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Negatives: A Photographic Archive of Emo
A gorgeous hardcover time capsule of the emo music scene as it was from 1996 to 2006, featuring never-before-seen photographs and never-before-told stories from key emo musicians, photographers, and icons.
While the term emo has become a familiar label, there was a time when that wasn’t the case. Many bands of the mid-to-late '90s would never have classified themselves as such. With the advent of the 2000s, the previously underground emo scene was put on the map, and the term and sound of the genre morphed into something new. Today, the musical and cultural impact of this movement is alive and well, responsible for some of the biggest and most influential acts of the 21st century, from Jimmy Eat World to My Chemical Romance, and the emo label has been reclaimed by those who can’t imagine life without it.
Through rare and never-before-seen photographs Amy Fleisher Madden, founder of Fiddler Records (Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory, Recover, and more), thoughtfully and lovingly put together this moving archive of the second and third waves of emo. With a foreword by Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional and revealing essays from Frank Iero, Geoff Rickly, Norman Brannon, Matt Pryor, Jesse Johnson, Andrew McMahon, and Bob Nanna, as well as insights and bite-sized narratives from photographers and other musicians of the era, this heartwarming time capsule expounds an extraordinary moment in music history—a scene that gave life to not only numerous big names but also to a powerful sound and even more powerful friendships.
Featuring more than eighty bands,
From basements and VFW halls to dive bars and holes-in-the-wall, during long overnight drives through the middle of nowhere and stolen moments of sleep in carbon-copy motels, Negatives captures the heart of what made up this tight-knit community, an official archive of life as it was, taking you on stage, behind the curtain, and on the road.
A UNIQUE LOVE LETTER FROM EXPERT The first of its kind, Negatives is not a critic's take—rather a touching and heartfelt time capsule and photographic archive of the scene as told by those who lived it.
RARE AND NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN Founder of Fiddler Records Amy Fleisher Madden compiles hundreds of high-quality photos of more than eighty bands, as well as essays and bite-sized narratives from photographers and key musicians of the era.
STAR Foreword by Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional) with essays by Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance), Geoff Rickly (Thursday), Norman Brannon (Texas Is the Reason), Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids), Jesse Johnson (Motion City Soundtrack), Bob Nanna (Braid, Hey Mercedes), and Andrew McMahon (Something Corporate).
A MUSIC GIFT FOR EVERY EMO Focusing on the second and third waves (1996–2006), Negatives includes hundreds of high-quality images of bands including Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional, My Chemical Romance, Texas Is the Reason, Taking Back Sunday, The Get Up Kids, Thursday, The Promise Ring, American Football, Saosin, and more.
Perfect
While the term emo has become a familiar label, there was a time when that wasn’t the case. Many bands of the mid-to-late '90s would never have classified themselves as such. With the advent of the 2000s, the previously underground emo scene was put on the map, and the term and sound of the genre morphed into something new. Today, the musical and cultural impact of this movement is alive and well, responsible for some of the biggest and most influential acts of the 21st century, from Jimmy Eat World to My Chemical Romance, and the emo label has been reclaimed by those who can’t imagine life without it.
Through rare and never-before-seen photographs Amy Fleisher Madden, founder of Fiddler Records (Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory, Recover, and more), thoughtfully and lovingly put together this moving archive of the second and third waves of emo. With a foreword by Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional and revealing essays from Frank Iero, Geoff Rickly, Norman Brannon, Matt Pryor, Jesse Johnson, Andrew McMahon, and Bob Nanna, as well as insights and bite-sized narratives from photographers and other musicians of the era, this heartwarming time capsule expounds an extraordinary moment in music history—a scene that gave life to not only numerous big names but also to a powerful sound and even more powerful friendships.
Featuring more than eighty bands,
From basements and VFW halls to dive bars and holes-in-the-wall, during long overnight drives through the middle of nowhere and stolen moments of sleep in carbon-copy motels, Negatives captures the heart of what made up this tight-knit community, an official archive of life as it was, taking you on stage, behind the curtain, and on the road.
