The Inner Ear of Don Zientara: a half century of recording in one of america's most innovative studios, through the voices of musicians
Description
A photo-filled oral history of the DC-area music studio that brought us some of the most iconic recordings by Bad Brains, Bikini Kill, Fugazi, and so many more
In the late 1970s, Don Zientara—a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War—founded Inner Ear Studio in the basement of his home in Arlington, VA, using the electronics training he received from the army. Inner Ear remained in Don's basement until its 1990 relocation to a larger space on South Oakland Street. Along the way, Inner Ear became best known for recording iconic DC punk musicians including Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Bikini Kill, Rites of Spring, Mary Timony, and Fugazi.
Composed by photographer Antonia Tricarico, The Inner Ear of Don Zientara is an oral history of not just Inner Ear's recordings, but the role that Don played in creating one of the most welcoming and nurturing recording studios the world over. Alongside 250 photographs, this volume includes testimonials from members of Fugazi, Scream, Fire Party, Shudder to Think, Jawbox, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Dismemberment Plan, as well as musicians like Kathleen Hanna and Henry Rollins, among other notables.
In addition to DC punk bands, Don also recorded many other styles and genres, including Celtic folk tunes, harp music, Russian balalaika groups, political advertisers, and choral singers. The studio was also featured on Dave Grohl’s Sonic Highways television mini-series. The Inner Ear of Don Zientara pays tribute to this iconic studio, celebrating the man at the heart of this remarkable space.
More Details
Also in this Series
Published Reviews
Library Journal Review
Founded in the late 1970s by Don Zientara, Inner Ear Studio is known for recording many iconic DC area punk bands, including Minor Threat, Bad Brains, and Bikini Kill. In this oral history put on the page, photographer/editor Tricarico (Frame of Mind: Punk Photos and Essays from Washington, DC, and Beyond, 1997--2017) has compiled a collection of remembrances from musicians, including longtime collaborator Ian MacKaye, Kathleen Hanna, and Henry Rollins, plus band members of Fugazi, Scream, the Dismemberment Plan, and the Slickee Boys. The book boasts 250 photographs (taken by Tricarico) of the bands and musicians that recorded with Zientara. This is a time capsule of a studio that shut its doors in August 2022 so that Zientara, influential in the DC underground and punk music scenes over the past 40 years, could finally retire. Through the compilation of memories of recording at Inner Ear and the experience of working with Zientara, the editor pieces together not only the history of the studio but also Zientara's story and the space he created for musicians. VERDICT With a wide range of pieces and candid photographs throughout, this work will likely appeal to music fans and readers interested in independent music studios and music history.--Rebekah J. Buchanan
Library Journal Reviews
Founded in the late 1970s by Don Zientara, Inner Ear Studio is known for recording many iconic DC area punk bands, including Minor Threat, Bad Brains, and Bikini Kill. In this oral history put on the page, photographer/editor Tricarico (Frame of Mind: Punk Photos and Essays from Washington, DC, and Beyond, 1997–2017) has compiled a collection of remembrances from musicians, including longtime collaborator Ian MacKaye, Kathleen Hanna, and Henry Rollins, plus band members of Fugazi, Scream, the Dismemberment Plan, and the Slickee Boys. The book boasts 250 photographs (taken by Tricarico) of the bands and musicians that recorded with Zientara. This is a time capsule of a studio that shut its doors in August 2022 so that Zientara, influential in the DC underground and punk music scenes over the past 40 years, could finally retire. Through the compilation of memories of recording at Inner Ear and the experience of working with Zientara, the editor pieces together not only the history of the studio but also Zientara's story and the space he created for musicians. VERDICT With a wide range of pieces and candid photographs throughout, this work will likely appeal to music fans and readers interested in independent music studios and music history.—Rebekah J. Buchanan
Copyright 2023 Library Journal.