Scowl: From Struggles to Musical Triumph
On the Road to Success
Backstage at The Fillmore in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Bay Area hardcore band Scowl prepares for another energetic performance. Their journey has taken them from performing in unexpected venues like a Sonic Drive-In to energizing audiences in 2000-capacity rooms. This trajectory exemplifies their rapid ascent in the music world.
A Band Under Pressure
The band’s frontwoman, Kat Moss, is easily recognizable with her striking neon green hair. Alongside her bandmates—guitarists Malachi Greene and Mikey Bifolco, bassist Bailey Lupo, and drummer Cole Gilbert—they reflect on the intense pressures experienced during their recent tours. Moss candidly shares, “Everyone in the band had their own personal nightmares that were going on simultaneously as we were touring. I felt like I had nothing left to give.”
Challenges Beyond the Stage
The mental and physical toll of constant touring was exacerbated by personal challenges, including breakups and losses among their loved ones back home. Despite climbing popularity, including endorsements from stars like Post Malone and Hayley Williams of Paramore, Scowl faced significant backlash from some hardcore music fans criticizing their sound. The band’s incorporation of pop melodies into their heavy riffs drew scrutiny, especially after their performance at a Taco Bell-sponsored halftime show during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, an opportunity that fellow hardcore band Militarie Gun, with no female members, similarly received without backlash.
Resilience Through Adversity
Despite the challenges, Scowl remains committed to their music. Their latest album, Are We All Angels, captures the essence of a band confronting and overcoming adversity, featuring eleven energetic tracks that reflect their collective frustrations and grief. Produced by Will Yip, famous for collaborations with acts like Turnstile and Mannequin Pussy, the album showcases a richer, more polished sound, demonstrating the band’s evolving artistry.
Shifting Labels and Perspectives
By transitioning from renowned label Flatspot Records to Dead Oceans, where they now join artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Japanese Breakfast, some traditionalists among hardcore fans have expressed disappointment. Moss emphasizes the reality that much of the hostility they face is largely confined to digital platforms, stating, “An important thing to remember is that a lot of the polarization and intensity only really exists on the internet.” This perspective has helped the band navigate their emotional landscape through recording and touring.
The Love for Music
Speaking with Scowl reveals a profound connection to the punk scene, driven by passion rather than profit. Greene affirms, “None of us are in this for the money. We’re in this because we love music. What we love about punk music is that the performance is always fueled by catharsis. As long as we have that, we will keep on touring forever.” Their commitment to authenticity in their music and performances is clear, fueling their ongoing journey in the music industry.