Slow Burn – Decoder Ring: What’s Really Going On Inside a Mosh Pit?

Intro

In this episode of “Slow Burn” titled “Decoder Ring: What’s Really Going On Inside a Mosh Pit?”, the podcast explores the history, culture, and physics behind the live music phenomenon known as the Moshpit. It delves into the reputation of Moshpits as violent spaces, but also highlights the camaraderie and etiquette found within them. The episode also explores the origins of moshing, the different dance styles it draws inspiration from, and the unwritten rules that govern this unique form of expression. Additionally, the podcast touches on the physics of moshing and its impact on crowd behavior.

Main Takeaways

The Evolution and Culture of Moshing

• The Moshpit is a live music phenomenon that has been around for 50 years and is still popular today.
• Moshing is a way to release energy and lose oneself in a mashup of humanity.
• Punk music and dancing were born as a rebellion against conformity and conservatism.
• The chaos of punk dancing became a standard feature of shows and evolved into moshing.
• Moshing is a communal experience that provides inner peace and a powerful force among like-minded people.

The Origins and Moves of Moshing

• The term “mosh” originated from a misinterpretation of a phrase from a Bad Brains song.
• Moshing has roots in different dance styles, including Haitian and West African dance.
• Moshing has various moves, including windmills, two steps, and picking up change.
• There are unwritten rules to keep moshing constructive and not chaotic, such as the circle pit always going counterclockwise.
• Moshing is not just for punk shows, as it can also be seen in Jamaican dance halls and heavy metal concerts.

The Physics of Moshing

• Physicist Jesse Silverberg is interested in the physics of moshing.
• Silverberg and his colleagues defined four forces for studying moshing: propulsion, repulsion, noise, and flocking.
• Using computer vision and image analysis, they found that a circle pit emerges naturally when people bounce off each other during moshing.
• Moshpits are orderly and backed up by physics.

The Dark Side of Moshing

• Moshing can bring out the worst in people, with incidents of violence and exclusion of certain groups, such as women and people with physical vulnerabilities.
• Woodstock 99 was a violent concert festival with incidents of sexual assault and chaos, captured by MTV.
• Moshing had grown out of small communal scenes where people knew the rules of the road.
• Crowd disasters usually occur because of structures or interventions outside of the crowd itself.
• If anyone is there to cause harm at a mosh pit, the community will pick them up and kick them out of the venue.

The Emotional Release of Moshing

• Moshing is a way to express anger and powerlessness through music.
• Moshing is a place for people to express anger and other emotions they might have about being neglected and unloved.
• Moshing is a way to release primal rage and scream into each other’s faces.
• Moshing is a community that will pick up anyone who causes harm and kick them out of the venue.
• Moshing is a way for people to come together, dance violently, and get some frustration out.

Summary

The Evolution and Culture of Moshing

The Moshpit has been a live music phenomenon for 50 years, providing a space for concertgoers to release energy and lose themselves in the chaotic yet communal experience. Stemming from the rebellious roots of punk music and dancing, moshing has become a standard feature of shows, offering a powerful force among like-minded individuals seeking inner peace.

The Origins and Moves of Moshing

Moshing draws inspiration from various dance styles, including Haitian and West African dance. With moves like windmills, two steps, and picking up change, moshing has its own set of unwritten rules to maintain constructive chaos. The counterclockwise circle pit has become a staple in moshing culture, transcending genres and appearing in punk, Jamaican dance halls, and heavy metal concerts.

The Physics of Moshing

Physicist Jesse Silverberg and his colleagues have studied the physics of moshing, identifying four forces: propulsion, repulsion, noise, and flocking. Through computer vision and image analysis, they discovered that a circle pit naturally emerges as people bounce off each other during moshing. The orderly nature of moshpits is supported by these underlying physical principles.

The Dark Side of Moshing

While moshing can be a place of camaraderie, there have been instances of violence and exclusion within moshpits. Certain groups, such as women and individuals with physical vulnerabilities, have faced discrimination. The infamous Woodstock 99 festival exemplified the darker side of moshing, with incidents of sexual assault and chaos. However, these instances are not representative of the majority of moshpits, which typically operate within a set of understood rules and mutual respect.

The Emotional Release of Moshing

Moshing serves as a platform for emotional expression, allowing individuals to channel anger and powerlessness through music. It provides a space for people to release primal rage and connect with others who may share similar frustrations. The moshing community is quick to intervene if anyone causes harm, ensuring the safety and well-being of its members.

Conclusion

The “Decoder Ring: What’s Really Going On Inside a Mosh Pit?” episode of “Slow Burn” explores the multifaceted nature of moshing, shedding light on its evolution, culture, physics, and emotional significance. While moshing has its darker moments, it remains a powerful and cathartic form of expression for many music enthusiasts. By understanding the origins, moves, and unwritten rules of moshing, we gain insight into the unique dynamics of this live music phenomenon.