Synopses & Reviews
Moving beyond the music and misconceptions, the discussions in this book give voice to the emergent impact of punk in the words of those who participated and were witness, and include those whose livelihoods have been shaped around the punk lifestyle. Punk is notorious for its loud music, aggressive attitude, and safety-pinned style; less well known is the radical value system that has emerged hand in hand with the sound and aesthetic. Since the 1970s, punks have built their music, fashion, and lifestyles around core values of social justice, creative freedom, community integrity, fiercely democratic politics, and do-it-yourself ingenuity. From journalism to psychology, graphic design to alternative fuel, and bodybuilding to the Occupy movement, these interviews show just some of the ways that punk values continue to shape mainstream American life.
Review
"I do believe in the DIY ethic, and I love the idea of documenting our own communities. These people are cute and dorky and earnest and I'm sure their lives are interesting." Nomy Lamm, musician and activist
Review
"A digestible read for anyone, whether you're already immersed in a cut-and-paste world, a graphic designer with a penchant for radical thought, or a newbie trying to find the best way to make yourself and your ideas known. You'll gain insight into your practice, find some new ideas, or get the motivation for which you've been waiting." Feminist Review
Review
"Rough and elegant...sincere and passionate." Pop Matters
Review
"Awesome little guide!" Utne Reader
Review
"Showcases the relaxed, friendly atmosphere created by the bands and fans and their commitment to the politics of do-it-yourself economies, punk community, and radical activism. [It] captures the scrappy aesthetic of patched shorts, wild hair and silk-screened t-shirts and the sense of playfulness that infuses the scene...as well as participants' dedication to freely exchanging skills, ideas, and resources." Elevate Difference
Synopsis
Punk is notorious for its loud music, aggressive attitude, and safety-pinned style. Less well known is the radical value system that has emerged hand in hand with the sound and aesthetic. Since the 1970s, punks have built their music, fashion, and lifestyles around core values of social justice, creative freedom, community integrity, fiercely democratic politics and do-it-yourself ingenuity. From journalism to psychology, graphic design to alternative fuel, bodybuilding to the Occupy movement, these interviews show just some of the ways that punk values continue to shape mainstream American life.Includes interviews with (among many others) Ian Mackaye, Nate Powell, Cristy Road, Ben Weasel, Brea Grant, Joshua Kahn Russell, Wells Tower, Sander Hicks, Anne Elizabeth Moore, and Chris Clavin, and an afterword by Mark Andersen of Positive Force DC.
About the Author
Joe Biel is a writer, activist, journalist, filmmaker, teacher, and publisher. He founded Microcosm Publishing and the imprint Cantankerous Titles, and cofounded the Portland Zine Symposium. He has been featured in Broken Pencil magazine, Maximumrocknroll magazine, the Oregonian, Portland Mercury, Punk Planet Magazine, Readymade Magazine, and the Utne Reader. He lives in Portland, Oregon.