New projects pay homage to punk music history
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Nashville could soon become a mecca for punk music history, thanks to two riveting new projects.
- The world's largest punk record collection is on its way, and a mysterious punk rock museum could be close behind.
Why it matters: The homages to punk music history add a welcome noisy layer to Nashville's diverse musical offerings.
The big picture: Punk isn't the first genre one thinks of when it comes to Music City, but dating back to the 1970s, Nashville and nearby Murfreesboro have boasted vibrant punk music scenes.
Driving the news: Maximum Rocknroll, a nonprofit and DIY punk rock zine in California, announced last month it is donating its archives and record collection to Middle Tennessee State University's Center for Popular Music.
- Maximum Rocknroll began building its collection in the 1970s, adding punk records from bands throughout the world. The scope of the collection is staggering, reaching 60,000 records, according to SF Gate.
- The archives also include "paper files, photos, notes, zines, books, ephemera," according to the nonprofit's website. The collection is expected to arrive in the next couple of months, an MTSU spokesperson says.
Zoom in: Maximum Rocknroll explained why the Center for Popular Music was a perfect fit for its collection in a post on its website.
- "Basically, the Center specializes in people's music that's untrained, hyperlocal, stripped down, and raw. It was critical to us that the MRR collection remain a living archive — and the MTSU curators have promised to make it accessible to the public as well as scholars."
Yes, but: The massive record collection isn't the only punk-themed historical project heading to our neck of the woods.
- Henry Rollins, a Nashville transplant and frontman for the legendary band Black Flag, has hinted at an ambitious project to bring a sort of punk rock museum here. According to a social media post by 23 Punk, Rollins has been collecting rare flyers, framed artwork and an array of other punk rock relics.
- The details remain scarce, and Rollins says he needs about one year before its unveiling.
- "Give me a year, and you'll see a press release and you'll go, 'Oh, that's the thing.' And it won't be subtle, it'll be really cool," Rollins says.
Zoom out: Nashville's punk scene saw bands like Paramore rise through the ranks and become bona fide stars. Along with Murfreesboro, it's always been primarily defined by raucous DIY shows and house concerts.
- Olive Scibelli, co-owner of the DIY club Drkmttr, labeled Kandi & the Kavities, Flummox and Bazookatooth as punk/hardcore favorites.
- Seth Steele, a punk enthusiast who also promotes concerts at his East Nashville bar No Quarter, singled out a few Nashville area bands worth checking out: Waxed, Hans Condor, Sinkers, Yammer Jaw, Nightmare Beach, Dogpile, Have a Rad Day and Weak Daze.
- Nate is a fan of punk veterans Be Your Own Pet and the ascending band Snõõper.
Join the party: If you're in the mood for a heavy dose of Nashville punk, a two-day festival called Nashville Punk Rock Flea Market will take place at Eastside Bowl next month (July 19-20).