What is midwest emo?

Midwest emo is a subgenre of emo music that emerged in the Midwestern United States during the mid-1990s. It is characterized by its melodic and intricate guitar work, often featuring twinkly, arpeggiated riffs, and complex, sometimes unconventional song structures. Midwest emo contrasts with the more punk-influenced sound of earlier emo bands from Washington, D.C., like Rites of Spring and Embrace.

Lyrically, Midwest emo tends to focus on introspective and earnest themes, often dealing with personal emotions, relationships, and a sense of nostalgia. The vocal style can vary, but it frequently includes both sung and shouted or spoken vocals, contributing to a raw and authentic emotional delivery.

Some of the pioneering and influential bands in the Midwest emo scene include Cap'n Jazz, American Football, The Promise Ring, Mineral, and Braid. These bands helped define the sound and aesthetic of the genre and influenced a wave of later bands both within and outside of the Midwest.

Midwest emo experienced a resurgence in popularity in the late 2000s and 2010s, often referred to as the "emo revival," with bands like The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die, Into It. Over It., and Modern Baseball drawing from the early Midwest emo sound while adding their own contemporary elements.

The genre remains influential today, continuing to inspire new bands and musicians with its distinctive blend of musical complexity, emotional depth, and sincerity.