SPEED Says That Hardcore Is "Not Meant Exist In The Comments Section, And It's Not Meant To Exist Online"

Why It Matters

SPEED’s stance highlights a growing tension between online interaction and the need for tangible cultural spaces, urging the music industry to prioritize live community experiences. This perspective could influence how niche genres sustain relevance amid pervasive digital consumption.

Key Takeaways

• SPEED argues hardcore belongs in physical scenes, not comment sections
• Frontman Jem Siow stresses learning hardcore values through live experience
• Band aims to revive human connection amid post‑COVID digital fatigue
• SPEED sees the genre evolving, welcoming newcomers to authentic community

Pulse Analysis

The hardcore punk movement, historically rooted in basement shows and DIY venues, faces an identity crisis as pandemic‑induced lockdowns pushed many scenes online. While livestreams kept the music audible, they stripped away the visceral energy that defines the genre—crowd‑sourced mosh pits, shared sweat, and the unspoken codes passed from one generation to the next. As audiences return to brick‑and‑mortar venues, bands like SPEED argue that the essence of hardcore cannot be replicated in comment sections or algorithm‑driven feeds.

SPEED’s frontman Jem Siow frames the debate as a cultural imperative: learning the nuances of hardcore—its etiquette, solidarity, and raw emotional catharsis—requires face‑to‑face immersion. Guitarist Josh Clayton reinforces this by noting that each local scene develops its own rulebook, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends digital likes. By championing in‑person interaction, the band positions itself as a bridge between the genre’s gritty past and a future where authenticity is reclaimed, inviting both veterans and newcomers to experience the community’s tactile pulse.

For the broader music industry, SPEED’s message signals a shift toward hybrid models that value live engagement as a core revenue and loyalty driver. Labels and promoters may need to invest more in intimate venues, regional tours, and community‑building initiatives that echo the DIY ethos. As digital fatigue grows, artists who can authentically anchor fans in real‑world experiences are likely to sustain deeper connections, ensuring that subcultures like hardcore remain vibrant beyond the screen.