Interviews: Talking 'Emo Revival' with Andrew Sacher

Andrew Sacher, a seasoned New York music journalist, podcaster, and former BrooklynVegan editor, is set to release his debut book, "Emo Revival: Community, DIY, and Rebirth in Post-Hardcore and Emo (2008-2018)." This comprehensive account traces a decade marked by the resurgence of emo and post-hardcore music, capturing the era’s vibrant underground culture through detailed interviews and vivid live show narratives.

Drawing on conversations with influential bands such as Algernon Cadwallader, Title Fight, Joyce Manor, Modern Baseball, Touché Amoré, The Menzingers, Tigers Jaw, PUP, and The World Is A Beautiful Place and I Am No Longer Afraid to Die, Sacher presents an immersive picture of a musical movement often overlooked by mainstream outlets. His research highlights not only the defining albums and songs but also the strong communal bonds that emerged within the scene.

Central to the book’s narrative is the emphasis on community over the traditionally used term “scene.” Sacher underscores how these musicians and fans fostered a supportive network during a period when emo was largely dismissed by the music industry and broader media. The book’s title reflects this focus on community, DIY ethics, and the genre’s rebirth during the years 2008 to 2018.

The DIY ethos threaded throughout the book is reflected not only in the bands’ approach to music but also in Sacher’s choice of publisher. Clash Books, known for its independent spirit and close collaboration with authors, was selected deliberately to mirror the grassroots nature of the subject matter. This partnership allowed Sacher to maintain an authentic connection to the ethos that defined the emo revival movement.

Sacher’s three-year writing process was enriched by the narratives of roughly 80 bands, whose stories often intertwined, revealing a collective experience rather than isolated trajectories. He found that many bands thrived on mutual support, sharing stages and audiences to create a tightly knit network. This contrasts with a conventional industry approach, which at that time was largely disengaged from emo, having moved on to other trends.

The period covered in the book was marked by a music industry that was retreating from emo and post-hardcore. Traditional labels and media outlets showed little interest in emerging acts within the genre, leaving a void filled by independent record labels like Topshelf, Run For Cover, No Sleep, Tiny Engines, and Count Your Lucky Stars. These labels, along with the bands themselves, were instrumental in sustaining the movement through grassroots efforts.

Sacher explains that his selection of interview subjects emerged organically, often guided by recommendations from band members themselves, creating a web of interconnected stories. His prior experience covering these bands for BrooklynVegan provided a foundation for identifying key contributors to the emo revival while also uncovering lesser-known acts deserving of attention.

The publication includes archival elements such as photography and show flyers that evoke the era's atmosphere. Notably, the book cover features a photograph from Snowing’s farewell concert in 2011, a seminal moment captured by photographer Dan Bassini. This image epitomizes the fervent energy of a scene thriving without major label support or mainstream media coverage.

Sacher also revisits earlier music journalism that documented the movement’s gradual emergence, acknowledging Punknews.org’s early support through its Album of the Year awards to bands like The Sidekicks, The Menzingers, and Joyce Manor. This recognition was pivotal in validating the music at a time when it remained largely underground.

The book situates the emo revival within a broader continuum of punk and indie music, noting how press outlets initially delayed in recognizing the scene’s significance eventually began to acknowledge its impact. Writers from Pitchfork, Stereogum, and other outlets contributed to a growing discourse that positioned these bands within the evolving indie landscape.

Ultimately, "Emo Revival" offers an in-depth exploration of a transformative decade for emo and post-hardcore music. By foregrounding the DIY spirit and communal resilience of the artists involved, Andrew Sacher’s work illuminates the enduring cultural significance of a movement that flourished beyond mainstream trends.