Revolution by example presentation
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The document explores the tension between idealism and pragmatism in DIY punk through notable examples like Crass and Dischord Records. It highlights Crass's commitment to anti-profit ideals and control over music distribution, contrasting with Dischord's pragmatic and community-focused approach. The legacy of these groups reveals ongoing struggles with legal issues and their continued impact on the punk scene today.
Revolution by example presentation
- 1. Revolution by Example Pragmatism vs. Idealism in DIY Punk
- 2. WHICH DO YOU RECOGNIZE? Pop Quiz:
- 5. Crass • Pseudo-Anarchist Punk collective • Active from 1977 to 1984 • Released music, artworks, films and pamphlets • Operated out of a communal home
- 6. Dischord Records • Washington DC based record label • Active 1980-Present • Founded by Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson • Roster includes: – Minor Threat – Fugazi – S.O.A.
- 7. WHAT IS DIY PUNK? Joe Strummer told them that if they could do better to get their own band together…
- 8. “…the entire field of punk can be understood as a set of problems that unfold from a single contradiction between aesthetics and economics…” -Stacey Thompson
- 9. Punk is a Contradiction… DIY is a Solution • Participants eliminate as many economic factors as possible • Allows participants to maintain ownership and control • Remaining economics can become an element of the aesthetic
- 10. “Punk was about more than just starting a band…it was about taking control…” –Mike Watt (Minutemen)
- 11. THE APPROACHES Idealism & Pragmatism
- 12. Crass’ Idealism • Avoiding the Profit Motive – Full-Length “EP” as first release • “Pay no more than 45p” – Donated almost all of their money • Information Dissemination – Speakers, pamphlets, etc. at shows – Response to all letters – Stencil Graffiti
- 13. Crass’ Idealism • Anarchism? – “No Authority But Yourself” – Consistently claimed they didn’t wish to start a movement • Started a record label that released copy-cat Anarcho- Punk
- 14. Dial House • Communal home outside of Essex • Carry-over from Penny Rimbaud’s ’60s Counterculture days • Base of operations for Crass
- 15. Dischord’s Pragmatism • Label founded to release music for friends • Minimal Overhead – Small pressings, mail-order distribution – No promotion – No cross-marketing • Only sign local DC bands
- 16. Fugazi as the Ultimate Pragmatists • No shows over $5 – Local shows were always benefits • Always all ages, no alcohol sales – Slamdancing was out of the question • No branding, no merchandise • No driver, no manager, no road crew
- 17. SUCCESS, FAILURE & LEGACY Where are they now?
- 18. Crass Breaks Up • Phil Free bought out of Crass – “…gave him the golden handshake” • The British government sued Crass twice • BT almost took Dial House – Rimbaud rallied the community of Essex to save his home • Members moved out and assimilated – Steve Ignorant even has a son now
- 19. Dischord from the 2000s onward.. • Fugazi goes on indefinite hiatus (2002) • MacKaye starts The Evens • Still only sign DC bands • Offices are still in Dischord House • Releasing Fugazi shows digitally, for $5
- 20. THE STORY COULD HAVE ENDED THERE Happily ever after….
- 21. The Crassical Collection • Rimbaud and Gee Vaucher re-mastered the Crass material for a new box set – Phil Free, Joy De Vivre and Pete Wright sent a cease and desist • Former anarchists sat down in legal mediation over creative, personal and political differences
- 23. Crass aimed to promote a form of anarchy and solve social and political issues… …they ended up buried in multiple lawsuits, including an internal one. Dischord aimed to distribute their friends’ music and be an alternative to corporate rock… …they still sign small DC bands and distribute them worldwide.