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Ian MacKaye on the Power of Punk

Object Details

Views
80,045
Video Title
Ian MacKaye on the Power of Punk
Description
In this interview, Ian MacKaye—frontman of influential bands Minor Threat and Fugazi—describes punk as the “free space”: where new ideas and creative expressions are welcomed and encouraged. This openness has helped fuel the punk scene in Washington, D.C., for many decades, establishing a nurturing place for young musicians and artists without requiring them to “make it big” in New York City. In fact, he claims punk is more “folk” than contemporary folk music. It’s by, for, and about the people. A fifth-generation Washingtonian, MacKaye has been releasing local D.C. music with this ethos since 1980 on his record label, Dischord Records. Camera and interview: Charlie Weber Editing: Harry Zhu [Catalog No. CFV11166; © Smithsonian Institution, 2019]
Video Duration
4 min 20 sec
YouTube Keywords
culture music performance tradition folk language festival smithsonian "washington dc"
Data Source
Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
YouTube Channel
smithsonianfolklife
Creator
Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Uploaded
2019-09-27T19:26:00.000Z
Type
Interviews
YouTube Videos

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  • Explore America: Washington, D.C.
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