Matthew Thompson
Name of First Zine: Fluke
Year of Publication: 1991
What/Who inspired you to make your first fanzine?
Steve Schmidt and Jason White, whom I started Fluke with. We skated and went to shows together, and Steve had interviews with Fugazi and Plaid Retina, so we built upon that. I didn’t really play an instrument but I wanted to be more than a spectator of punk, so it fit for me.
What was the zine about?
Punk rock! Interviews, photos, comics, record reviews, opinions and art.
If you had to sum up the content/design in a few sentences, how would you describe it?
Fluke is a magazine about punk rock, community, connection, music and art. It’s life.
Memorable line or quote?
From my grandmother: “If you’re bored, you’re boring.”
What was the soundtrack of your life during this period? What music or other forms of art were you accessing that may have influenced your zine writing?
Crimpshrine, Fifteen, Operation Ivy, Jawbreaker, Plaid Retina, Fugazi, Minor Threat, Trusty, Numbskulz, Econochrist, Chino Horde, 8 Bark, Fuel, Shudder to Think, Ignition, Nation of Ulysses, Nuisance, Filth, Blatz, so many great bands came out of that time. Public Enemy was a huge influence back then.
How, or did your early zine making help inform your later art/writing?
It introduced an audience who was into the same music and lifestyle which influenced my writing and content of the magazine.
Do you still make zines/chapbooks or participate in zine events?
Yes I do. I just published issue 14 last week. It’s 40 flyers from Little Rock punk shows between 1988 – 1992. It’s a supplement to Fluke 13, which was the 25th anniversary issue.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on a compilation tape of Little Rock punk bands from 1988 – 1992. It goes along with the last two issues I just released. It’s the 25th anniversary year so there’s been some nostalgia around the early days of Fluke and the Little Rock scene of that era. I’m also working on Fluke 15, which will be out sometime in the near future. Keep an eye out for it!
Read other interviews in this series: Zine Nation "My First Zine"