Content Guidelines — Post-Punk.com

1. AI Policy

AI-Generated Music — Not Accepted

Post-Punk.com does not cover, review, or promote fully AI-generated music.

We support human artistry, lived experience, and creative labor. Submissions found to be wholly AI-composed — including fully AI-written compositions, AI vocal cloning that replaces a performer, or undisclosed AI systems functioning as the primary creative author — will be rejected.

AI Assistance in Music Production — Permitted with Limits

We recognize that AI-assisted tools are increasingly embedded in modern production workflows. AI may be used in limited, assistive capacities — such as mixing support, mastering assistance, sound cleanup, editing tools, or workflow enhancement — provided that AI does not replace human musicianship, songwriting, vocal performance, or primary creative authorship.

In short:

AI as a tool = acceptable
AI as the artist = not acceptable

AI Promotional Images — Restricted & Subject to Verification

Post-Punk.com strongly discourages the use of AI-generated promotional photography.

We prioritize real press photos that reflect real artists and real collaborators. However, in limited circumstances, we may accept AI-generated promotional imagery with reservations if:

The artist provides verifiable, real-world public photographs of themselves
We can confirm the identity of the artist as an actual person or a performing group
There is no attempt to misrepresent identity, fabricate members, or create deceptive personas

We reserve the right to decline coverage if AI promotional imagery appears misleading, evasive, or intentionally obscures identity.

Press materials must not misrepresent who is behind the project.

AI Artwork & Video — Strongly Discouraged

We do not currently ban AI-assisted artwork or music videos. However, we strongly urge artists to consider the ethical, economic, and cultural consequences of relying on generative AI imagery.

The post-punk and dark alternative communities have always been rooted in DIY ethics, independent visual artists, photographers, filmmakers, and designers. Choosing AI over human collaboration has real-world impacts.

Artists using AI-generated artwork or AI-generated videos should disclose their use.

2. Anti-Hate & Community Standards

Post-Punk.com maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for hate speech, discrimination, harassment, or extremist ideology.

We will not cover, promote, or platform artists who:

Promote or publicly align with extremist nationalist movements, including MAGA extremism
Promote racism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim bigotry (Islamophobia), xenophobia, or ethnic supremacy
Promote sexism or misogyny
Promote homophobia, transphobia, or anti-LGBTQ+ ideology
Spread conspiracy-driven hate narratives
Engage in harassment, intimidation, or targeted abuse

More broadly, we do not support artists who engage in discrimination or hate based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Post-Punk.com covers independent artists, underground movements, legacy acts, and major label releases alike. Regardless of profile or commercial status, all artists are held to the same ethical standard. Cultural impact does not excuse harmful ideology or conduct.

The alternative and post-punk tradition has always been shaped by marginalized voices, cross-cultural exchange, and creative resistance to authoritarianism. Inclusion is not optional — it is foundational.

Artists whose public statements, affiliations, or conduct contradict these principles will not be considered for coverage.

3. Sexual Assault & Abuse Allegations

We will not cover artists who:

Have credible accusations of sexual assault or abuse
Promote or trivialize sexual violence
Use their platform to intimidate, harass, or silence victims

We reserve the right to decline coverage at our discretion if serious allegations arise, even if legal proceedings are ongoing.

5. Artistic Integrity & Transparency

Post-Punk.com prioritizes authenticity, transparency, and creative accountability.

We support:

Human-led artistry and clearly credited collaboration
Honest representation of identity and authorship
Respect for photographers, designers, filmmakers, and creative labor
Clear disclosure of production methods when relevant

Artists must not misrepresent:

Who created the work
Who performs the work
How the work was produced
The identity of the individuals behind a project

We reserve the right to decline coverage if we believe a project is built on deception, fabricated personas, undisclosed AI authorship, or misleading promotional practices.

Whether independent, legacy, or major label, all artists are expected to uphold professional and ethical standards in their submissions.

Authenticity matters.

6. Editorial Discretion

Post-Punk.com reserves full editorial discretion over:

What we cover
What we decline
How coverage is framed

7. Final Note

The post-punk, new-wave, and alternative scenes were built by outsiders — queer artists, immigrants, misfits, political dissidents, working-class kids, and radical thinkers. It has always been a space of resistance against authoritarianism and cultural regression.

We intend to keep it that way.

If your work aligns with these values, we welcome your submission.

If it does not, we are not the platform for you.