Punk Rock & Startup: Why

Counter cultures emerge for the same reason startups do. They see a problem with the current state in a specific space and think ‘we can do it better’ and then they do it. That last part is very important. Anyone can have ideas but execution is really all that matters. Go out and make something… something better and Do It Yourself (DIY).

Punk rock was created to be a voice and cultural identity for youth that felt unheard, un-unified, and unhappy with the political and social state of the late 60's and early 70's. In the early days of punk culture, they saw the arena rock scene, consisting of expensive tickets, bloated guitar solos and elaborate stage productions, as total bullshit and completely disconnected from the audience. So they got rid of the crowd barricades, played smaller (more affordable) venues, and played on the same level as the audience, where they could physically (and aggressively) interact with the crowd. They intentionally did not master their instruments, and just played louder and faster than anything that came before it.

Punk rock saw a problem space with current live music experience and changed it, giving the audience something I am calling peer-to-peer entertainment. Something physical. Emotional. Political.

Uber saw a problem with the taxi service industry. They did it better and disrupted the system. No matter how much heat they take for disrupting that industry, we will never go back to the way it used to be. Airbnb disrupted the realty and property rental industry and we will never go back.

Uber and Airbnb are great examples of startups that saw a problem space and changed the experience for the user, making it better, and completely disrupting and revolutionizing their industries.

Punks and startups view their world similarly. There are problems out there, and you don’t have to wait for someone else to solve them.

Disrupt industry, change everything, and DIY.