New Documentary Focuses on '80s D.C. Punk Scene

Jim Saah

When documenting the history of punk, it’s easy to focus on the New York or London punk scene. Washington, D.C. is often overlooked as being one of the most influential places for punk, until now. Music journalist, Scott Crawford is finally shining a much deserved light on the punk scene that of the nation’s capital during the 1980’s.

Salad Days: The Birth of Punk In The Nation’s Capital features interviews from some of the most influential people in the D.C. punk scene during the ‘80s. Bands like Beefeater, Scream, Rites of Spring, Fugazi, Shudder to Think and Nation of Ulysses are just a couple of the bands being highlighted throughout the documentary.

Salad Days is a perfect look as to what the D.C. aesthetic was and how it was truly different then any other punk scene. Interviews with people like Dave Grohl and Fred Armisen show how the D.C. punk scene truly did shape lives.

Crawford has finished the pre-production phase of the film and is beginning work on the post-production. Using Kickstarter, Crawford has called out to fans for their help funding the film and was able to reach his initial goal of $32,000. With all of the overwhelming support from fans, Crawford has raised over $38,000 for the making of Salad Days. The support that he has received from fans has allowed Crawford to expand his goal to $42,000.

To celebrate the film, Black Cat in Washington D.C., will have a very special performance from some of D.C.’s biggest punk legends. Taking the stage will be Dag Nasty (original line-up), Government Issue, Black Market Baby and Kingface.

Watch a sneak peak for the film below. Please be sure to check out Salad Days page on Kickstater to help support a documentary about one of the most influential movements in music history.

Got news tips for Paste? Email news@pastemagazine.com.