12-11-2000 Email interview with Ian Mackaye by JBunch.

What is the most positive experience you have had in the punk scene?

i rarely think in terms of most positive or most negative, so it's
difficult for me to come up with an answer. i suppose playing my first show in 1979 was one of the more important moments for me. it was the transformation of thought into action, and was the beginning of my work as more than an observer in the underground.

What does or did the word punk mean to you?

the free space where conventions are challenged and ideas can be presented without the prejudices of profit and mainstream ethics.

How did punk change your life?

it was the access to the counter-culture. the sense in the nonsense.

What regrets do you have, if any, in regards to your involvement with
scene?

i have no regrets.

What did you want to accomplish by writing the song "Straight Edge" when you were in Minor Threat?

to sing about my right to live my life the way i wanted to, to underscore
an individuals right to setting their own course.

Straightedge has seen a number of both good and bad phases through the years. What did or does straightedge mean to you?

for me 'straight edge' is a song, but i also acknowledge that it has become the title of a movement and thought of as a lifestyle. i was not kidding when i wrote the song and still live by my personal beliefs, but it is difficult for me to feel connected to people who have used this idea as an excuse for violence or as a moral code to be imposed on other people. this clearly is the antithesis of the idea of an individual's right to setting their own course. on the other hand, i think most of the people who have been inspired by the idea of 'straight edge' (the song or the movement) are good people who are trying to do good things in life. it is unfortunate that the media (underground and mainstream) have given so much attention to the more aggressive and violent element of this particular scene because i think more good than bad has come out of it. but that's the way it is...fights are easier to write about than ideas.

Do you see straightedge as a positive influence on the punk scene?

to the degree that 'straightedge' has steered people away from abusive drug or alcohol habits i think it could be argued that there has been a 'positive' influence. on the other hand, the promotion of a proper 'code of behavior' and, in many cases, it's strict enforcement, led to much factioning, distress and absurd violence. so, yes and no.

What advice can you offer to kids facing peer pressure?

do what you believe is right for you. remember that it is o.k. to make mistakes. life is long and full of opportunities to change.

What do you feel is the most important part of punk rock?

self-definition and the respect of the same for others. protest and shamelessness. anger expressed as a melody, the secret language understood by few.

What do you want to accomplish when you play a show or speak to an audience? Has your goal always been the same?

the goal is to play a show or speak to an audience.  i have had my ass kicked by music and thought and i only aim to return the favor.

Has your attitude changed over the years when it comes to playing a show?

i don't think so.

What does Ian MacKaye get out of playing to an audience?

the potential of a band and audience working together to transcend the moment.

What are some of the major differences in the punk scene between now and when you first got into it?

the cultural landscape. there was no underground network/punk scene to speak of in the late 70's. today we have 20 years of this behind us.

What would you like to see change into todayís scene?

i don't think about things like this. obviously i would like to see more people presenting bold, redefining ideas, but that has been true since day one.

If you could help people understand one thing what would it be?

i don't know.

Do you feel you've made a difference?

in the context in which i exist, i suppose so, but as far as the rotation of the earth and the activity of the universe, no. most things are bigger than us.

What question do you never get asked but wished you did? What would your answer be?

the question never asked: do you want a clear explanation of this confusion? answer: yes.