As punk scholars, many of us are keenly interested in local punk scenes and communities. The notion of a punk scholars network goes beyond academia and scholarly research – as can be seen in the biographies of members of the PSN steering group, most of us are active participants in punk scenes; fans, musicians, writers, photographers, designers, organisers, contributors. The ongoing global health crisis surrounding the Covid-19 virus has led to public lockdowns, restrictions on social gatherings and serious barriers to the kinds of communal activities that punk scenes depend upon to survive.
A recent submission to the Punk & Post-Punk journal by James Letson, an independent scholar in Japan, brought this theme to the fore. As James noted in his abstract;
‘This paper comprises an ethnographic study of the punk and hardcore community in Sapporo, looks at what holds this eclectic community together, and suggests the concept of ‘everyday resistance’ as a framework for further study. The current Covid-19 global crisis has brought unprecedented challenges – as it has to communities all over the world – but has provided an opportunity to see how a community’s everyday practice inform and shape responses to emergency situations.’
Speaking to some of our international affiliate groups has also shed some light on how the current situation is impacting on local scenes and communities. As Marie Skov, our PSN affiliate in Berlin, notes;
‘Generally (and probably much alike other countries), Corona has meant 1) that a lot of the political work has been transferred from the street to the internet and 2) that many small bars and punk music venues are in deep trouble financially, as well as 3) for homeless and those working to help socially disadvantaged people, the situation is extremely difficult. ‘
This is also reflected in a dispatch from Fakhran Ramadhan, our PSN affiliate in Indonesia. He reports that the street punk community (those who tend to be homeless and make their living on the streets) in Jakarta and Bandung province are struggling beyond the regular daily challenges they often face:
‘Some punks I have met in the street, unfortunately they do not have a cellphone or even if they do, it has got no internet connection. Their life income depends on busking around and sometimes they have helped friends to sell T.shirts and punk merchandise at the gigs. “Pandemic makes everything harder. We are unable to busk around because the shops are closed and not many people gather on the streets like before the pandemic came out,” said Putro whom I met with his girlfriend on the street. He said he was depressed for not being able to meet their daily living income by busking. I still have no idea how other street punks are dealing with this situation.’
Concern over wellbeing has been at the forefront of a number of conversations with our PSN international affiliates. Isolation can impact on mental health as well as physical health. Often physical exercise can aid in building communities and enabling routines that can help those with anxiety and stress to focus and feel connected to others. As Ellen Bernhard, our PSN East Coast USA affiliate discusses:
‘I have come across several instances of punks offering resources and guidance to those who are having a hard time during the pandemic. While we may not be able to be together in person, positive vibes can always be shared online! I’m a part of a punk fitness Facebook group that shares tips and feedback to those who have found fitness and exercise to be a beneficial way to handle stress at this time. Participants share indoor workout routines, progress photos, playlists, and overall encouragement to others to stay motivated. For me, that has been incredibly helpful!’
This notion of being there for each other and being supportive requires a connection, which we know in current circumstances is difficult, however Marie reported on an initiative in Germany called Dequarantizeme, a DiY punk organisation that has been around for decades and is currently streaming punk concerts online, and selling merch on their website with all money going to the Berlin Help for the Homeless. Their slogan sums up their community facing DiY approach “from the scene for the scene”. You can find out all about them and what they do here:
The online domain has become a popular way of maintaining contact and reinforcing community, with all of our international affiliates reporting that many punk bands are using online platforms to stream gigs and raise money for charities that support those in need, from homeless charities to food banks and health initiatives. The possibilities that technology now provides us with has seen a rise in many DiY punk practices and even more mainstream organisations such as Bandcamp are taking that DiY/punk ethos of supporting others, especially independent musicians, by waiving their artist fees. Ellen states that in the USA:
‘Independent music venues are selling t-shirts and other merchandise with all or some of the profits going directly to local healthcare workers, music venue staff’ ( for example: https://highdivegainesville.bigcartel.com/product/gainesville-wont-back-down-benefit-shirt. )
Fakhran’s earlier dispatch further highlights how the punk communities in Indonesia are working together within and with others outside of their communities, in finding ways to support those on the front line of care and those in need of social and mutual aid:
‘The Do-it-Together is the new Do-It-Yourself of Indonesian punks. Several initiatives have emerged to lend a helping hand to support healthcare workers and at-risk society struggling with the loss of opportunities. Punks are now freer to talk about not only disease but the space, initiatives and approach to supporting society through social media and direct activism for social aid distribution. We do it together. We help society and health workers together.’
So it seems that punk communities around the globe are being active in creating and finding ways to deal with the challenging and restrictive environments that we all currently find ourselves in, and this is really reassuring and heartening to hear.
The Punk Scholars Network would like to hear from anyone wishing to share their insights, with a view to collate and publish through the PSN Blog and potentially more widely in the future. Get in touch here