Ian MacKaye | |
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![]() MacKaye in 2008 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Ian Thomas Garner MacKaye |
Born | Washington, D.C., U.S. | April 16, 1962
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Years active | 1979–present |
Labels | Dischord |
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Ian Thomas Garner MacKaye (/məˈkaɪ/;[1] born April 16, 1962) is an American musician. Active since 1979, he is best known as the co-founder and owner of Dischord Records, a Washington, D.C.–based independent record label, and the frontman of hardcore punk band Minor Threat and post-hardcore band Fugazi. MacKaye was also the bassist for the short-lived band the Teen Idles, and frontman for Embrace, and Pailhead, a collaboration with the band Ministry. MacKaye is a member of The Evens, a two-piece indie rock group he formed with his wife Amy Farina in 2001.[2] In 2015 he formed the band Coriky with Farina and his Fugazi band mate Joe Lally.[3]
Along with his seminal band Minor Threat, he is credited with coining the term "straight edge"[2] a philosophy that promotes abstinence from alcohol and other drugs, though MacKaye has stated that he did not intend to turn it into a movement.
A key figure in the development of hardcore punk and an independent-minded, do-it-yourself punk ethic, MacKaye has produced releases by Q and Not U, John Frusciante, 7 Seconds, Nation of Ulysses, Bikini Kill, Rites of Spring, Dag Nasty and Rollins Band.