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

In her first non-fiction book, Laina Dawes investigates how metal, hardcore and punk music and culture can serve as a liberating and empowering vehicle for Black women to express their individuality. Part memoir, the book includes interviews with Black women metal, punk and hardcore fans, musicians and industry workers about their experiences in the extreme music scene.

“Music journalist and hardcore metal devotee Laina Dawes uncovers black women’s voices and stories of participation in punk and metal.” Vice

“How exciting is this? The book tackles the good, the bad and the ugly sides of being a black woman in the metal and punk scenes.” Afropunk.com