BOSTON DIY PUNK SCENE REPORT

by Liv Longshore

January 2026

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INSIDE SCOOP

Speaking largely from personal experience, the Boston local music scene is a vibrant community built by musicians and showgoers who build meaningful connection through music, warmly welcome newcomers, and represent a diverse range of backgrounds, styles, and personalities. The scene has something for everyone - those involved describe Boston DIY as a positive and transformative community.

Nate, photographer and videographer via Found Footage Films (@deadpixelVHS on Instagram):

“Over the past year and a half, I have amassed quite the collection of footage filmed almost entirely in Boston and surrounding New England areas, and I aim to keep documenting what means the most to me: music. You don't need expensive equipment, you don't need all the fancy looks. Just put your emotion into whatever you love that isn't destructive, and you'll find a scene like this. Everyone is different, but nobody has to be alone. Bring others up whenever you can and love one another.”

Isaac Prince, photographer via Placeholder Pictures:

“I attended my first show after going into the city for a club trip to museums, with my 3DS in my bag because my phone camera was broken. I was immediately welcomed into the scene , and for fun I took some photos with my 3DS for the bands, something I quickly realized I loved doing, and now I take an hour train commute into Boston every weekend to see new bands and take more photos. I absolutely love the scene in Boston and can’t wait to go to more shows and hopefully start my own band.”

Iko, showgoer:

“One of my favorite scene memories will always be Impulse Control’s last show in February of last year. I was worried about being at a show alone and having no one to talk to, but I ended up meeting a lot of super cool people and having a really great time. A lot of great energy and some really heartfelt words from the lead singer in between songs. Ever since that show, I never worry about not knowing people, because I always end up making new friends there anyways.”

Chase, musician in Ski Club:

“So many awesome acts have come around in the last few years. My favorites right now are Dinos, Warmachine, KO Queen, and Jack O. Lantern. It’s been very cool to see music creation sprout up organically from a desire to simply rock out. Everyone has their goals in mind, but I think all good bands that are a part of this community simply do it to make the best music they can. It’s also surprising how far of a reach this scene has. It’s funny how something that at times seems so small has impacts greater than we ever could have imagined. Stay muggin’.”

BAND HIGHLIGHT: NAME

Bio

BAND HIGHLIGHT: ANDRO QUEEN

Andro Queen is a Boston-based femme punk group that draws influence from punk rock, screamo, indie, alt rock, and "probably other things." The band is a project started by Fikus Gray (they/them), with Veronica Casale (guitar, she/her) and Ziyad Ghalayini (drums, he/him). The band’s original songs focus on predominant societal issues surrounding gender roles, growing up queer, and inequality, but also discuss queer joy and love of many forms, philosophical dilemmas, and trivial matters. Andro Queen asserts that being political has only gained importance over time, with the recent rise in fascism, imperialism, the war against trans people, and other emerging social issues. They believe it's important to speak up, raise awareness, help fundraise, demonstrate, and inspire love and community, despite the often disheartening impact of issues that affect them and the larger community. While sensitive topics are brought up in some of their music, Andro Queen strives to engage with these issues in an empowering way and create an invigorating environment by connecting with the crowd and each other on stage. Andeo Queen is soon releasing a double single.

Written based on communication with Fikus Gray.

BAND HIGHLIGHT: FROGS

Bio

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION HIGHLIGHT: 91.5FM WMFO - MELLOW MAX RADIO

“Mellow Max” is an on-air host for two radio shows at 91.5FM WMFO Tufts Freeform Radio. One show is a mix of everything, and the other is all local music for three hours every Wednesday. Max has live musical performances and interviews on both shows. He loves finding and sharing music and talking to musicians about the awesome work they do.

Written based on communication with Max.

LOOKING FORWARD IN THE SCENE

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