The Alt Black

*BEFORE YOU READ THIS, JUST KNOW THAT THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE INTERVIEWS*

When I began this blog, I had a lot of ideas that I wanted to go with,  and one of those ideas was inspired by the documentary Afropunk. A documentary that told the stories of African American people who enjoyed punk music and documented what their lifestyles were as a result of living a punk rock life. The documentary hit home for me, being an African American male who primarily listens to pop-punk music. Pop-punk music is exactly what it sounds like, a fusion of punk elements and pop elements. Pop-punk is by no means a hardcore type of genre, compared to other genres such as metal, screamo, or punk music. But, when it comes to the general public they are all the same, some white guy screaming into a mic, white people fighting each other in mosh pits, and of course the satanic worship that takes place at concerts. In many cases, this is not true, so I wanted to shed a light on the real people who enjoy the genre of punk, rock, metal, alternative, and all sub-genres.

In my search for African Americans who listen to these alternative styles of music, I found a young New York rocker, by the name of Keyon Brown.

I asked Keyon a couple of questions regarding his affiliation with punk music.

 

J: How did you get into punk/alt music?

K: When I was about 8 years was when I was getting into general music. I transitioning from only listening to kids music, religious music, and music from my culture to other more popular varieties. Who popped to me initially was Avril Lavigne. I loved her sing “Complicated.” From that, I was influenced to a lot of pop rock, pop punk, and alternative music similar to her (like Hilary Duff, Simple Plan, and Green Day) and started to branch out from there.

J: What were some of your earlier influences?

K: I got a lot of initial influences from Radio Disney, Disney Channel, certain shows, and later Radio and Music channels. Rock, punk, and alternative still had a big part of the pop culture back then (2000 to 2006).

J: How did your friends and family react to your choice of music?

K:   Half everyone accepted it whether they also liked it or not. The other half would call me “white” or say it’s bad wack, or even demonic.

J: What have you gained by listening to this genre of music?

K: I’ve gained interest in opening my eyes to real word problems, relatable things, self-expression, and rebellion. The style was cool looking and I had an interest in it. I also learned how to play electric guitar and a bit of the drums. Now I try to make my own music and hope it could speak to others the way it spoke to me.

J: To you, what is the biggest misconception about this genre of music?

K: I feel punk tends to get a lot of ridicule cuz if it’s simplicity. Not saying all bands are really simple because a lot does incorporate a lot of technique and other styles, but a lot of genres under the punk influence tend to be simple. I believe the music is simple (Four chords, breakdowns, catchy hooks, and choruses, etc) for more if the words to speak out. A lot of people tend to not listen to words these days.

J:  What was your first live show and how was it? How was the energy?

K: My first live show was technically a battle of the band’s show at my first college at Walla Walla University. My first actual live show was Warped Tour 2013 in Portland. It was a great experience seeing all these bands perform. Getting their message and music out touching everyone. It was a free environment with very little judgment or conflict. Plus the bands were one with the fans. Probably would get that at a typical pop concert.

J: When did you get in your first pit and what show/band/song was playing?

K: My first technical pit was same as before at WWU at the battle of the band’s concert. I was hooked. I liked the energy. My first actual put was with We Came As Romans at warped tour 2013. I really didn’t know them that well, but I wanted to just experience a real pit real quick. My first indoor pit with Born Of Osiris at an Asking Alexandria tour (I was mainly there for August Burns Red). That’s when I really got into moshing more.

J: Have you ever felt out of place at a show?

K: Never. I always make a new friend at every show. The vibe is great.

J: Have you seen an increase in the number of black people at shows, since you went to your first one?

K: I actually have. It increases every time I’m not why. I’m not complaining, though. Whether a concert has 90% black people or I’m the only black guy, I think no different.

J: Were you ever nervous that you’d be the only black person at a show?

K: Not really. I never focused on my race like that. I was more concern about the band.