The New Metal Men: Exploring Model of Flexible Masculinity in the Bandung Metal Scene

Abstract

The global metal scene has long provided narratives and methods for solving issues of masculinities since in their particular environment in the music industry, and they are generally considered masculine. This article explores the stereotypical construction of masculinities in the Bandung metal music scene. This analysis based on in-depth interviews with Bandung professional metal male musicians who are aged 39-44 years old and are married. This investigation examines how these metal musicians negotiate alternative masculinities in various contexts, taking into account the predominantly Muslim culture in Indonesia. Using an ethnographic approach and borrowing from Millett's concepts of temperament, role, and status, this paper argues that metal music, which is generally considered hypermasculine, does not display the same construction in their performing their functions in the family. Through their roles as breadwinner, musicians maintain normative Indonesian masculinity, as well as fulfilling their responsibility to their family. However, they negotiate equity in the private space, which regards household labor division, childcare, and sharing of income. This paper argues that to some extent, musicians in the metal music scene in Bandung provide a role model of masculinity that is more gender-sensitive and egalitarian.