Brain Graffiti Zine's guide to the basics of mosh etiquette
A beginner’s guide to body thrashing (By. Jess Kotlarz)
You’ve been there, you’ve seen it: the classic mosh pit. It can be intimidating with arms flailing, shoes flying, and moist air culminating in the swift erratic movements of the small but mighty crowd. It’s a must for every scenester to mosh at least once. Where to begin?
To gauge how audience members feel about moshing, I took a poll and asked a singular question: “What can others do to keep the pit safe/basic etiquette that anyone should know?”
Hester: My biggest thing is knowing who you’re about to hit, there’s sometimes younger AND smaller people getting pummeled by big ass people. I know in the heat of the moment it can get muddy, but being aware of your surroundings won’t hurt people as much as I’ve seen lately.
Jenna: Always read the vibe of the crowd before deciding to crowdkill! I feel like it’s fairly easy to decipher if people are open to it or just want to be left alone to vibe to the music, it’s super fun but just having that basic respect means everything.
Max: Don't throw water inside!!! Can be done sometimes in festivals, but it's very dangerous inside on hard surfaces with people running around. Try to shove from the sides or front instead of from behind! Can be easier said than done, but be aware, that if someone can't see you, they can be unprepared and hurt themselves easily. If there are stage divers and you aren't tiny, it may be safer for everyone for you to be upfront! If a stage diver jumps on 1 person, both people can get very hurt. If a stage diver jumps at 6 people, a lot more support can be provided to the diver and the people being jumped on! PROTECT YOUR HEAD AND RIBS!!! If you are going to be up in the pit you need to be paying attention, not with your back turned talking to your friends. Keep your arms up if you can, it will help protect you and also allow you to create space easily/get mothers off of you.
Frankie: Know your pit; don’t try to jump in and push the pit if people are throwing kicks and don’t throw kicks if no one else is. Know your size: I am a heavier person, I am not going to intentionally throw all of my mass into a smaller lighter person. If it comes down to it bigger people make for really good photographer/band protection. Don’t be a dick; If you’re standing next to the pit you’re going to get bumped into. Don’t intentionally try to hit people who don’t want to be in the pit. Don’t use pits to be a creep, and beat creeps up. And if someone falls down, pick them up, make sure they’re okay, and party on.
Asaf: It's about becoming the music and creating a space for everyone else to do the same. The pit is flexible. You might slow dance with your fellow humans or pick them up after they were pushed down but ultimately express yourself without shame and love your neighbor.
Fabian: Pick people up when they're down. be aware of your surroundings (yes even when you're violently swinging around). Stay hydrated. If you find stuff on the ground that isn't yours (phone keys etc) try to find its rightful owner by holding it up to your head and shining a flashlight on it. Most importantly, have fun.
Josie: If you’re bigger: Be aware of your surroundings and strength! While mosh pits are supposed to be rowdy, too many times I have found myself on the floor stuck under someone twice my size or hitting my head after being unwittingly shoved down. Big guys are part of what makes mosh pits fun, but it can quickly turn into an injury if just one of the parties is too rowdy and/or unaware.
For my littles: Remember that you’re small. Seriously! You are not someone who will be able to control a pit (except for Louis Gerard I’m sure he could) so please don’t go running into the biggest person in the pit or go off tryna wrestle or something because you think you’re tough shit. Most likely you’ll just end up hurt or ignored. Instead, focus on your own space. You don’t need to seek out the chaos, you’re in a mosh pit dude, trust that it’ll find you. Just go with the flow so you can have the most fun and get outta there with all your extremities unbroken and un-sprained.
For my nervous people: Don’t just stand there. People will hit you so you either gotta dive in or push people on the edge. The last thing anyone wants is someone too chicken to mosh to get hurt anyway, only makes it worse for everyone but especially you! When you mosh, remember that (almost) everybody is there to have fun and will help you up or out if you get knocked down and/or want to go back to the edge. TLDR; If you’re not having fun don’t stand still in the pit, that is the easiest way to get hurt. Get outta there and enjoy the music in whatever way is best suited to your tastes.
Lastly… You bony mofos need to block with your arms and hit with your body, not the other way around. Too many times I have been/have seen people get winded and decked by a stray elbow. Doesn’t mean you can’t flail around till your heart bursts, just maybe lead with your forearm or a civilly uncivil hip check. My sternum appreciates it.
Brody: Help each other up, even when you’re moshing, and respect others who don’t want to mosh. As long as others are moshing just have fun and go with the flow.
In my little experience moshing, most people have been extremely respectful and knew that if someone falls, to pick them up. The most important thing is educating new showgoers on the basics so that no one gets hurt.
Everyone will welcome you, so jump in and mosh your heart out.
- Jess and Matt
loving the "intro to diy" vibes 📝 always nice to have that info available for new friends