The Definitive History of Shoegaze by Noah Wong

Shoegaze is an experimental genre of rock music, beginning between the late 80s and early 90s with the pioneering bands like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, and Ride. All early shoegaze bands were from Britain, or in My Bloody Valentine’s case, Ireland. Although early bands produced a new and creative sound by pushing waves of reverb through guitars, adding in bass, drums, and soft vocals to create rock songs with only a few chords, music critics didn’t initially take too kindly to shoegaze. The name “shoegaze” was started as an insult due to how the guitarists stood still while looking at their shoes onstage. The movement was also called “The scene that celebrates itself” because shoegaze bands would often attend each other’s concerts. While their sound was unique and groundbreaking, it was not unheard of. Other bands had experimented with similar ideas, but none had based their music around them. Shoegaze was influenced by bands like Cocteau Twins and Jesus and Mary Chain.

INTRODUCING: Another Noah

Sad Moth would like to introduce their newest writer to the team, Noah Wong. To be honest pretty much everybody knows who Noah is, so this need not be very long.  Noah goes to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He was awarded “Most Spirited” for his role on the state-bound 2013-14 Middleton varsity volleyball team.  He once made eye contact with Mr. Piovanetti while peeing, and gave him a firm nod.  He was in chess club, I think.  He also listens to way cooler music than all you fags.  But enough from me. Allow Noah to introduce himself.