Boston’s Indie Sleaze 🕶️ A Nostalgic Journey Through V-Necks, Fishnets, And Record Players
From 2000 to 2010, Boston embodied the Indie Sleaze scene. V-neck shirt, skinny jeans, and ridiculous - I mean cool - oversized sunnies. Also, portable vinyl record players and cameras that only shot film (wow, expensive).
Today, it seems like IS is making a comeback on TikTok which means it’s only a matter of time before it hits the streets. I mean, how old are we if the style of our youth is considered “retro”? 😭
On that note, put on your deep and get ready to dive into the Boston's indie sleaze scene of the past:
The Boston Soundtrack:
Between 2000 to 2010, Boston's indie sleaze scene was partly defined by its music. Local bands like The Neighborhoods, Mission of Burma, and The Cars (old skool) was some of the background music of the time. The punk-infused melodies created a sonic landscape that resonated with teen and teen-ish spirit.
The scene also thrived in the venues. TT the Bear's and Great Scott were sanctuaries where we gathered to vibe. Sweaty mosh pits, crowd-surfing, and epic performances fueled the scene.
Fashion
Indie sleaze in Boston was more than music; it was a lifestyle that extended to what we put on our feet and what we wore on our back. From torn jeans to vintage band t-shirts, we embraced a distinct sense of style that rejected mainstream fashion norms. The deep V-neck shirts became an iconic symbol of our defiance against wearing clothes that actually looked good. Just kidding.
Reviving the Spirit:
As the years have passed, the revival of indie sleaze in Boston feels soon. Was it really that long ago where we pretended to prefer analog technologies, vinyl records, and scratchy cassette tapes? I mean, I’m there for it. I still have the clothes. I actually never really stopped wearing them - I mean you can wear what you want no matter what the era - you just have to own it, right?
A Nostalgic Bond:
The revival of indie sleaze in Boston bridges the gap between generations. Or actually, it does the exact opposite by trivializing through appropriation (big words). The truth is, like all generations before, younger music enthusiasts are discovering the sounds and aesthetics once cherished by their elders, creating a shared connection and a sense of nostalgia. Maybe the spirit of indie sleaze does transcend time and unite us through music and fashion. It’s a nice idea… 🥰
What was/is your favorite Indie Sleaze statement? Let us know in the comments. (man, I wish you could post photos there… maybe do that on the FB group!)
