Punk and hardcore fanzines in the Netherlands: an overview.

Ever since the late ‘70’s/early ‘80’s, people in the punk- and hardcore movement have been involved in making fanzines. The fanzine culture is a culture which is well developed in this scene since people, especially in the early days, had a pro-active attitude towards experiencing punk/hardcore by playing in a band, organising shows, squatting and making fanzines. Not just hanging around at shows “because it’s a cool place to be”.

DIY to the bone
The traditional gap between artist and audience has never really existed in the punk/hardcore scene. That’s why artists were easy to approach and interviews or features were easier written than in conventional journalism. The DIY (Do It Yourself) ethics of the punkscene, from which the fanzines bloomed, are traceable in the zines themselves. This goes from lay-out (cut and paste, xeroxed, black and white copies), to fonts, pictures, interviews, columns, features and reviews, often written by unexperienced but enthousiastic kids, wanting to contribute to the punk/hardcore community. It was, however, not only the music, bands or artists that were subject to these fanzines.

The look, the shape and the lyrics
Some zines originated as musical zines, but slowly (or sometimes quickly) evolved into political, religious or lifestyle zines with music as a common denominator, but with totally different angles concerning the content of the zines. The lack of restrictions and editors made it possible for fanzines to evolve into numerous shapes and sizes. From the common, staples, xeroxed, black-and-white, cut-and-past zine to heavy weight paper, handwritten and tied-together-with-a-piece-of-rope zine and everything in between. Articles, features, interviews and reviews did not have to follow the rules of journalism and therefore show great pluriformity and unconventionality.

Influence of mainstream media
The pro-active attitude of some (often young) fanzine makers already indicated an interest in journalism, graphic design and writing. Therefore it’s not very surprising that a lot of these makers have become professionals. The influence of these zines is nowadays still traceable in mainstream media, fashion and journalism (for example commercials, magazine layout, fonts, clothing design, etc.).

The exposition

“Punk and hardcore fanzines in the Netherlands: an overview” is based on the punk- and hardcore fanzines community, mainly focussing on the Netherlands, but also with some international input. The exposition is roughly devided into 3 main subjects.

First of all, a chronological overview of zines will be presented. About 45 covers of zines, starting in 1978 and ranging untill 2007, will be exhibited. Each zine will be briefly described, giving an overview about the author(s), style, impact, etc. In this chronology, some crucial or influential zines are displayed (e.g. Value of Strength #4, Anti Matter, Koekrant, Second Nature).
The second subject will be theme showcases, where zines, arranged on a theme (for example vegan zines, krishna zines, emo-zines, etc.), will be displayed. Some of the characteristic tools of making zines will be displayed as well.
The third subject on which the exposition focuses is the influence of zines on the mainstream media.

DIY !!
Besides these three main subjects, there will be a reading table where zines from the last 20 years can be read. There will also be a work station with typewriter, markers, glue, scissors, paper, and copier, where you can create your own zine. DIY ‘till you die!

Exposition info
The exposition “Punk and hardcore fanzines in the Netherlands: an overview”” will be opened on Sunday, september 16th. One of the composers of the exposition, Dutch punk oldtimer Jos Houtveen of Seein Red/Lärm fame, will present the first issue of his new zine “Pandemonium”. Furthermore, there will be a little discussion forum on the subject and a DJ will play some cool punk- and hardcore tunes. Of course, some free drinks are included as well! The exposition will run from September 16th untill september 30th in Museum Het Scryption, Spoorlaan 434a, 5038 CH, Tilburg. For more info, check www.scryption.nl.

The opening of the exposition is also the first activity of the annual ZXZW festival.