By Alicia Cargile

Teenage angst is such an unnecessary evil we all go through.  Not much comes of it besides black eyes, hangovers, fights with your parents and suspensions.  There is one absolutely fantastic thing that derives from it, discovering your identity.  Self-expression is most important to those that are still trying to figure it out.  Naturally, music is a big part of this process.  To me, music is the most important thing in the world.  For others, it’s art, school, career, relationships…my air is music.  Transitioning from a leadership-driven scholar student to an awkward teen with bad skin, braces and a loss of identity, I found myself yearning to be a part of something more.

My first day of musicianship I found myself trembling as I clutched my dingy used Gibson Epiphone and dramatically swallowed.  I was staring out onto a sea of high school students, all strategically separated according to their haircuts – seriously.  I took a seat next to a girl who I knew as “Lauren.”  She was wearing ripped fishnet stockings underneath a pair of frayed Levi shorts accompanied by a baggy GBH T shirt that gracefully hung off her shoulders.  She was wearing about a million bracelets, rings and necklaces and just as many colors in her hair. She told me she liked me, and that was that, acceptance.

From that point forward, I had a family.  I was part of the punk movement and was absolutely enthralled with the idea.  I would spend hours sewing the perfect OP IVY patches on the same pair of generic tight black pants.  I would play Clash covers in my room instead of eating dinner and would spend every cent of my hard-earned money from my job at the bagel shop (no joke) to buy vinyl.

Now that I’m an adult, life has changed.  Instead of buying hair dye, I buy books about Aftereffects, Compositing and the “quick guides” to understanding VFX lingo.  The one thing that remains the same is the music I listen to – the music that gets me through the good, bad, ugly and perfect days.  Call me crazy, but here at Zoic I’m pretty much always happy. That being said, I’ve been listening to what I like to call, “The Happy Punk.”  No, this is not pop-punk, but 70’s punk bands that did the occasional happy song. I’ve created a playlist of my favorite punk, or punk-inspired songs that really keep me going here at Zoic. Enjoy!

***”Punkrocker” by the Teddybears featuring Iggy Pop is going to be headlining this playlist; because I feel this is a beautiful, modernized depiction of punk music. (Plus, it’s get off your ass and dance music!)

“See me driving down the street,

I’m bored with looking good.

I got both hands off the wheel,

The cops are coming.

I’m listening to the music with no fear,

You can hear it too if you’re sincere.

Cause I’m a Punk rocker, yes I am.

Well I’m a Punk rocker, yes I am.”

1.       Punkrocker – Teddybears Featuring Iggy Pop

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YaJhCXnPt8

A Swedish band formed in the early 90’s – specializing in grindcore and more recently, mixing well-known songs and producing heavy synth electro-pop songs. Signed by Atlantic Records, they have 4 albums out to date – and a few EPs under the radar. Featuring Iggy Pop, who is one of the founding fathers of punk rock who peaked in the mid 70’s all the way to the late 80’s and is still going strong!

2.       Marquee Moon – Television

Oh Television, one of my favorite bands in the entire world.  They’re even BETTER on vinyl. Actually, scratch that. You should only listen to Television on vinyl. Fronted by hotshot Richard Hell from the Voidoids; this band is sure to resonate with all audience members regardless of music preferences.

3.       Blitzkrieg Bop – Ramones

A classic, it’s been blown out by the media in all forms. Everyone’s heard it. Does that discount this song’s amazing-factor? Absolutely not!

4.       Waiting Room – Fugazi (A CLASSIC!!)

Fugazi is “that” band that all great bands list as their influence and inspiration. They’ve been around for as long as I’ve been alive and have had countless changes in band members and music styles. They stopped making music (publically) in 2002 but many fans are sitting on their hands, eagerly awaiting their return to the public eye.

5.       Aint’ Got No Sense – Teenage Head

This is a dirty, crunchy punk song from the 90s that you’re sure to love. I do!

6.       Someone I Care About – The Modern Lovers

This Canadian rock group has been around and actively playing for the last 35 years – pretty impressive! If they keep it up they’ll be giving Mick Jagger a run for his money. (Jagger has been actively making music for over 50 years)

7.       Baby Baby – The Vibrators

A British punk band formed in 1976, they’ve been on over 10 labels throughout their duration of being together. This song is my ode to all the loves I’ve never had. “Oh baby baby baby, won’t you be my girl?”

8.       What Do I get? – The Buzzcocks

This is a classically upbeat song about a grumpy subject.  I just want a lover. Like any other, so what do I get?

9.       Carried Away – Television

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIbweWhtLW0

When the time comes for me to get married, I envision myself dancing to this song at my reception… live. (Hell, people can dream can’t they?)

10.   Looking For a Kiss – The New York Dolls (“When I say I’m in love you best believe I’m in love -L.U.V.!”)

This is a song with a twisted view of adolescent teens and their attractions to one another. It’s funny how as you grow older you become a refined and mature adult.  Hopefully, you look for a mate who’s educated, funny, and attractive but sometimes…you’re just looking for kiss.

Alicia Cargile is a Production Coordinator for the Design Department at Zoic Studios.

Every month a member of the Zoic Studios team will be submitting a play list of music that inspires them. What music inspires you? Let us know and maybe your music will be featured on a future playlist.