A UNIQUE LOVE LETTER FROM EXPERT The first of its kind, Negatives is not a critic's take—rather a touching and heartfelt time capsule and photographic archive of the scene as told by those who lived it.
RARE AND NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN Founder of Fiddler Records Amy Fleisher Madden compiles hundreds of high-quality photos of more than eighty bands, as well as essays and bite-sized narratives from photographers and key musicians of the era.
STAR Foreword by Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional) with essays by Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance), Geoff Rickly (Thursday), Norman Brannon (Texas Is the Reason), Matt Pryor (The Get Up Kids), Jesse Johnson (Motion City Soundtrack), Bob Nanna (Braid, Hey Mercedes), and Andrew McMahon (Something Corporate).
A MUSIC GIFT FOR EVERY EMO Focusing on the second and third waves (1996–2006), Negatives includes hundreds of high-quality images of bands including Jimmy Eat World, Dashboard Confessional, My Chemical Romance, Texas Is the Reason, Taking Back Sunday, The Get Up Kids, Thursday, The Promise Ring, American Football, Saosin, and more.
Perfect
320 pages, Hardcover
Published October 24, 2023
24 people are currently reading
4974 people want to read
About the author
Amy Fleisher Madden
2 books54 followersAmy Fleisher Madden is known to some as "Amy Fiddler" because of the independent record label that she started at age 16, Fiddler Records. AFM is credited with the discovery and signing of bands Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory, Juliette and The Licks, The Bled,Name Taken, The Higher, Recover, and many more...
AFM's debut novel, A Million Miles, is a revelation of a story that could have only been told by someone who lived through this incredibly transitory period of independent music first hand.
AFM's debut novel, A Million Miles, is a revelation of a story that could have only been told by someone who lived through this incredibly transitory period of independent music first hand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 31, 2023
Amy Fleisher Madden brought back so many distant memories of a decade in the emo music scene. The photographs distill the feeling of being at a show, and her writing about each of the bands is like an old friend reminding you of why this time and community meant so much to you. Enjoyed all the essays by the contributors as well, from Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional to Geoff Rickly of Thursday, among many others. The book also just looks great on my coffee table and has inspired many conversations with friends over the very short time I've owned it! It's like an emo yearbook in the best sense.
January 17, 2024
After getting to know a little about Amy Fleisher Madden through ‘Where Are Your Boys Tonight? The Oral History of Emo's Mainstream Explosion 1999-2008’ it was so cool to connect those experiences to her anthology of the bands that defined the genre. For as many bands as I knew there were just as many (or more) I haven’t heard of or listened to. I have a long playlist of all the recommendations she made throughout the book I’m excited to listen to.
Also because this is a coffee table book I feel compelled to say the pictures are great and so nostalgic. I will never forgive myself for wasting 2001 being a 9 year old in Virginia instead of living my dreams in a basement in New Jersey.
TY to my brother in law Ross for gifting this to me for Christmas!! Loved it
Also because this is a coffee table book I feel compelled to say the pictures are great and so nostalgic. I will never forgive myself for wasting 2001 being a 9 year old in Virginia instead of living my dreams in a basement in New Jersey.
TY to my brother in law Ross for gifting this to me for Christmas!! Loved it
June 20, 2023
Fellow emo kids - you are not going to want to miss this one. An awesome anthology coffee table book featuring all of our favorite bands! I thought this was going to be mostly pictures (which I was excited about) so was pleasntly surprised to see all of the narrative around emo music and the bands that helped shape it. As someone who has seen a good amount of the bands mentioned in th is book live, it was so interesteing to read all of their sections and learn a little about their stories. The personal narratives throughout are just the cherry on top!
Will definetly be adding this one to my "to buy list" because it will be a fun book to pull out when my fellow emo lovers come over.
Will definetly be adding this one to my "to buy list" because it will be a fun book to pull out when my fellow emo lovers come over.
November 29, 2023
BRB gotta go make a new playlist in homage to this book.
