For those not in the know, the dark forces festival is an event that happens every May up in New York. Music merch and goth. For its lifetime so far, it had its share a standard challenges.
Planning for next years had already started. Merchants and bands already locked down. After the deadline, on their own social media. Two artists announced that they would be performing onstage with the band, hate department. Two artists that hadn’t been invited for their personal stances. Apparently, hate department planned to Trojan horse them into the event. Needless to say it created quite an uproar once it got out and there was a lot of push back.
But the organizers did the right thing. Dropping hate department from the event. Keeping it inclusive and tolerant. I don’t have Facebook, never have. But if you do. Good actions like this can use boosting and acknowledgement.
Not really that surprising of Seibold and I’m sure he doesn’t give a shit about being dropped. It’s Hate Dept after all.
Yeah, he is not an unknown quantity. And yes, beyond playing the victim, I don’t think they worry too much. There was a whole lot of meh when he was announced on the lineup. Being in New York, I’m sure there’s a lot of acts they could dig up in their backyard that people would be more excited to see honestly. FGFC820, Light Asylum, etc etc etc.
American* coldwave bands have never been hugely popular across the scene. Despite their talents they don’t fit well with the sensitive people. Mostly just the angry ones.
Still, 16 volt will be there so there will still be some representation.
Perhaps, I can’t really say. Honestly, a lot of what I listen to is at least Coldwave adjacent. Though admittedly much more on the European side. Lebanon Hanover, Selofan, etc. But you aren’t wrong about 16 volt. And what better time since if I remember correctly they just released a new album this year anyhow.
The american “resurgence” felt “cold” in different way, and I feel like it should never have been called that because it just leads to confusion.
Then the bands that wanted to revive the original style like LH only added further confusion because there were two conflicting styles at the same time. 😅
New vs dark vs cold vs frozen wave. At least we are inclusive in our confusion and waves.