Punk lives in New York City; Miss Teen America @ Mercury Lounge
Photo via Instagram
In 1973, Hilly Kristal opened CBGBs, today known as one of the most iconic rock clubs of all time. Under their roof, punk rock was born. The building still stands tall and proud at 315 Bowery. However, the rock club closed decades after the most famous names in punk graced its stage, and instead, a clothing store now stands in its place. For many music fans of that decade, the fire of punk rock officially went out when CBGB’s closed its doors for good in 2006. However, in 2023 punk rock proudly continued in its hometown, New York City.
One of the bands credited with the birth of punk rock, The Ramones, came out of Forest Hills, Queens. Needing somewhere to play, CBGB’s politely opened their doors, beckoning them in, ultimately creating something more than expected. The Ramones helped lead a movement of thousands of followers who wanted to be a part of something authentic, the fans trailing behind their fast-paced music and leather wrapped bodies. Hilly Kristal explained that “we call this music ‘street rock’ and later ‘punk’- ‘come as you are and do your own thing’ rock and roll.”
On July 3rd, 2023, walking up to the outside of the Mercury Lounge, the thick pavement covering the streets in New York City began to warp, creating a false mirage to the brain due to the sweltering heat. The evening sun began to lower to provide relief for the people in the city. A cool breeze coming from the open doors of the Mercury Lounge was inviting anyone walking by who felt it to enter inside.
Parallel to the 1970s at CBGBs, here at the Mercury Lounge, on the classically worst day of the week – Monday – the night is filled with underground punk rock. The music line-up includes Koi, 2/14, and Miss Teen America, three young punk rock bands rising in New York City, the next generation coming up fast.
Before hitting the stage, many of the musicians were clenching their fingers into the palms of their hands as they hung down next to their thighs, nerves flowing through their bodies to create pins and needles, moving their muscles in order to shake the feeling. Koi took the stage first, then followed by 2/14.
Miss Teen America took the stage last, plugging in their instruments and beginning to tune. The five piece band includes TJ Coffino (vocals), Marcus Daquino (guitar), Vic Grullon (bass), Alex Escobar (guitar), and Tom Delaney (drums). Coffino shook his hands, as if the nerves would magically come through his body and fly off of his fingertips. They began their set with Coffino facing the drums, back to the audience, a small foot tap to the rhythm of the opening instrumentals. Coffino had a captivating stage presence, just like the many punk predecessors before.
During the first song, Coffino stated, “You're witnessing history. We're about to record this song to send to producers.” With no recorded music released, Miss Teen America was still able to draw a crowd full of people who wanted to experience something real and exciting, and facilitated a night full of youthful aspiration, where anything can happen and everything is unknown.
Miss Teen America’s energy truly felt like something from decades ago, when punk rock was new, and people were unsure what to call it besides music for sticking it to the man. The crowd was mesmerized by the undeniably magnetic energy from Miss Teen America, being unable to look away during their set. All of the band members ultimately shined on stage, letting loose and coming together to create the vibrant performance.
Their music, while entertaining and interesting to listen to, was more focused on a movement, something that the audience can connect with. The lyrics contained real life stories, appealing to many situations that people experience. The audience is able to dance or mosh to the rhythms of the song, while trying to shake off the real life meanings in the process.
“Punk is about being an individual and going against the grain, and standing up and saying ‘this is who I am,’” Joey Ramone said about the era The Ramones commanded and guided. Each person in the audience left the Mercury Lounge that night with something more than a story to tell, they left with a new found sense of community and something to identify with. It is visibly evident when watching Miss Teen America play that they are able to craft such an authentic and genuine show. Attracting people who crave music that speaks truth while dancing to the beat, maybe the band wished they could have been here 40 years ago. But now, they had their chance to be. Let’s see where they go from here.
Follow Miss Teen America on Instagram for updates, music releases and show dates.