January 27, 2025
"The truth is you could slit my throat. And with my one last gasping breath. I'd apologize for bleeding on your shirt." -TBS
RTC
RTC
January 4, 2024
If I had read this book a few years ago, I would have been so jealous of Amy Fleisher Madden. She has truly lived the life teenage me dreamed of: following emo bands across America, befriending them, photographing them, and making their music a possibility.
Negatives is a beautifully curated collection of photographs, anecdotes and stories about some of emo music’s biggest names - and some who were just big at the moment in time.
Honourable mentions: Cap n’ Jazz, Jimmy Eat World, Thrice, Thursday, and a beautiful two page spread of my boys, Fall Out Boy 🖤
Negatives is a beautifully curated collection of photographs, anecdotes and stories about some of emo music’s biggest names - and some who were just big at the moment in time.
Honourable mentions: Cap n’ Jazz, Jimmy Eat World, Thrice, Thursday, and a beautiful two page spread of my boys, Fall Out Boy 🖤
December 20, 2024
My wife was flipping through this next to me after I unboxed it. In alphabetical order, names of bands I love kept catching my eye.
"Oh, The Promise Ring is so good, my favorite."
She flips another page.
"Rainer Maria!! Easily a top 5, actually number 1!"
A couple more pages later:
"Texas is the Reason! Now THEY'RE my favo-"
and that's when my wife cut me off and said "I get it, you really like second wave emo".
Yeah, I guess I do.
"Oh, The Promise Ring is so good, my favorite."
She flips another page.
"Rainer Maria!! Easily a top 5, actually number 1!"
A couple more pages later:
"Texas is the Reason! Now THEY'RE my favo-"
and that's when my wife cut me off and said "I get it, you really like second wave emo".
Yeah, I guess I do.
November 15, 2023
amy fleisher madden ive already told you a thousand times via stories and dms but THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING
May 20, 2024
Honestly, it was absolutely amazing and nostalgic. 10/10
January 7, 2025
Another book made for my 40 year old self. A coffee table book with lots of fun band bios from the different emo eras. It’s taken me on a deep dive on Spotify.
April 9, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book and looking at all the amazing photos that were included, many that had never been seen before. It reminded me how different everyone's life experiences can be. While the target demographic of the book was listening to emo music and doing who knows what, and these bands were out touring during the 1990s, I was still a Baptist and attending a small Christian college. Definitely not listening to any of this music. (Times change, though, not even close to Baptist now).
Absolutely love that the book brings up the rumors that the band members of My Chemical Romance are vampires. I was not and am not part of the emo scene, but still somehow heard those rumors.
Great book for anyone who loves music history, but especially those who were part of the emo scene. ❤️ 💙 💜
Absolutely love that the book brings up the rumors that the band members of My Chemical Romance are vampires. I was not and am not part of the emo scene, but still somehow heard those rumors.
Great book for anyone who loves music history, but especially those who were part of the emo scene. ❤️ 💙 💜
January 6, 2024
this book has so many of my favorite photos of my favorite bands, including that one iconic picture of gerard way standing in a grocery store holding a bag of chips as a full two page spread. i am a forever fan of emo music and it means so much to me that this book exists.
June 6, 2023
In Negatives: A Photographic Archive of Emo (1996-2006) Amy Fleisher Madden provides a visual companion work to Chris Payne’s Where Are Your Boys Tonight?: The Oral History of Emo's Mainstream Explosion 1999-2008. Negatives presents brief written descriptions of emo bands alongside photographs from numerous photographers and essays from some notable “emo” affiliated musicians, including Dashboard Confessional, Geoff Rickly from Thursday, Andrew McMahon and several others.
Fleisher Madden was very active in this world, making zines, booking bands and running her own record label, she also joined the staff at Vagrant Records. Throughout this book she reflects on memories of working to sign bands, the touring life, and finding meaning in the songs.
For this book, there are brief descriptions of 70+ “emo” bands, with at least one photo accompaniment. Many bands have several images, mostly photos of live performances or promotional images with some behind the scenes photos of the touring life. The write ups are short, and sometimes draw from Fleisher Madden’s memories or experience, but mostly read like an elder sibling explaining why you *have* to listen to this band. Occasionally, one of the photographers will share a short memory about the photo shoot.
