Incite! is a fanzine that holds a special place in the world of independent music and pop culture. Originally published by Timothy Alborn from 1985 to 1998, Incite! was more than just a periodical zine; it was a vibrant reflection of its era, capturing the essence of underground music scenes, personal reflections, and various aspects of popular culture.
The Origins and Evolution
Timothy Alborn, who started the fanzine during his student years at Harvard University and continued it into his tenure as a professor, used Incite! as a platform to explore and share his passion for independent music. Over the thirteen years of its publication, the fanzine evolved but consistently maintained its core focus on indie music. Each issue featured reviews, articles, and insights into lesser-known bands and records, often accompanied by Alborn’s personal anecdotes and reflections on the broader cultural milieu.
Digital Revival
In 2012, recognizing the enduring value of Incite!, Alborn digitized all thirty issues and made them available online through his home page at Lehman College. However, these digital copies were lost during a platform migration. In a bid to preserve this cultural artifact, Alborn has replanted the fanzine on the CUNY Academic Commons website, now enhanced with additional features. This new digital version includes links to songs from the records reviewed and bands discussed, providing readers with a richer, more interactive experience.
Content and Contributions
Each issue of Incite! starts with a short description that provides context, helping readers understand the environment and influences behind its creation. The fanzine covers a diverse range of topics beyond music, delving into various realms of pop culture and offering a personal lens on the events and trends of the time.
One notable feature of the revived Incite! is an index of all thirty issues, complete with links and short descriptions of their contents. This index serves as a handy guide for both new readers and long-time fans, making it easier to navigate through the wealth of information and nostalgia contained within the fanzine’s pages.
Alborn’s friend, Stephanie Burt, also contributed a thoughtful overview of the fanzine in an article for the London Review of Books when it was first digitized in 2012, highlighting its significance and impact.
Engaging with Incite!
For those interested in exploring Incite!, each issue is now readily accessible online. The fanzine offers a unique window into the independent music scene of the late 20th century and remains a testament to the DIY ethos that fueled much of the creativity during that period. Whether you are a music aficionado, a pop culture enthusiast, or simply curious about zine culture, Incite! promises an engaging and insightful journey.
Explore Incite! and its rich history on the CUNY Academic Commons and dive into a world where independent music and personal reflections intertwine to create a lasting legacy.