SCOWL's Kat Moss calls out industry plant accusations: "Am I never hardworking enough?"

Scowl frontwoman Kat Moss is sick of being called an "industry plant." The Bay Area hardcore band have risen in popularity over the last couple years on the strength of 2021's How Flowers Grow LP, this year's catchier Psychic Dance Routine EP and a shit-ton of touring — with everyone from hardcore bands and punk vets to fucking Limp Bizkit.

Like all underground bands hope for, Scowl's music has resonated with fans and their nonstop time on the road has won over audiences worldwide.

However, in a new rant posted to social media, Moss expressed her frustration with the way Scowl's success is framed — as illegitimate or unearned — compared to other, male-fronted hardcore bands who've done the same types of sponsorship partnerships with Taco Bell, and have experienced a similar explosion in popularity. 

"I'm sick of hearing the phrase 'industry plant' every single time Scowl experiences success," Moss wrote.

"Our friend's bands — bands commonly full of men — will sign brand deals, have a song in a commercial, get a co-sign from massively successful musicians, etc..

"Yet I never read whisperings of whether or not they deserve those successes. Whether or not they are valid enough, GOOD enough, or worked hard enough to be deserving of that success. Is our success never valid enough for you? 

"Why is this competition created between us and our community, specifically femme-bodied individuals? A competition I never participated in; a patriarchal competition I challenge by questioning my thoughts, actions and insecurities every single day. 

"The message I receive is that I am not granted independent success as a woman. Am I never grateful enough? Hardworking enough? Confident enough?"

It's a shame that Moss even has to address this sort of double-standard, but her words are powerful and incisive. See the full statement below.