Our All Buttoned Up community is still growing rapidly during the last months and we are very thankful for that! In this series ‘Rude Roots’ we are asking our own community about their lives, their passion and love for alternative culture, music, art, and other stories. This time we hooked up with Aimy from Paris, France. We talked about fashion, living in France, and metal.
Introduction
Hi Aimy. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us. How are you?
Hi! Yes, I’m doing very well!
Growing up
You live in Paris right? How’s life over there?
Exactly! I was born in Paris. I really love big cities!
Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up with my two parents in this beautiful Parisian city. I have traveled a lot and family is very important to me.
How did you first become interested in punk and skinhead culture?
All about the music 🎵
Style
How would you describe your own style? Punk? Skinhead-like? Or something else?
Omg haha! Sometimes I have a Punk look, sometimes Skinhead and other days I’m more like a metalhead! You know, it all depends on the mood of the day. I don’t have a well-defined style.
Why do you like Fred Perry polo shirts and Dr. Martens boots so much? What does it mean for you?
Fred Perry represent the subculture in in a very nice way. Same goes for Dr. Martens. There’s a huge history behind those brands and that’s why I love it so much.
What is by far your favourite outfit and why?
Noooooo! Don’t ask me THAT question haha! I have toooo many different outfits. If I knew I had to wear the same outfit for the rest of my life… Well, that would be unimaginable for me. I like to vary colours and styles so much but in general I always wear Dr. Martens. That’s for sure!
Evolvement of the scene
How do you see punk and skinhead culture in France evolving over time?
I’ve been in the skinhead, punk rock scene for about three years, I don’t know what to say about evolution, but I’m doing very well at this point in my life. Others can think what they want. but I live for what I love and I think that’s something everyone should do!
Personal beliefs
How do you envision the future of punk and skinhead culture in France and beyond?
I think the future for our generation is quite promising. We have ambitions, desires, rage, anger, but also joy that defines our generation. A very enthusiastic generation despite all the things that cover our modern world. We are united and full of hope.
What kind of message do you want to spread with your appearance?
I can be very nice, but when you piss me off I can be quite angry. I hate jerks in general…
Makes sense haha. Something totally different. You call yourself a pogo addict. Why?
I love pogos, walls of death, slams, all those things that bring people together while developing energy of joy. But at the same time it’s something like rage or envy. In those moments, we together release a force, and I think that’s something magical.
How did you first get into pogo dancing, and what do you enjoy about it?
I must admit that I don’t recall my first pogo experience that wel, but I’m certain it did take place at a small punk concert. I recall one at a Les Ramoneurs De Menhirs gig. What I particularly enjoy about those moments, and what I highly value, is the sense of freedom that comes from moving one’s body in unison with others, for one’s own enjoyment.
Art
Can you tell us more about your art page, Mon ‘n Roll, and what kind of content you share there?
I am currently studying Art, but my passion lies in creating film and theater sets as well as special effects. These are the types of work that I typically showcase on my artistic social media account. However, I have also deepdived into graphic design, which I occasionally share on my account as well. I enjoy working with a variety of materials, including tablets, saws, resin, and plaster. While I appreciate the opportunity to work with different ways of working, I also enjoy the quiet focus of working on my computer.
What kind of message would you like to spread with your art?
I have no actual message. About my works: in general, I make things that go through my head that I enjoy doing, like logos or plastic creations. I see myself more as a craftsman than an artist. That may be why my work typically lacks a profound message, even though there is a general recognizable style that tends to have a somewhat distressed appearance.
Wow! Really cool! What other kinds of art are you really enjoying?
Music, cinema, theatre and cooking haha!
Music
Like always we ask everyone their top 5 artists/bands. What are yours?
I like a variety of things: from Blues to Metal to Ska and from Country and Jazz back to some Hardrock and of course Punk. As long as there is a guitar, some bass, a drummer and a singer it’s probably something I like.
About my top 5: I would say B.B. King, Les Ramoneurs De Menhirs, Limp Bizkit, The Skatalites and Rob Zombie.
How’s the alternative music scene in France?
Really diverse. The beauty of this alternative world lies in its diversity, which appeals to a wide range of individuals, from the youngest to the oldest, including punk rockers, partygoers, and skinheads.
Is there something lacking? Would you change something?
Yes, politics! When someone tries to talk to me or my friends about politics, it often ruins our evening. As someone who is apolitical, I don’t understand why certain opinions need to be shared during a concert where everyone is supposed to be enjoying themselves without being divided by different speeches that can be just as boring as each other. When I attend a concert, it’s primarily to see the artist perform, not to be confused or hear nonsense about the world around us. I prefer to live in the present moment and it’s a shame that nowadays it seems like everything is politicized. Why can’t we all just have a good time together, shouting, laughing, crying, and going wild? There’s nothing better than meeting great people after a concert and having fun to the fullest.
Future
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to become a great tattoo artist. We’ll see what happens! Hahaha!
Do you expect being involved in the alternative scene the rest of your life or do you maybe think you might lose interest?
Never! Haha! Once you have experienced the world of music at its highest level, the pinnacle, and the apogee, it’s hard to settle for anything less. There’s nothing else that can compare or be as interesting, and it becomes a lifelong passion.
Awesome view on life! Thank you for your time Aimy! Anything you would like to say to all followers of All Buttoned Up?
Thank you for this nice talk. It’s super interesting to be able to share my passion, my emotions, my desires. I love talking about those subjects! Thanks! Big kisses to everyone!
If you would like to support Aimy you can folllow her on Instagram or if you’re interested in her art follow her Mon ‘n Roll Instagram page.
All content used in this article is shared with consent of the creator.