It is very much a personal account, and is focused on celebrating the bands that made up this community that Fleisher Madden labels as “emo.” There is not much critical about lyrical content and aside from Paramore’s blurb, little about misogyny. (Though Norman Brannon’s thoughtful essay about assumptions and identity challenges the perception of this genre/scene as typically exemplified as white/male). There is no addressing or mentioning of any of sexual misconduct or substance abuse, though their are some comments addressing mental health.
Negatives is the yearbook of emo, a chance to look back at many of the bands in the late 90s and early 2000s underground music scene as the genre prepared to burst into the mainstream. Fleisher Madden was there and wants us to know something of what it was like.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Fleisher Madden was very active in this world, making zines, booking bands and running her own record label, she also joined the staff at Vagrant Records. Throughout this book she reflects on memories of working to sign bands, the touring life, and finding meaning in the songs.
For this book, there are brief descriptions of 70+ “emo” bands, with at least one photo accompaniment. Many bands have several images, mostly photos of live performances or promotional images with some behind the scenes photos of the touring life. The write ups are short, and sometimes draw from Fleisher Madden’s memories or experience, but mostly read like an elder sibling explaining why you *have* to listen to this band. Occasionally, one of the photographers will share a short memory about the photo shoot.
It is very much a personal account, and is focused on celebrating the bands that made up this community that Fleisher Madden labels as “emo.” There is not much critical about lyrical content and aside from Paramore’s blurb, little about misogyny. (Though Norman Brannon’s thoughtful essay about assumptions and identity challenges the perception of this genre/scene as typically exemplified as white/male). There is no addressing or mentioning of any of sexual misconduct or substance abuse, though their are some comments addressing mental health.
Negatives is the yearbook of emo, a chance to look back at many of the bands in the late 90s and early 2000s underground music scene as the genre prepared to burst into the mainstream. Fleisher Madden was there and wants us to know something of what it was like.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
January 6, 2024
Reading this on the heels of finishing 'Where Are Your Boys Tonight?' I already knew what a powerhouse of person Amy Fleisher Madden is. I was so excited to get to read and see her work next.
'Negatives' is heart touching collection of photos and anecdotes from people who were active participants in the second and third wave of emo. I appreciate how the contributors touch on how the term Emo was used to other these new bands from their predecessors. When words like 'cred,' and 'poser,' meant much more back then.
In this new age, everyone is welcome. There is space for everyone to join in the community. This is not a book to debating who is the true Emos, but a celebration of many of bands that were around during that time. I am very excited to listen to some of these bands for the first time. (I am excited to say someone has already made a playlist on Spotify based of the book's line up.)
Fleisher Madden's dedication to DIY and her earnest love for the music shines in this collection. It is a sentimental yearbook of sorts.
'Negatives' is heart touching collection of photos and anecdotes from people who were active participants in the second and third wave of emo. I appreciate how the contributors touch on how the term Emo was used to other these new bands from their predecessors. When words like 'cred,' and 'poser,' meant much more back then.
In this new age, everyone is welcome. There is space for everyone to join in the community. This is not a book to debating who is the true Emos, but a celebration of many of bands that were around during that time. I am very excited to listen to some of these bands for the first time. (I am excited to say someone has already made a playlist on Spotify based of the book's line up.)
Fleisher Madden's dedication to DIY and her earnest love for the music shines in this collection. It is a sentimental yearbook of sorts.
May 5, 2024
After delving into Amy Fleisher Madden's insights in 'Where Are Your Boys Tonight? The Oral History of Emo's Mainstream Explosion 1999-2008,' it was fascinating to relate those experiences to her anthology of iconic emo bands. While I was familiar with many bands, there were just as many (if not more) that were new to me. I've compiled a lengthy playlist based on her recommendations throughout the book, and I'm eager to explore them.
