What defines punk?
 

I'm just curious how you guys would define punk. Is it a certain sound? It is an attitude? What makes a band a true punk band? I see people debating it a lot on YouTube and everyone seems to have their own opinion.

Punk can be put down to the era around 1974-1982, but the sorts of personalities that were involved can define what it was. To be honest I feel that, like any genre, it can be relevent & contemperry if used in a personal context! The DIY aspect was an obvious defining element & many underground music movements have taken from that since. As I tell my friends all the time, an obvious decendent of punk, still in the mainstream, is indie. As early as the late 70's/early 80's, there were band being called "Indie Guitar" or "Indie Rock" bands, most of which started off as punk bands!

Punk started as a derogatory word for Indy bands from snobby rock critics. Joke is, they're the prison bitches of the industry. So, really, in sheer technicality Punk = Indie.

something that closely resembles to being emo?

Who is the prison bitch of the industry? Rock critics, or punks and indies?

Is this a statement or a question?

sort of kind a both

When speaking of music genres, it's helpful to keep in mind that the classifications are imperfect. How any particular band is classified is a reflection not just of their actual musical traits but how those traits are percieved, meaning what is and isn't punk can be subjective. It can not be ignored that the issue of subjectivity seems to be of greater concern as the punk genre ages and subgenres multiply. So, I'd say the best approach is a negative one; instead of focusing on the traits punk has, focus on the traits it lacks.

Anyways, traits punk bands tend to exhibit: a lack of formal music education, spontaneity, and a reactionary attitude in regards to prevailing popular music trends.

People who got frustrated over playing an instrument so they played simplistic and easy music out of anger.
Kidding...
Fast, aggressive music usually simple and to the point that shows extreme emotion. Not the best way to describe it. I'm sure everyone on here is aware and understands punk music when they hear it. But, that's what comes to my mind.

I think the term punk can be applied to music and the attitude. I mean johnny cash did things his own way, so he was a Punk figure, but his music wasn't punk. Then you have the Ramones playing fast and loud music, which was called punk. But I don't think they would have been bad people to hang out with, and wouldn't have that punk attitude about them. They just wanted to play music their own way, and hope people enjoyed it. Just a few quick thoughts right now. Probably could expand more, but hoping to see what other people answer.

Number of things...

1. Image - D.I.Y, Like Trousers Like Brain, I mean if I saw someone walking down my street with Hate and War on the back of their jacket or someone I knew who cut his hair and dyed it and wore trousers with gloss paint all over it... that would mean something to me
2. The attitude - I mean you have to have attiude to be a punk rocker this whole "I don't give a s**t" and "Don't like than tough s**t" but there has to be the combination of attitude and intelligence in my opinion in what makes a great punk band like The Clash because they had attitude but they had some strong political thoughts and both combined was truly sensational!
3. The Music - Loud, fast, the guitar solo parody (aka they don't last 3 mins or whatever) and above the lyrics need to reach the audience and get them to think more about life rather about their ex-girlfriend or the girl next door if you get my meaning..

IGNORE ALIEN ORDERS PEOPLE!