Music of Indiana - Punk Rock

Punk Rock

In Indianapolis, a vibrant 1970s punk rock and New Wave scene existed, including Latex Novelties, Joint Chiefs of Staff and Dow Jones and the Industrials (from West Lafayette). Probably the most influential Indiana punk band, however, was The Gizmos, from Bloomington, Indiana - who spawned a thriving local alternative scene that included the likes of Amoebas in Chaos and Dancing Cigarettes. Later, a hardcore punk and alternative rock band from Indianapolis called the Zero Boys made some local waves. The Zero Boys started trying to make a local hardcore scene after seeing the Dead Kennedys in Chicago. Paul Mahern of the Zero Boys led the effort, and founded Affirmation Records, releasing several compilations and recordings from Articles of Faith (from Chicago) and local band Killing Children before going out of business.

Lafayette / West Lafayette is home to punk rock record label Oi! the boat records whose roster includes bands from around the US and Europe, notably including Sweden's Perkele who headline many punk festivals throughout Europe, Lars Frederiksen's (of Rancid (band)) side project band The Old Firm Casuals, seminal UK punk bands The Last Resort and Peter and the Test Tube Babies along with many other internationally acclaimed punk and ska groups. Lafayette is also the home of Mass Giogini's (Squirtgun Sonic Iguana studios.

The Emerson, The ES Jungle (Closed but replaced by the Hoosier Dome), The 512 (Was located in Avon, it has a new location),The Irving Theater,Barley Island, The Melody Inn, The 1511 House, The Halloween House, Moria, The Firehouse Theatre, 1624 N Harrison St., Fort Wayne Hip Hop and Dance, Jam Crib, and Locals Only are wider-known names across the state for shows. House and barn shows have become increasingly common, as age limits pertaining to bars and pubs deter underage music fans from going to many shows, which are held in 21+ bars - an issue throughout the state that leaves many local promoters using coffee shops and rec centers as venues.

The local scene such as in Whiting, Hammond, and The east side of Chicago have almost all followed the scremo-post hardcore-and hardcore scene. There is also a small following in pop punk stemming from Indianapolis, with groups such as Piradical Productions helping host shows for local and mid-level touring acts.

In Northern Indiana, South Bend is home of Plinko productions lead by Garth Plinko who recorded many of South Bend's punk bands throughout the 90's. Wrecked Hooligan Records came into fruition in 2012 and has started releasing compilations titled "No Coast, No Problem" which features many of the South Bend Punk Bands, as well as bands throughout the midwest.