| Chainsaw Records | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 1991 (1991) |
| Founder | Donna Dresch |
| Genre | Queercore |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | Portland, Oregon |
Chainsaw Records is anindependent record label run byDonna Dresch that is devoted toQueercore bands. The label is in Portland, Oregon. It is not linked to Chainsaw Records, UK.
Chainsaw began life as azine published byDonna Dresch in the late 1980s. Musicians and writers featured in the zine includedLois Maffeo, Jena von Brücker,Juliana Lueking, Candice Pederson,G.B. Jones and Larrybob.[1]Chainsaw was one of the seminal queercore zines that, along withJ.D.s andHomocore, helped define the movement.[2][3]
"In 1991...Chainsaw developed from a zine into a record label. This began simply enough when she made a compilationcassette of her favourite bands and started to sell these while on tour withFifth Column", writes Amy Spencer inDIY: The Rise of Lo-Fi Culture. In 1994 Chainsaw began to release LPs and singles, beginning with the release of The Fakes (featuring members ofBikini Kill,The Need andNation of Ulysses ), theFrumpies and the firstTeam Dresch LP,Personal Best.[4] This was followed by a co-release withCandy Ass Records, the double LP/CD compilation,Free to Fight. "The label established itself as a vital element of the queercore scene..." says Spencer, as Chainsaw then began to release records by a variety ofqueer mainly women artists.[5] Of note is the fact that many bands, such asSleater-Kinney, have been able to put out their initial recordings on the label. As well, the website forChainsaw, and in particular its message board, have fostered a sense of community and provided a vehicle for expression by queers and music fans.
