How to Appreciate Emo Music

Emo music is often misunderstood with depressing and sucidal lyrics. But that is just a stereotype, real emos weren't depressed and they didn't cut. Read on to know some real emo bands and see what they're like. 

STEP

1. Listen to the right bands. Some emo bands are Fugazi, Cap'n Jazz, Braid, Mineral, Embrace, Yage, Jawbreaker, Indian Summer, Rites Of Spring, Texas Is The Reason, Toru Okada, The Pine, Sunny Day Real Estate and Moss Icon whether they agree with the label or not. Some screamo bands are Orchid, City Of A Caterpillar, I Hate Myself, Cirlce Takes The Square and Pg.99. These are not played mainstream rock and alternative radio stations, and they are not played on TV channels such as |MTV, Fuse, Kerrang, Scuzz and other alternative or rock stations.
2. Build your music collection. Check out your local CD store, go on PureVolume/iTunes, or just download your selected emo songs onto your iPod/MP3.
3. Research the lyrics online to gain appreciation for this beautiful, insightful music. Don't let this stop you from having your own interpretation, though.
4.  Go on MySpace or some other music browsing site and browse under the "emo" category and see what happens. Music Store already has an built in emo category, and MySpace has emo, and screamo. However, keep in mind that many sites tend to categorize pop-rock bands as "emo".
5. See if there are any emo bands playing a show near you; don't forget about the local bands, though!

TIPS

• Keep an open mind to all types of music, don't limit yourself to emo.
• Do not fall for stereotypes; Emo music isn't about being "depressed" or "suicidal". It is about expressing emotion, whatever that emotion may be.
• Once you find some bands that you like, go to their shows. You'll be able to meet other fans and discover new bands through them too.
• If this type of music isn't your thing, don't force it. You may develop an appreciation for it in the future.
• Just to be clear on this - if it's mainstream, it's probably not Emo. The most mainstream Emo band out there right now seems to be Circle Takes The Square, but they really aren't that well known or heard.

WARNINGS

• Don't express your appreciation for this music where it isn't welcome. Finding friends is one thing, getting hurt is another.Careful you don't get caught up in the 'emocore' wave. My Chemical Romance, 
• Careful you don't get caught up in the 'emocore' wave. My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Black Veil Brides, Mayday Parade, All Time Low, Panic! At The Disco and Fall Out Boy are not emo bands.
• Also know that bands like (recent) Green Day, You Me At Six, Yellowcard, Blink- 182 are pop punk bands.