Author(s): Spencer Amy

Music

Including interviews with leading figures of the independent music scene, at last a well-informed study that champions the unsung heroes and heroines of DIY distribution. Since the 90s, hundreds of cds, records and zines have been produced by individuals in reaction to the mainstream music industry and media. The central message: if you can't find what you're looking for, simply create your own alternative...This exploration of lo-fi culture traces the origins of the DIY ethic to the skiffle movement of the 50s, the hippies of the 60s, the all-empowering punk scene of the 70s-80s and the 90s rave phenomenon. Through interviews with key writers, promoters and musicians (including Bikini Kill, Huggy Bear and Bratmobile), Amy Spencer charts the development of radical movements such a Riot Grrrl, Queercore and the ever flourishing zine-scene. Examining the politics behind the production of the many 'home-made' recordings and publications available today, and in the wake of debate concerning music downloaded from the net, the book also addresses the ethical questions that DIY distribution poses.