Additionally, as a coffee table book, I must mention the fantastic photographs, which evoke a sense of nostalgia. Leafing through the pages, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not immersing myself in the emo scene back in 2001, instead of being a 9-year-old in Virginia. The images truly capture the essence of that era, and I find myself longing for a basement in New Jersey where I could have lived out my emo dreams.
Additionally, as a coffee table book, I must mention the fantastic photographs, which evoke a sense of nostalgia. Leafing through the pages, I couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not immersing myself in the emo scene back in 2001, instead of being a 9-year-old in Virginia. The images truly capture the essence of that era, and I find myself longing for a basement in New Jersey where I could have lived out my emo dreams.
July 22, 2025
"Real Emo" only consists of the dc Emotional Hardcore scene and the late 90's Screamo scene.
What is known by "Midwest Emo" is nothing but Alternative Rock with questionable real emo influence. When people try to argue that bands like My Chemical Romance are not real emo, while saying that Sunny Day Real Estate is, I can't help not to cringe because they are just as fake emo as My Chemical Romance (plus the pretentiousness). Real emo sounds ENERGETIC, POWERFUL and somewhat HATEFUL. Fake emo is weak, self pity and a failed attempt to direct energy and emotion into music. Some examples of REAL EMO are Pg 99, Rites of Spring, Cap n Jazz (the only real emo band from the midwest scene) and Loma Prieta. Some examples of FAKE EMO are American Football, My Chemical Romance and Mineral EMO BELONGS TO HARDCORE NOT TO INDIE, POP PUNK, ALT ROCK OR ANY OTHER MAINSTREAM GENRE
What is known by "Midwest Emo" is nothing but Alternative Rock with questionable real emo influence. When people try to argue that bands like My Chemical Romance are not real emo, while saying that Sunny Day Real Estate is, I can't help not to cringe because they are just as fake emo as My Chemical Romance (plus the pretentiousness). Real emo sounds ENERGETIC, POWERFUL and somewhat HATEFUL. Fake emo is weak, self pity and a failed attempt to direct energy and emotion into music. Some examples of REAL EMO are Pg 99, Rites of Spring, Cap n Jazz (the only real emo band from the midwest scene) and Loma Prieta. Some examples of FAKE EMO are American Football, My Chemical Romance and Mineral EMO BELONGS TO HARDCORE NOT TO INDIE, POP PUNK, ALT ROCK OR ANY OTHER MAINSTREAM GENRE
October 4, 2023
Full review on Substack
https://open.substack.com/pub/astxria...
This book truly hit the nail on the head when it comes to what emo was then and now and what it means to so many people. If you ever considered yourself emo, even if it was “just a phase”, and even if the second and third waves weren’t your time you should absolutely get this book. The only thing that has ever made me feel as seen as this book is the music its about. This book is for anyone who had their whole world changed by a song. It is for those of us who drove hours on end to spend the last of our money on seeing our favorite bands, those who dreamed of warped tour, and who collected more band shirts than could possibly fit in our drawers.
https://open.substack.com/pub/astxria...
This book truly hit the nail on the head when it comes to what emo was then and now and what it means to so many people. If you ever considered yourself emo, even if it was “just a phase”, and even if the second and third waves weren’t your time you should absolutely get this book. The only thing that has ever made me feel as seen as this book is the music its about. This book is for anyone who had their whole world changed by a song. It is for those of us who drove hours on end to spend the last of our money on seeing our favorite bands, those who dreamed of warped tour, and who collected more band shirts than could possibly fit in our drawers.
October 16, 2025
3.5 stars, rounded down
For nostalgia's sake, I'd like to give this a million stars. It was really fun to look at scene pics from my high school years--the too-small vintage t-shirts and chunky belts. It was also fun to make a playlist to go with the book and listen to it in my car after reading.
On the other hand, the entries in this book were all over the place. Some bands got multiple pages of write ups, full of details and anecdotes. Other bands got an entry like, "Remember this band? If you haven't listened to them, you should. Let's talk after you do." Most of these were 3rd wave bands, so my 3rd wave friend was pretty disappointed. As his elder (haha), I had more to wade through in the 2nd wave section.
