Jigsaw (Zine)
Jigsaw is a zine, or fanzine, made by Tobi Vail in 1991 and printed from Olympia, Washington. Jigsaw No. 3 combines social commentary, community outreach, and the interests of the authors. It covers a wide range of topics including bands, local performances, and politics.
Summary
The beginning of the zine is about an artist that the author likes (Kim Deal), and the author uses this to proceed into the topic of what the zine is about. She discusses society's avoidance of political conversation in sophisticated environments, and criticizes the concept of professionalism and sophistication in music. She goes on to discuss her sociopolitical beliefs; she condemns misogyny and sexism as anti-revolutionary in all forms, calls out racism in the punk and rock-and-roll scene, and criticizes homophobia as well.
References and Promotions
Vail uses Jigsaw No. 3 to promote a variety of independent and alternative projects by friends and fellow community members, including:
- Kim Deal (Alternative musician and inspiration for Jigsaw)
- Prunella (Band)
- Simple Machines (Music label)
- Mecca Normal (Band)
- Comrades in Arms (Band)
- Ulysses (Band)
- Fuck Me Blind (Book by M. F.)
- The Most Beautiful Girl is a Dead Girl (Book by M. F.)
- Girl Germs (Band)
- Bratmobile (Band)
- Bikini Kill (Band)
- Heavens to Betsy (Band)
- Revolution Girl Style Now (Band)
- Witchipoo (Band)
- Some Velvet Sidewalk (Band)
- Fitz of Depression (Band)
- Seaweed (Band)
- Beat Happening (Band)
- Nirvana (Band)
- Giant Henry (Band)
- April 73 (Band)
Background
“Riot Grrrl” is the name of the movement that was started in the 90s by a small group of women, emerging from the punk society in Olympia, Washington. The movement aimed to provide a space where women could speak up and talk about sexual violence and sexual and gender discrimination, while also responding to the straight, white male domination in punk and rock culture. Riot Grrrl encouraged women to start bands, write zines, and share their stories and experiences in a safe, no judgement environment. The movement was also a space where individuals could express themselves and not be afraid to hide who they are, including being a woman, non-binary or transgender person, person of color, and/or queer individual. Riot Grrrl really opened the door for women in punk and rock, and bands like Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, and Heavens to Betsy heavily influenced the creation and spread of zines, more bands, and people willing to support the movement.
Tobi Vail
Tobi Vail, born in 1969 in Auburn, Washington, is a feminist music critic and musician. She was a major figure in the eruption of the Riot Grrl scene, and was actually the person that coined the spelling of “Grrl.” She is the founder of the jigsaw zine. Additionally, she is one of the founding members of the legendary band Bikini Kill. [2]
Kathleen Hanna
Kathleen Hanna, who was born in 1968, is also a prominent feminist activist and a staple in the female punk music community. She worked alongside Tobi Vail to construct Jigsaw zine. She was the lead vocalist of Bikini Kill from 1990-1997, and later on, she became a founding member of the legendary band Le Tigre. [1] Her most recent band, formed in 2010, is called Run Fast. Since working with Jigsaw zine, Kathleen has written her own memoir, titled Rebel Girl. [2]
