Ian MacKaye on the Power of Punk

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]