Still, a great trip down memory lane.
For nostalgia's sake, I'd like to give this a million stars. It was really fun to look at scene pics from my high school years--the too-small vintage t-shirts and chunky belts. It was also fun to make a playlist to go with the book and listen to it in my car after reading.
On the other hand, the entries in this book were all over the place. Some bands got multiple pages of write ups, full of details and anecdotes. Other bands got an entry like, "Remember this band? If you haven't listened to them, you should. Let's talk after you do." Most of these were 3rd wave bands, so my 3rd wave friend was pretty disappointed. As his elder (haha), I had more to wade through in the 2nd wave section.
Still, a great trip down memory lane.
May 31, 2024
I loved this book. Shout out to all the Chicagoland suburbanites and UIUC college students who made music history in the early oughts with their big feelings. What a time it was to be alive! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go blast MCR and Jack's Mannequin whilstt fondly recalling Lollapalooza 2007-2008, $35 shows, and all the times I destroyed my hair due to confused self-identity. I'll never dye my hair black again, but maybe the pink streaks will return someday. We'll caaaaaaarry ooooooooon!
October 20, 2023
I enjoyed this nostalgic trip and it's clear the author is really passionate about these bands and the community that formed around them. Being from New Jersey and self-centeredly feeling like it was the emo epicenter at that time, I was saddened to see only one picture from Skate & Surf and no pictures from Club Krome! But a good variety of bands were included.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
February 14, 2024
First off, I didn't know what Emo was when I signed up to win this book.
I thought it might be a book my husband or son would want to read.
My husband did start it.
I went through the whole book, reading parts that caught my interest...mostly skimming, though.
The book is very well written and has beautiful photographs.
Thank you to Goodreads and the author for my copy.
I will pass it along to someone who will appreciate it more than me.
I thought it might be a book my husband or son would want to read.
My husband did start it.
I went through the whole book, reading parts that caught my interest...mostly skimming, though.
The book is very well written and has beautiful photographs.
Thank you to Goodreads and the author for my copy.
I will pass it along to someone who will appreciate it more than me.
January 10, 2024
If you were ever an emo kid, you’re going to want to check out this book. It brought back such amazing memories of my teen and young adult years going to shows several days a week and screaming until my voice gave out. The nostalgia is amazing and the photos the author has compiled here are terrific. What a super cool thing to exist.
April 17, 2024
A decade of emo music well-documented with rare photographs and song recommendations. There is a forward penned by Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional, as well as a selection of narratives by Dashboard Confessional, Andrew McMahon, and Geoff Rickly. A perfect coffee table book that I will definitely revisit.
November 6, 2023
This was a great snapshot through someone else’s lens (ha) of the scene. Nostalgic for those who lived any part of this period of time; or a nice little insight for anyone new to this scene, in which case be sure to check out any (or all) of the bands featured in here.
February 7, 2024
A quick read, but something I'm sure I'll flip through many times over the years to look at the photographs. The essays from band members are insightful, especially Norman Brannon's, and Amy Fleisher Madden's blurb about each band reveals a passion and deep personal connection to this music scene.
March 15, 2024
Lot of cool blurbs about the history of Emo music, accompanied by some truly inspiring photography that I stared at for many hours. If you’re interested in visual art, music, photography, or just curious about a genres history I’d recommend this highly.
January 1, 2025
Going to call this as my last book of 2024. This is one I definitely need to own at some point. Amy Fleisher Madden has taken incredible care of documenting and capturing the 2nd and 3rd waves of emo music. I’m so glad this book exists 🖤
March 20, 2025
This was a cool read about a variety of second and third wave emo bands; each section has a brief one page blurb about the band followed by pictures of them from that time period and I liked learning more about bands I love and ones I've heard referenced before.
January 15, 2024
A lot of brushing over and rewriting of history and sometimes less than complimentary in places it didn’t need to be but the pictures are good
February 16, 2024
Incredible. The perfect coffee table book for any fan of this music. Full of amazing photos that pull you right back in time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews