Skip to main content

My First Time at a Goth Club

When I walked into the building for Ascension, a Goth/Industrial night, they started playing "This Corrosion." I was introduced to Goth six years ago when I listened to the song, so it was like the night saying "Merry Gothmas, Katie!" I'd been planning on going all week, but when Friday rolled around, I was so exhausted from spending the entire day getting a new car (my last one was totaled) and then visiting family with a long drive back. I came home and wanted to just take a nap, and after taking too long to decide, I got dressed and headed out the door. This past Ascension was the last one held at the Masquerade, a much-loved local venue, and I wanted to experience it before I left for West Virginia.





I'd known about Ascension for a while. One reason why I hadn't gone before this past Friday is because of being a student and having lived an hour away. It's a lame excuse. Aside from that, I told myself for years that I wasn't a cluby-type (although that changed last Summer in Cusco where I loved going to dance clubs). I was too stubborn and nervous to go. I had some fears about not knowing anyone, being too young, and possibly experiencing elitism.

But I went. I got dressed up and did my makeup darker than I have in a while. I crimped my hair, and Ryan let me style him as well. We got there at 1 AM, and we danced until 3 in the morning. They played so many good songs—a good mix of Goth and Industrial—and they had colorful lights and smoke machines.


Here's a video from the night shared by one of the DJs. You won't be able to see Ryan and I in the background, but we're there: 



One of the DJs played this song, "Black Leather" by Prayers, who I learned are pioneers of the "Cholo Goth" movement within the subculture. I'm loving it, so give it a listen:


Most of the Atlanta scene looked to be a little bit older than I am. There was even an old man there with long white hair and a white beard who danced until the close. People dressed in a variety of ways, and everyone there looked like they were having a good time dancing and socializing. It really felt like a judgement-free zone with a sense of community. I even recognized someone I'd seen at the Soft Moon concert, although I didn't go to say "hello."



The last song of the night before they turned on all the lights was "Forever Young," which struck many of us and made me chuckle as it was unexpected. "No one said that Goths didn't have a sense of humor," I told Ryan as we slow-danced like it was prom. The DJ came to the edge of the stage, and everyone cheered. He made a speech and had a stack of fliers in his hand, saying that the new venue invited Ascension to come back and host a night in late August. I had such a fun time and plan on going to the next one before I move.

Comments

  1. I always had to crash with a friend to attend clubs so I can see why you didn't go until now. I'm glad it was a great experience.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was! I'd like to go to the next one if I'm still here. Otherwise, there's a Goth club night in DC, which is a few hours from my new town. I could always crash with my brother who lives in the city.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Odd Ghoul Out's 2019 Concert Clip Show

It's been a decade since I first got into goth music and subculture. And, with my tongue firmly stuck to my cheek, I observe how I am  still  a baby bat! I'm young enough to still be called a "baby" at shows and club nights yet old enough to recall, with deep nostalgia, vying for a spot directly in front of the stage at my first Peter Murphy show nearly 10 years ago at a now-relocated venue in Atlanta... I also remember with fondness—and some embarrassment—writing a cliché poem for Peter Murphy, referring to him as the "original Bat." And, instead of keeping it to myself, I actually threw the typed poem up onto the stage directly following the show, hoping he'd pick it up and keep it in his breast pocket. Ah, the folly of youth! I don't recall there ever being this many bands of the goth or goth-adjacent persuasion playing in Atlanta since I got into the subculture. That's not to say there weren't plenty of bands playing this city. I only f...

The Obituary Challenge

I've been working in The Writing Studio at Georgia State today, when a worried student came in for some assistance. She was assigned to write an obituary for her Journalism class. This obituary was to be written about the professor of her course. I'd never heard of anyone assigning something like this (probably because it's morbid), but it's very practical to learn for Journalism. From there, I had an idea. I thought what a good tag/challenge it would be for fellow bloggers to write an obituary about themselves. (not to mention a bit of morbid fun) So, Here's the rules: Link back to whoever tagged you. Put these rules in your tag.  Write an obituary about yourself (it can be as funny or as serious as you like). Write about a paragraph or two (or more if necessary) in length. You may tag up to 10 people, and be sure to link to them. Have fun, because creative writing is one of the greatest joys in life!   My Obituary:  Katie, age 18, perished on Septembe...

Devil's Turnaround

Noonday Missionary Baptist Church's Cemetery is also known as "Devil's Turnaround." It is located along a little back road in Kennesaw, Georgia, and most of the graves are scattered in the woods. It is easy to miss, but some of the gravestones are visible from the road. The cemetery has graves from the 1860's. I wouldn't doubt that some of its occupants were slaves at one time. Many say the land is haunted by malevolent spirits who hurl objects and make physical contact--shoving, scratching, and even biting visitors. I could understand why any lingering spirits might be upset: These grounds have been terribly neglected. Much of the graves are broken and toppled over. Some are barely visible through the overgrowth of ivy and weeds. People also say the root of the haunting may be related to rumored cult rituals performed on the property. Located right by the cemetery are huge power lines (high voltage transmission lines). I could hear them b...