Scowl have been having an absolutely incredible year. Since the release of their excellent EP Psychic Dance Routine, the band have knocked off milestone after milestone. From Coachella to Taco Bell’s Feed The Beast, hard work, dedication and staying true to yourself has brought huge reward. But unfortunately, there are those who cannot believe that the band have reached this place without a leg up.
The term industry plant has been thrown around a lot in recent years. It is used to describe bands that have been tailor-made before getting countless opportunities presented to them. Also, it is absolute horse shit because the music industry simply doesn’t work like that. It especially doesn’t work like that when it comes to hardcore bands. And it very much shouldn’t be used to describe Scowl, a band who are hardcore through and through.
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And vocalist Kat Moss has had enough. She has penned a statement on social media describing her frustration and sadness at the label. Having it pinned on them, whilst plenty of other bands, made up of solely men, don’t even raise an eyebrow when they do the same things. Such a misogynistic viewpoint on the success of women in alternative music is, unfortunately, nothing new. But Kat is not standing by and letting her band’s name be dragged in such a way.
She begins by saying, “I am sick of hearing the phrase ‘industry plant’ every single time Scowl experiences success.
“Our friends bands – bands commonly full of men, will sign brand deals, have a song in a commercial, get a co-sign from massively successful musicians, etc… yet I never read whisperings of whether or not they deserve those successes, whether or not they are valid enough, GOOD enough, or worked hard enough to be deserving of that success.
Is our success never valid enough for you? Why is this competition created between us and our community, specifically femme-bodied individuals? A competition I never participated in, a patriarchal competition I challenge by questioning my thoughts, actions and insecurities every single day. The message I receive is that I am not granted independent success as a woman. Am I never grateful enough? Hard-working enough? Confident enough?
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“I’m grateful to be a part of a community we have ALWAYS contributed to lifting. By the way, it isn’t that hard to do … if you believe in yourself and your friends, you’ve done half the work! If you believe in your scene, walk through that door, buy that t-shirt, and maybe even gather up the confidence to make a new friend or dance along to your favorite song you are CONTRIBUTING to something bigger than yourself.
She continues, “Starting a band was the best decision I ever made. It saved my life in many ways, and it helped me find confidence in myself that I never believed that I formerly had. I am happily part of a scene filled with beautiful, intelligent, unique and inspiring people. A scene that could have never blossomed without every single individual.
“Is it so hard to believe that a woman-led band can be a hardworking and organic success? Is it so challenging to grasp a woman’s success that you have to create a fantasy that the music industry had a hand in it? An extremely male-dominated music industry, by the way….
“That being said: My life and bandmate’s lives would be SO MUCH EASIER if we had industry backing! I garnered the little confidence I had not without the emotional support of my friends and my scene in May 2019 to play Scowl’s first show. My life has changed so much since that day, but it would’ve never been possible without my friends in the Bay Arean / Santa Cruz hardcore scene. The women/femme/trans individuals who I’ve embraced all around the world that have always had my back and saw me for my genuine self. Those individuals will always come first to me.
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“Scowl has worked tirelessly to be in the position we are in. We have practiced late into the night, day after day. We have relentlessly toured. Last year I had bronchitis for months on tour, I’ve blown my voice out a handful of times, we have experienced exhaustive physical injury, blah, blah and only dropped ONE SHOW due to those circumstances the past two years. Not even counting the depression, anxiety, grief, and other general human sufferings experienced thousands of miles away from home. Slept on countless floors, gone hungry for a little too long, been in the negatives on my bank statements, etc. Is that punk enough for you? We do this because we LOVE IT. Because it makes us happier than anything else. I have the privilege to play music for a living! Of course, I’m gonna chase my dreams!
“The most valuable lesson I learned from hardcore is that if you have something to say, scream it into a microphone.
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“I would be nowhere without the countless BIPOC/trans/female gender nonconforming individuals that I’ve shared the stage with and have had meaningful conversations & relationships with. I’m so grateful to music for giving me the opportunity to form those connections. You have all collectively inspired me to never ever give up! Whether we talk all the time or have had a short swift encounter, you know who you are, and I LOVE YOU!
“You remind me that I’m never alone!”
When your hard work is questioned, it’s hard to stay calm and remember what you are about. But Kat delivered her feelings in a passionate, articulate and honest statement manner. Scowl will continue to grow as the months roll on, and it will all be because of them doing what they do best. And for anybody to question a band living out their dreams far beyond what they ever thought possible, that is on them.
idobi, however, will be along for every twist and turn of the Scowl ride. You don’t have to worry about that.
