with bands such as Siouxsie Sioux, the Cure, Sisters of Mercy, Rosetta Stone, Angels of Liberty, The Kentucky Vampires, Scary Black, Twin Tribes, and many more. There are also some dance styles, such as the gothic belly dance, that are associated with goth culture. As well, niche musical subgenres that incorporate gothic elements include deathrock, darkwave, coldwave, and etherealwave.
When people hear the word goth, they may immediately think of traditional gothic fashion. ‘Traditional goth’ style typically includes dramatic hairstyles (often dyed black) such as mohawks, backcombing, crimping and dramatic black and white makeup that accentuates facial contours. Those who dress in this style may also wear long dark clothes made of velvet or satin, with punk-like or lacey accessories like studded belts, fishnets, and chains. Aside from the punk-rock aspect, the fashion is heavily inspired by that of the Victorian era. There are several goth aesthetic subgenres that exist— bubble goth, cybergoth, and romantic goth to name a few.
Depending on the person, a modern goth may enjoy horror and gothic literature, Victorian and medieval history, horror and thriller films, and dark and Victorian-style interior design and decoration. The Addams Family home is a perfect example of gothic architecture and design. These parts of the culture may be integrated into one’s lifestyle, but is not always the case.
Although the goth subculture is characterized by specific aesthetics and a ‘way of seeing and being seen,’ those that do engage with aspects of the subculture do not always identify as goth, and those that do consider goth as part of their identity might not engage with all aspects of the subculture. For example, someone might consider themselves goth, but rarely dress goth and only listen to that genre of music.
Goth culture continues to be a thriving identity among Western society decades after its worldwide recognition. The music genre, fashion, and lifestyle are striking, beautiful, and often unique to the individual. That is what makes the subculture so iconic.
