Musician Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat and Fugazi) Interview - The Artist's Work Ethic Podcast

[@oldgroucho2203]

I managed a punk band of teenagers called A Plaid Kiss years ago in Indiana. they did some live shows around Indiana and also Chicago and recorded a studio album that I sent to Dischord records along with other Indy labels. Ian actually wrote us back with notes on every song and what he liked and what they needed to work on. Then he wrote that they only signed DC area artists and invited the band to come to the area. Unfortunatly the guitarist and drummer were only 16 and parents gave a hard no on the idea. Extremely nice of Ian to take the time to pay attention to some kids who loved his music and pay attention to their music.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

I love that generosity that some people show. Sometimes one of the most valuable things someone can give you is their time. And likewise, I appreciate you listening.

[@marcthacker4walls]

That is truly a cool story.

[@TXRBL]

The DC scene in the late 70s and early 80s, the people, were my family. We stay in touch and I still love them.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Love to hear that! Same with me for the late 90s Jersey scene.

[@TXRBL]

My old friend and an amazing guy. Love you brother!

[@donk026]

I think my favorite line is "I wake up everyday with too much to do that I want to do."

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Yes, that was a great one! I can relate to the feeling. If only we didn't need to sleep...

[@corbjones2738]

Great interview on a topic and field that is so worthwhile to learn more about and discuss. Subbed!

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Thank you for listening!

[@ScarCaskt]

My friends punk band recorded one album on a small label from Seattle. But whenever he was in another band that got ready to put out an album, he'd just record and then never release it because of how the industry worked. He did it for a hobby.

[@fartkerson]

This interview blows me away. It's not surprising having grown up listening to his bands and other D.C. bands like SOA and Bad Brains, hell Dave Grohl came out of that region and was inspired by the same music -- but the reveal about HR's comment regarding Ian as an island was very interesting. I remember growing up in a very punk rock centered lifestyle, skateboarding, DIY; all the trappings that it entails; and people I grew up with (and played music with) really resented Ian MacKaye -- and it never made sense to me, other than the druggies not liking straight edge. Even kids who weren't bothered by that concept somehow saw him as a threat (and not a minor one) like he was "the man" or this gatekeeper. He's not a gatekeeper he just has a superior work ethic. It's work work work, create create, make things happen. I think a lot of people just want the easy way out of being "discovered" like they're special. And sadly that doesn't really happen very often. Ian isn't special, at least in his eyes, he's just trying to make things happen. How can you not respect that in a person? Very cool podcast.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

hi there! I really appreciate you giving it a listen, and for your thoughtful commentary. Just getting out there and making things happen is so important, and just being brave in putting yourself out there. Lots of great lessons to be learned. Thanks for listening, and so glad you liked it!

[@fartkerson]

@@theartistsworkethic2311 Absolutely appreciate you making these podcasts happen. I've been getting really sick of the trending music channels that my algorithm thinks I want to listen to -- glorified wikipedia readings, questionable "facts" and clickbait titles. May the algorithm bless you and your podcast!

[@MatthewWilliams-h7m]

I feel like Ian is a real music star!!

[@jasonloghry]

That was great to listen to. This person really influenced my life choices. Thanks for sharing this interview and asking good questions!

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Jason - thank you for the compliment! I really appreciate you listening. It was really awesome to get to talk to him.

[@adamfindlay7091]

Ian cares. In this world that's not very common. Kids who are fans or follow certain artists can tell.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Agreed.

[@eancurtis9333]

Awesome !! no nonsense straight to the point

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Yes - I try to keep it short and sweet. Thanks for listening!

[@alinesanchezramirezbaruchi2658]

Eu gosto que o punk rock funciona como testemunho de igreja " Eu encontrei o punk rock quando eu estava nessa situação e fui salvo"

[@nightseertarot3337]

"My work is my work is my work." 🤟

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Concise.

[@mikereseigh]

Love this guy. We have never met but he's great

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Yeah, he was awesome to talk to. Such a cool experience.

[@nicholeclark3478]

Pailhead is the best side project ever!!! And uncle Al got him to drink beer!!!!! Its true?

[@enginesdown]

Amazing.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@thehumanconversationalist1527]

What about his band The Evens? Should be mentioned at least once, so I did.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Thanks for keeping us honest! Appreciate you checking it out.

[@davekehnast7034]

Fascinating

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@warpedplanet]

Great interview!!!

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Thank you for listening! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@justinklink1588]

Such an interesting person.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Totally is. Incredible background.

[@scottstalcup6980]

Hero, full stop.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

100%. Thanks for checking it out.

[@josephshinko3725]

On the album cover for Our of Step, I find it interesting that sheep are depicted as illustration. Do you think that the Lamb of God, Jesus, was out of step with the world?

[@josephshinko3725]

Out of step.....

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Interesting analysis. I took it more literally as the one black sheep stepping out from the herd and going their own direction.

[@amalgamating]

Could the inteo be any longer? Yes.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

You're right. I probably could extend it out a bit... :) thanks for checking it out.

[@amalgamating]

@@theartistsworkethic2311 🥴

[@LINDA-de-J0NG]

De Beers introduced "diamonds are forever" to make diamonds personal, to take away the resale value. So each had to buy their (future wife their) own new diamond, a second hand diamond "didn't count".

[@carlcruysberghs2298]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@jonathanmack5474]

People say to never meet your heroes, I've met Ian. The people are wrong.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Agreed. He was super sweet to chat with.

[@eddykidd]

he said blueprint... twice

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Thank you for listening!

Blueprint, meaning the band that also was in Discord label years ago.. extended the empathy and attitude. Very Influentially that could see them in my hometown few years afterwards the awesome Fugazi 's best live concert in my life ever. They're playing their tunes in north Spain. Back in the late 90's. I'm so grateful that I've to write it down

[@alinesanchezramirezbaruchi2658]

Eu gosto de punk rock Não conto pra ninguém Há cultos religiosos de todos os estilos musicais Isso aqui vai exigir futuros cartões fora da prisão

[@happentobehere]

Good interview, sloppy ending, Ian referenced an abstract emotional pov re his impact: "cool, anything to plug?"..then ty, goodbye..🤔

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

Appreciate you checking it out!

[@cpmorgan5000]

I don't think that's what HR meant

[@S.J.L]

All artists are entrepreneurs.

[@theartistsworkethic2311]

100%. Gotta manage your own "business".

[@futureskeletons66669]

This guy takes himself way to seriously and his interpretation of integrity is very childish.

[@michaelmcdonald8452]

If you took issue with something in particular, you would have said what it was, you just have an "idea" of Ian MacKaye that you're reacting to.

[@byron6507]

if i was ian mackaye id take my self seriously too

[@JoshuaMutant]

Ian MacKaye wrote the book on how to do it right as a DIY label, as a band, as a human being. This man invented straight edge, post hardcore & defined the shape of an entire culture for generations to come. He paved the road...

[@sdm1568]

At least someone takes themselves seriously, I see way too many people with no moral compass or passion or m.o , what a waste. At least he's consistent and transparent, couple that with a hard work ethic, intelligent perspective, I really don't see what your problem with this guy is.

[@michaelmcdonald8452]

@@sdm1568 you don't see it because he doesn't bother to say. he just thinks "Ian McKaye is pretentious" because he's been told to