What Are You Doing Here?: A Black Woman's Life and Liberation in Heavy Metal

What Are You Doing Here? explores Laina Dawes' experiences as a Black woman in the heavy metal music scene. Through interviews, research, and personal narrative, Dawes documents her journey from discovering metal music in her youth to becoming a music journalist and critic. The book combines memoir with cultural analysis, examining the intersections of race, gender, and metal subculture. Dawes interviews other Black women in the metal, punk, and hardcore scenes to gather their perspectives and stories of navigating predominantly white male spaces. Her investigation spans decades of metal music history and culture, from the 1980s to present day. The book addresses discrimination, identity formation, and community building within alternative music scenes. This work offers insights into belonging, authenticity, and the power of music to both unite and divide. Dawes challenges assumptions about who can participate in metal culture while documenting a rarely-told story of marginalized voices in alternative music.

Readers appreciate Dawes' personal perspective as a Black woman navigating metal culture, with many noting the book fills an important gap in metal scene documentation. Several reviews mention the effective balance between memoir elements and academic research. Liked: - Clear writing style that remains accessible despite academic content - Inclusion of interviews with other Black women in metal - Historical context for racism and sexism in the scene - Discussion of intersectionality without getting bogged down Disliked: - Some felt it was too short at 224 pages - A few readers wanted more detailed musical analysis - Some wanted more focus on contemporary artists Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (221 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (28 ratings) Common reader comment: "Made me examine my own assumptions about who 'belongs' in metal spaces." The book resonates particularly with readers who have experienced similar challenges in music scenes, though metal fans of all backgrounds cite its relevance.

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🎸 Author Laina Dawes discovered metal music at age 12 through her older brother in rural Ontario, where she was one of very few Black people in her community. 🤘 The book's title comes from a question frequently asked of Dawes at metal shows, highlighting the rarity of Black women in the metal scene. 🎼 Through interviews with other Black women in metal, hardcore, and punk scenes, Dawes explores how these genres can provide a therapeutic outlet for dealing with racism and sexism. ⚡ Dawes is not only an author but also a music journalist and photographer who has contributed to publications like Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles and Exclaim! 🖤 The book examines how metal music's themes of alienation and rage particularly resonate with marginalized people, despite the genre's predominantly white male demographic.