Black Flag was formed in 1977. We first recorded in 1978. Greg Ginn More Quotes by Greg Ginn More Quotes From Greg Ginn We were excited when we sold our first 10 records. I always felt that if we could get the music out there, and if people became accustomed to it, then a substantial number of them would enjoy it. Greg Ginn records numbers people There are several books out on punk history, but I haven't read any of them. I was there. Greg Ginn punk havens book I still think the best metal bands have a blues feel. The first Black Sabbath album is kind of a bludgeoning of blues. Deep Purple also started out as a blues band. Greg Ginn purple black thinking The small companies who feel that the majors are a threat, or are predators, will use that as an excuse for their eventual downfall. Dont blame others for your own inadequacies. Greg Ginn predator blame use I like a lot of electronica. I like older jazz rather than newer. Greg Ginn jazz Stores can be indifferent to something new. Greg Ginn stores indifferent something-new As a label, you have to treat every group and every record as a unique entity. I think that that has been our success, rather than relying upon a fan base. Greg Ginn groups unique thinking We've gotten involved in cat rescue we take them in and find homes for them. I've always loved cats. I saw how homeless cats were living out there. We take them in, put out flyers. Greg Ginn saws cat home The English scene got more media attention with their emphasis on fashion, with the safety pins and all. There were some really good bands over there. The Sex Pistols were great. Greg Ginn fashion media sex People from major labels were afraid to go to Black Flag gigs throughout most of the bands existence. They treated our gigs as something threatening. Im sure that it probably was. They probably had reasons to be scared. Greg Ginn labels black people SST was formed to put out the first Black Flag record. Basically, there wasn't anyone else to do it. I felt that what I was doing with Black Flag was very worthwhile, and I wanted to get it out there. Greg Ginn records flags black Putting out the things that I like best hasn't been the easiest way to run a label, and it still isn't because it requires finding an audience for each record. Greg Ginn records labels running I listen to everything that comes in. I'm not real worried about demo sound quality. I can hear through that sort of thing. If a band can play, then they can play. Greg Ginn sound-quality real play There's not much music I'll listen to if it doesn't have pretty heavy swing. Rhythm is so important. Punk rock would have more power and feeling if it had swing. Greg Ginn swings rocks feelings The biggest disappointment has been seeing the number of people in this business with very shortsighted views. Greg Ginn disappointment views numbers It took us two years to get our first real gig. That was a big dream. We ended up booking a lot of our own gigs and putting on a lot of our own shows. We were trying to get our actual music across, trying to make a connection there. Greg Ginn real dream years The R.E.M and Nirvana successes don't mean much to me except as a potential distraction for bands who want to cash in on the trend. Don't try to sound like someone else. R.E.M and Nirvana don't sound like anyone else. Greg Ginn sound trying mean We're not good at propping up old carcasses. We want to be on top of what's vital at any particular time, and not just hold onto something because it has a name. Greg Ginn holding-on names want If people are really excited about their music, and that's their primary motivation, then that comes through in demo tapes. That's the most important ingredient. Greg Ginn important motivational people I didn't have a lot of overtly political songs. I think it was more the actions of the group that were threatening to the authorities, and also our political philosophies apart from the music. Greg Ginn song philosophy thinking
