Emo

Emo is a subgenre of rock music and a broader youth subculture that emerged in the mid-1980s from the hardcore punk scene in Washington, D.C., originally termed emocore to emphasize emotional expression. Early bands such as Rites of Spring and Embrace helped establish a melodic, confessional approach within punk.

During the 1990s, emo evolved with bands like Sunny Day Real Estate, Jawbreaker, and Texas Is the Reason, developing more melodic guitars and introspective lyrics. This era is often called the second wave of emo, distinguishing it from the earlier, harder-edge roots.

In the early 2000s, emo gained mainstream attention through acts such as My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Panic! at the Disco, and Paramore, giving rise to emo-pop and broader media interest. These artists often combined emotive vocals with pop hooks.

The emo subculture centers on emotional expression and individuality. Fashion commonly associated with emo includes dark clothing, slim or skinny jeans, bands, side-swept or dyed hair, and accessories like wristbands. The scene has varied regionally and across subgenres, from indie-leaning to more pop-oriented styles.

The term emo remains ambiguous, used to describe a musical style and a social identity. Although stereotypes and media portrayals have often emphasized fashion or youth angst, emo music encompasses a diverse range of sounds, from punk-influenced to melodic, orchestral, and electronic fusions.