10 Fascinating Niche Music Genres Which Need To Be Heard

3. Vegan Straight Edge

Unlike all bar one of the other entries on this list, Vegan Straight Edge, or just Straight Edge (sometimes confusingly abbreviated as sXe, XXX or just X) is a genre of music defined as much by its ethos and lyrical content as its sound and style. Its roots lie in hardcore punk, with VSE seen as a reaction, or alternative, to nihilistic rock excesses.

VSE embraces everything from heavy metal to punk and Christian rap. Those who identify as belonging to this genre habitually espouse veganism, animal rights and abstinence from promiscuity, alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs. Some go as far as refraining from caffeine in any form, and from prescription drugs.

The name of this genre derives directly from the song, Straight Edge, by 80s American punk band, Minor Threat. The song, which lasts just 46 seconds, endorses many of the life-choices outlined above. There are certainly bands who have inspired musical trends or particular sonic qualities, but Minor Threat must surely hold a claim to fame as the only group to have created an entire subset with just a single song.

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Chris Wheatley is a journalist and writer from Oxford, UK. He has too many records, too many guitars and not enough cats.