The Legacy of No Wave: Adele Bertei's Memoir and Call for Change

Adele Bertei's memoir, *No New York: A Memoir of No Wave and the Women Who Shaped the Scene*, chronicles her experiences in the vibrant yet chaotic New York City of the late 1970s. Arriving in July 1977, Bertei found herself amidst a cultural renaissance characterized by the no-wave movement, which included influential figures such as James Chance and Lydia Lunch. This era, marked by economic decline and social upheaval, fostered a unique artistic community where collaboration and creativity thrived despite the surrounding chaos. Bertei reflects on this time, emphasizing the importance of human connection in an age devoid of digital distractions.

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Bertei's narrative oscillates between the dystopian realities of the time and the utopian spirit of artistic freedom. She recalls a sense of equilibrium in the art scene, where women were respected and actively participated as equal creators, contrasting sharply with the current climate of misogyny and oppression. Bertei argues that today's societal pressures and technological commodification threaten to erase humanity, urging younger generations to reclaim their identities and resist these forces.

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Bertei critiques the current media landscape, noting that the consolidation of radio stations following the Telecommunications Act of 1996 led to the marginalization of women's voices in music. She highlights the systematic misogyny that has persisted, suggesting that the return to conservative values in pop culture has stifled female expression. Bertei calls for male allies to support women in the arts, emphasizing the need for collaboration to combat the prevailing patriarchal structures.

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In her reflections, Bertei underscores the significance of style and individuality in the no-wave movement. Artists of the time embraced a DIY ethos, creating unique fashion statements that defied commercialism. This rejection of commodification fostered a sense of community and self-expression, which Bertei believes is essential for artistic revolution. She advocates for a return to this spirit of creativity, warning against the dangers of branding and compartmentalization that inhibit collective progress.

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Bertei articulates her concerns about the current state of gender dynamics in the arts, stating, “We really need our male allies to come to the fore here and help us out, because it’s a f**king mess.” She reflects on the past, noting that while oppression existed, the no-wave scene allowed for a more egalitarian environment where women could thrive artistically.

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• “If there’s some way that can be communicated to young people at a time where we’re being completely commodified, and where transhumanism is being pushed on us – where they’re trying to erase our humanity, basically – there’s got to be a way that young people can seize it back.” — Adele Bertei

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• “’ “It’s a kind of psychological warfare.” — Adele Bertei

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• “These were our credos.” — Adele Bertei

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*No New York: A Memoir of No Wave and the Women Who Shaped the Scene* is set to be published by Faber & Faber on March 26, 2026. Bertei will engage in a discussion with Peter Murphy at Books Upstairs in Dublin on April 21, 2026, further exploring the themes of her memoir and the ongoing relevance of the no-wave movement.

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