Amy Spencer’s book is the latest in a relatively small field to attempt to document the history of independent music and self-publishing. Focusing on the ideals of authenticity and empowerment as central tenants of DIY (or more specifically, the “lo-fi ideals of do-it-yourself culture”), Spencer outlines the way that numerous bands, record labels, and publishing ventures have opposed professionalism, rejected the mainstream, and taken cultural production into their own hands. Her book stands as a fairly comprehensive guide to the evolution of DIY culture as we know it today.
The book departs from the few others that cover similar subjects by being neither an anthology nor a narrowly focused investigation, instead focusing on “underground movements where DIY and lo-fi ideals are translated into words and music.” Treat yourself by reading the interviews in the book at Spiritti.
For the most part, information is presented chronologically. Spencer succeeds admirably in linking the rise of DIY culture with subcultures and social movements. It’s also refreshing that she highlights some early examples of DIY that are largely unknown. Since zines and records are in some ways their own documents, DIY is a kind of index to a certain category of subcultures. The book is at its strongest when it stays in the present, discussing contemporary 'zine writing or the current music scene. DIY: The Rise of Lo-Fi Culture is ultimately an informative read wherein Spencer champions the unsung heroes and heroines of the lo-fi scene , grab it at Spiritti.
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