164 Quotes by Ian Mackaye

Minor Threat was an important band, believe me that it was important it in my life, but it belongs to an era that no longer exists. I’m not nostalgic. I think music today is much more important, because something can be done about it.

I work so I don’t need to make rent through my songs, and I think if more people engaged with music without needing it to provide for their welfare, you’re not beholden to anyone.

My point of view is, I’m just a person, and there are times when I look at other people and think, ‘My God, they spend so much time thinking about things that seem so absurd.’ But I’m sure people must think the same thing about me.

Archiving is extremely expensive and time consuming. I’m sure an archivist would tell me I’m doing it wrong. It’s an industry that’s built upon essential ideas, and some of those practices are abusive.

Part of the way the work world works is not so much creating a separation between your work and your free time, but creating the illusion of a separation between your work and your free time. Every day is the weekend for me, which means I’m always busy.

People will say “You must miss playing to a thousand people.” But I don’t. I might miss playing. That’s what I would miss, but I don’t miss it, because I am playing.

I’m really anti-option, so computers have been my nightmare with recording. I don’t want endless tracks; I want less tracks. I want decisions to be made.

I don’t watch TV but occasionally I’ll read the Washington Post. I will say that sports are the only “real thing” on television.

I’m a fifth generation Washingtonian and I was born and raised here. My kid’s a sixth generation Washingtonian. Honestly I wish people didn’t move because I love the people of the city.