Dischord Records, the storied DIY label that’s chronicled the Washington, D.C. punk scene for nearly 40 years, made its entire discography available for free streaming on Bandcamp, Open Culture notes. The label reportedly uploaded the catalog in late July.
Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson of seminal hardcore punk band Minor Threat founded Dischord in 1980, six years before Sub Pop Records emerged in Seattle. MacKaye and Nelson created the label to release Minor Disturbance, the debut EP by the Teen Idles, their new band at the time. MacKaye went on to form post-hardcore band Fugazi in 1987, which became known for its DIY ethics and refusal to charge high ticket prices for its shows. Fugazi signed to Dischord and remains its best-known band, despite being on indefinite hiatus since 2003.
Those DIY ethics have fueled Dischord Records since its inception. It only releases music from D.C. bands in order to maintain its focus and integrity. The label’s website also states, “We do not work with contracts so our relationship with our bands is based on friendship and trust. New bands come into the fold when they have made a mark within our community and there is mutual agreement that we would be a good fit for each other.”
Thanks to its unwavering commitment to documenting its local music scene and a dynamite roster of bands, Dischord Records has remained one of the most acclaimed and successful indie labels. Its artists have influenced countless punk, hardcore, alternative, and emo acts from the ‘80s onward. Now, you can celebrate the source and start your weekend with a gut-punching cocktail of Jawbox, Dag Nasty, and Gray Matter. Go ahead, you deserve it.
