Nu-Goth, also called “Modern Goth” or “Hipster Goth”, is the more modern type of subgenre of the Goth subculture that emerged in the early 2010s. Nu-Goth focuses more in the clothing aspect of Goth culture while still being deeply rooted to the Trad Goth subculture as it combines traditional elements of Goth fashion with other modern styles and influences of fashion music, and art worlds.
However, their fanciness for types of musics that have very little connection to the Post-Punk music genre is what differentiate them the most from the traditional Goths subculture. As a result, they are often portrayed as a subculture within the broader Goth movement that places a greater emphasis on the visual aspect of Goth aesthetics rather than the musical roots of the subculture.
Nu-Goth vs Trad Goth
Aside from their musical differences, Nu-Goth and Batcaver/Trad Goth subcultures diverge significantly in their visual aesthetics. While Batcaver/Trad Goth draws inspiration from various mythologies, Catholic imagery, and Gothic literature and film, Nu-Goth places greater emphasis on the romanticization of witches, paganism, and the occult. This focus on the occult sets Nu-Goth apart even from other subgenres like Deathrock and Hippie Goth, which are similarly influenced by the macabre and the mystical.
Fashion
Nu-Goth fashion is characterized by outfits in black, gray, and white, adorned with occult prints and accessories. The style is modern and sleek, reminiscent of Health Goth.
While Nu-Goth draws inspiration from both 80s and 90s subgenres of Goth, it tends to be more heavily influenced by 90s Trad Goth. The subculture also places a strong emphasis on Gothic icons, particularly Wednesday Addams from Addams Family Values and, to a lesser extent, movies like The Craft.
Individual taste in style can vary, but key features of Nu-Goth fashion typically include modern, up-to-date designs and a focus on the color palette and imagery associated with the occult such as:
- Crosses
- Pentagrams
- Religious Symbols
- Inverted crosses
- Hints of red
- Chokers
- Black lipstick
- Religious Symbols
- Sleek hair
- Round sunglasses
- Doc martens
- Leggings
- Crop tops
- Lace-up boots
- Moons
- Perfect eyebrows
- Leather Jacket
- Symbols
- Graphic Tees
- Fashion harness
- Stars
- Creepers
Finally, unlike traditional Goth fashion that features a lot of black clothing and heavy makeup, Nu Goth can incorporate other colors and patterns into the clothing, such as pastels, florals, and plaids. This mix of sleek, modern clothes with witch/pagan images visually gives them more in common with Pastel Goth.
Music
There are more people who dress Nu-Goth that actually do like and appreciate Goth music. This is because their attachment to the Goth subculture is more focused on the aesthetic and fashion aspect rather than on the roots of post-punk movement.
Popular bands considered as Nu-Goth-like include:
- Salem
- Zola Jesus
- White Ring
- Humanfobia
- Switchblade Symphony
- Chelsea Wolfe
Nu-Goths draw inspiration for their music from 90s brands to contemporary Goth scene, but their aesthetic imagery and music heavily leans towards Witch House and darker forms of EBM.
What sets Nu Goth apart is its emphasis on self-discovery and exploration, which is highly encouraged within the subculture. As a result, Nu-Goths are known to listen to a wide range of music genres, just like their counterparts in the Trad Goth scene.
It’s not uncommon to come across Nu-Goths who have an affinity for Metal or Post-Hardcore, as they are open to exploring different forms of music to expand their sense of self.