Growing up in the SoCal 80s Hardcore Punk scenes, I was told by my Mom, Dad, Brothers, Cousins, and Teachers that this scene was for white kids only! In my mind, I knew that they were wrong because, from the very first show I went to, I felt at home. But looking back, sometimes I feel that they might have been right because there weren’t a lot of Black kids in it — but we were there and we made our presence known.
So I’m rejoicing that in 2023, Black Punks unified together to create The Tribes of Da Moon Fest! This celebration took place in New York City on Aug 19th & 20th, featuring an insane lineup of POC bands from all over the United States! When I look at the video footage and see a room full of Black and Brown people losing their shit to the music they love, it really makes me happy beyond words!
Today I want to share with you how Tribes of Da Moon through the lens of 3 Black creatives from NYC: Shaira, Shit gazer, and Kill Cam. Real talk, I appreciate them sharing their photos and videos with us, but it’s their words that are just as priceless as their creative spirits! I also want to say I have nothing but love for everyone who made this historic event take place, RESPECT DUE! Sarah & Corey from MOVE BHC did it big, and we truly appreciate y’all for that! Until next year, let’s stay Black and creative!
Shaira
As a (young) elder in the New York City punk and hardcore scene, Tribes of Da Moon embodies the raw energy, unapologetic defiance of the status quo, and honors the legacy of Black and brown punk and hardcore pioneers. Beyond the FOMO they induce, these images are part of the epic saga of NYC hardcore and the broader music landscape. Being at the fest felt like witnessing history, and it’s testament to the labor of love of the predominantly Black, queer, and trans organizers and bands shaping our sound and story. I wish Tribes was around when I was a kid, but it makes me happy to know that spaces like these are here for the next generation during a time where we need them so desperately.
Shaira
Shit Gazer
DSODM gave me the opportunity to finally see a band that I’ve been waiting to see for almost ten years, Bleed the Pigs. Kayla was super influential to me as a young Black girl who was also into metal, grindcore, and power violence. I didn’t see many people who looked like me in the scene. Her presence validated me and introduced me to a whole new world of extreme music. I was also looking forward to seeing other artists that have been on my radar but I never got the chance to see them live. This felt like the perfect time and place, as I was surrounded by people who made me feel welcome and safe.
Shit Gazer
This was my first time documenting so many major artists in such a large venue. Unfortunately, I had to arrive a bit late, but once got there I wanted to document as much as could. For my photos, I wanted to harken back to the aesthetic of legendary music photographers such as Roy Decarava and Jerry Guzman, as well as classic fine art erotic photographers like Rick Castro and Günter Blum. It was important for me to capture images of the artists that felt bold, energetic, and authentic, as well as photos of the crowd that truly reflected the chaotic energy of the music.
I decided to bring my camcorder along as well, I knew the audio wouldn’t be as great as other sets that I’ve filmed but I wanted my own documentation of the fest for my YouTube channel. I even attempted to do both photos and videos at the same time for some bands, it’s times like that when I wish I had a clone of myself so I could do both!
I feel like DSODM provided a space for us to be carefree, sexy, emo, violent, and most important of all, vulnerable. Thanks to everyone who put this together, I already can’t wait for #4!
LUSTSICKPUPPY
ZULU
PLAYYTIME
BUGGIN
BLEED THE PIGS
SOUL GLO
Kill Cam🔪
Growing up I was often told that the music I had fallen in love with was for white people — Not learning the roots and origins until much later. I came to TTODM and was amidst a crowd of strangers but was blessed to see myself in every swinging back fist, I saw myself in every stage dive, in every two-step. From the crowd to the stage, I saw myself in every melanated participant. What a gift it was to see the people who looked like me not only take part, but take the lead. Each band’s talents were only outmatched by their passion for the space they’ve created. I was lucky to witness what was not the reinvention of the music I had fallen in love with, but the reclamation of it. The violence was unrelenting, but the love was abundant. What more could I ask for?
Kill Cam🔪
BUGGIN
SOUL GLO
ZULU
Dark Side of Da Moon III
