Emo (/ ˈiːmoʊ /) is a music genre characterized by emotional, often confessional lyrics. It emerged as a style of hardcore punk and post-hardcore from the mid-1980s Washington, D.C. hardcore scene, where it was known as emotional hardcore or emocore. The bands Rites of Spring and Embrace, among others, pioneered the genre.

Mar 30, 2022 · Emo music derives its roots from the hardcore scene in the 80s, but with lyrics that are more focused on the emotional and personal realm. Emo music takes its inspiration from emotional turmoil and sensitivity. Others may describe the genre as angsty.

Jun 7, 2021 · Emo music is a subgenre of punk rock, indie rock, and alternative rock music defined by its heavy emotional expression. Emo is part of the post-hardcore band scene, with artists delving into songs with more substance and feeling.

Dec 19, 2023 · Emo music is characterized by emotional lyrics. On the surface, that doesn’t sound like much of a definition, since outside of pop and party songs, a lot of other music carries weighty emotions as well. But in emo music, the emotion is often the point of the track.

Jan 24, 2018 · As far back as the early ’90s, the term “emo” was plastic, one that stretched and changed shape as it was applied to different bands from different corners of the underground. At the time, it was...

Mar 27, 2025 · Emo, subgenre of punk rock music that arose in Washington, D.C., in the mid-1980s. Guy Picciotto (who was later a founding member of the influential hard-core group Fugazi) and his band, Rites of Spring, launched the subgenre when they moved away from a punk scene that sometimes favoured attitude

As emo entered the mainstream, it became as tied to fashion as to the music genre. The term "emo" is associated with wearing skinny jeans, as well as tight T-shirts (usually short-sleeved) or zip-up hoodies which often bear the names of emo bands.

Jul 31, 2024 · What is Emo Music? Emo is a genre born from the raw intensity of punk rock, where emotional depth takes center stage. Characterized by deeply personal, confessional lyrics, emo blends the unfiltered energy of punk with melodic undertones and expressive vocals.

Jun 10, 2024 · Emo music, short for “emotional hardcore,” is a genre that blends expressive lyrics with punk rock elements. It emerged in the mid-1980s and has evolved to include several subgenres and fusion genres.

Jan 5, 2025 · Emo music is a subgenre of rock music that emerged in the 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. The term "emo" is short for "emotional hardcore," and it’s characterized by its intense, emotional, and often melodic sound. But what exactly is considered emo music? Early Days of Emo.