Raw. Rebellious. Unapologetically DIY.

Issue 3 of Empire Times submissions close 16 June.

Empire Times is gearing up for Issue 3 and we’re hungry for your most genuine, gritty submissions. This time around, our theme is all about being Raw. Rebellious. Unapologetically DIY. We’re gathering content that scratches at the surface and reveals what’s beneath—unpolished, unrefined, and undeniably real.


Here’s What We Need from You:

  • Music & Scene: Got stories about underground beats or bands breaking the mould? Send us your experiences and insights that capture the essence of the scene. Tell us about the gigs, the crowds, and the music that doesn’t play by the rules.

  • Politics & Rebellion: Step up if you’ve got something to say about today’s political climate or stories of activism that need to be heard. We’re here for the thought-provokers and the rabble-rousers. What are you fighting for? What needs to change?

  • Culture & DIY Ethics: Write to us about how you or your community are making things happen your own way, from zines to street art to sustainable living. Plus any tips or tricks for fighting against the cost of living.

  • Personal & Subcultural Reflections: We want your personal stories that dive deep into subcultures and personal identity. Share your journey, the highs and the lows, and what makes your world unique.

  • Miscellaneous & Fun: Anything doesn’t fit the mold? Perfect. Surprise us, make us laugh, or just make us think. We’re all about the unexpected.

How to Get Involved:

Submit your articles, essays, art, photos—whatever you’ve got that you think fits. We’re ready for it. Just make sure it ties back to our theme of being raw and real. Check out the detailed prompts on our submissions page or throw us your best curveball.

Get your submissions in by June 16. Send everything to empiretimes@flinders.edu.au

We encourage you to get your pieces in early to ensure they get the consideration they deserve.

Prompts:

    • "Why Zines Still Matter" – The power of underground press in the digital age.  

    • "DIY or Die: The Art of Making Your Own Everything" – From clothes to music to food.  

    • "Punk and Mental Health" – Breaking the stigma and supporting each other. 

    • "How to Start Your Own Punk Commune" – Living outside the system. 

    • "What Happened to Live Music Venues?" – A deep dive into the struggles and triumphs of underground music spaces. 

    • "The Evolution of Punk Sound: From '77 to Now" – How punk has changed and where it’s headed. 

    • "Local Band Spotlight" – Feature an up-and-coming punk band from your area.  

    • "Corporate Punk vs. DIY Ethos" – Are major labels killing punk, or can both exist? 

    • "Is Punk Still Political?" – Has punk lost its revolutionary edge? 

    • "Squatting and Survival: Radical Living in 2025" – The modern realities of punk-style living. 

    •  "Anarchy in Action" – Real examples of anarchist communities making a difference. 

    • "Defund the Police? A Punk Perspective" – Where do punks stand in today’s social movements? 

    • "My First Punk Show" – A personal essay on what got you into punk.  

    • "Gatekeeping in Punk: Who Gets to Be a Punk?" – Examining inclusivity and elitism in the scene. 

    • “Queer Punks: Fighting for Space" – How LGBTQ+ punks are shaping the culture. 

    • "A Love Letter to the Mosh Pit" – Why we throw ourselves into the chaos. 

    • "Ranking the Most Punk Cities in the World" – A global punk scene report. 

    • "Would Sid Vicious Have Been a TikTok Star?" – A satirical take on punk in the digital age. 

    • "Zodiac Signs as Punk Bands" – Aries is Black Flag, but what about Pisces? 

    • "The Worst Punk Shows Ever" – Disaster gigs and tour horror stories. 

Get in touch.