The energy of screams backed by chaotic music echoed through campus Thursday night — the definitive sound of the Orange County music scene’s history — as Titan Radio hosted their second Girls Just Wanna Have Punk event.
Replicating the atmosphere of a DIY backyard show, the Becker Amphitheater filled with Titans as they thrashed and danced to the music of three female-fronted bands in the celebratory spirit of Women’s History Month.
According to Bashar Talib, a fourth-year communications major with an emphasis in advertising and campus events coordinator for Titan Radio, the event was born out of the call for community from the women of the campus.
“We’re trying to bring awareness to the women in punk who are killing it and who have such an amazing voice and talent,” Talib said. “And just to bring them on campus and showcase all that raw energy that we have here at Cal State Fullerton.”
Orange County has a long history of showcasing that “raw energy,” with major bands like T.S.O.L., Agent Orange, Social Distortion and The Vandals originating locally.
In the tune of the event, one of the most notable bands to emerge straight from Titan territory is female-fronted surf punk/ska band No Doubt — fronted by former CSUF student and OC Hall of Fame Inductee Gwen Stefani.
Talib, coming to CSUF from San Diego, credits one of the first tastes of OC culture to its music, acclimating him to the community around him.
“Knowing that there was a bigger scene and a lot more history and energy behind it — it was cool to find a new lane and territory,” Talib said.
This sentiment, being a cornerstone of the events’ creation, echoed through the attendees as people laughed and conversed when the music played itself out.
Timeless elements that make up the alternative music scene were evident throughout the night as attendees were skanking to the music, forming circle pits and a “wall of death,” all forms of dancing done at punk shows through the decades.
“I’m from an area where there’s no scene,” said first-year criminal justice major Arianna Godwin. “So being here, it really helped me find a sense of community.”
The three bands on the lineup, Messy Hera, Pulse and Samodiva, all put on magnetic performances, bringing in a large crowd.
In the theme of the night, the lineup consisted of heavy punk and hardcore influence, with thrashing guitars, powerful vocals and aggressive drums.
“I know that the university having scenes like this, and shows, gives a safer, more easier access to all students,” Godwin said. “Over here, everyone knows everyone so it’s all fun, there’s no strangers.”
As more people filled the Becker Amphitheater, mosh pits circled from song to song as those on the outskirts moved to the music. Because of the lineup’s diversity in location, ranging up and down the coast, the crowd was filled with new and familiar faces to CSUF campus.
Messy Hera, hailing from San Diego, played the inaugural “Girls Just Wanna Have Punk” event last year. This year, they can claim a larger stake on campus now being fronted by Maddie Jones, a first-year psychology major and tech intern for Titan Radio.
Jones shares that despite the balancing act getting difficult at times, the love for music drives her motivations on campus and back home, connecting the two at this event.
Along with bassist and backup vocalist Talia Aziz, Jones says that the community and energy from the crowd keeps them enthusiastic to return to campus.
“We were here last year and it was just absolutely great and I was so excited for this event,” Aziz said. “It’s so awesome, it’s so cool to see all the community here to celebrate women and punk.”