From sweaty rehearsal rooms to wild nights on the road, from DIY spaces to (not so DIY stages)—2024 was a year I won’t forget. I threw myself into new projects, crossed paths with some incredible humans, played packed festivals and clubs, and pushed myself creatively in ways I didn’t see coming. Now that the dust has settled (kind of), I’m looking back at the highlights, the surprises, and the moments that made it all worth it. Whether you’ve been along for the ride or just tuning in, here’s a peek behind the scenes at what made this year so damn special. – Jennifer Finch
Print Zine (self-produced) called “No Values Festival.“ Featured photos of bands that performed at the 2024 No Values Festival, like Fear and Bad Religion, were taken by Jennifer Finch decades ago. Zine Launch with Punk Rock & Paintbrushes at No Values Festival
Jennifer Finch ❤️s You: newsletter, noise, and notes Substack Launch
I’m beyond thrilled to announce that I’ll be participating in The Punk Scholars Network Conference at the Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas on March 2nd and March 3rd. This event is a one-of-a-kind gathering of academics, musicians, and punk enthusiasts, all coming together to discuss and celebrate the history, culture, and impact of punk rock.
Punk has always been more than just music—it’s a movement, a mindset, and a way of life. Having spent decades playing, touring, and immersing myself in this world, I’m excited to contribute to these conversations and connect with others who share the same passion. The Punk Rock Museum is the perfect setting for such a meaningful event, bringing together stories, artifacts, and people who have shaped the scene over the years.
Whether you’re a lifelong punk fan, a student of subcultures, or just curious about the impact punk has had on music and society, this conference is a must-attend. I can’t wait to share insights, hear from incredible speakers, and, of course, soak in all the punk history surrounding us.
Stay tuned for more details, and if you’ll be in Vegas, come say hi! Let’s keep punk alive—loud, proud, and always questioning.
More information about The Punk Scholars Network Conference is available via their website,
While you are at the Punk Rock Museum in February and March, be sure to pick-up, touch, hols and play the Jennifer Finch’s “Ghost Bass” in the PRM Jam Room.
PUNK ON DISPLAY
MARCH 2 & 3, 2025 THE PUNK ROCK MUSEUM – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
Following the success of our second in-person conference in August 2024, we are excited to announce our third in-person conference sponsored by PSN Canada and PSN USA. This year, the conference will be held on March 2 and 3 at The Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Punk is a truly global phenomenon that manifests in myriad ways. The music and culture are created and transformed in different scenes in ways that are both unique but also reflect commonalities. Given the location of this year’s conference, we encourage participants to consider how punk is and has been collected, presented and re-presented, curated, and archived. Punks respond to and engage varying political and cultural contexts. And the culture invites individual participation within networks that foster cooperative action. Punk is many things to many people and seldom remains static over a lifetime. Increased globalization, changes in connectivity and technology, and shifts in both capitalism and populism have impacted punk for better and worse. International and transnational punk scenes reflect these connections but also can highlight ideological and aesthetic differences.
In keeping with the PSN’s multidisciplinary academic approach, we are seeking contributions from a range of fields of study and methodological approaches including, but not limited to, cultural studies, history, musicology, communication, art and design, humanities, performing arts, and the social sciences. As ever, the PSN also welcomes proposals from independent scholars, artists, journalists, musicians, punk fans, and scene participants working outside of formal academic institutions. Selected papers and panels could cover, but are not limited to, the following themes:
Formal and informal punk archives, punk gallery displays, and punk museum collections
The history of punk: origins, legacy, impact
Punk resistance, longevity, and sustainability
Global punk scenes
Punk ethics and politics
Punk aesthetics, punk style
Punk and conflict, crisis, or trauma
Ethnographic considerations of a scene, spaces, and borders
Music and the performer: creativity, authorship, identity, definition, musical boundaries
DIY culture and activism
The art of punk: record covers, concert flyers, fanzine design, and associated graphic styles
Political issues relating to Canada and the United States analyzed through the lens of punk scholarship, such as abortion rights, systemic racism, gender equality, and disability justice
Submission Deadline: Thursday, November 7, 2024, though we are happy to accept proposals earlier.
Decisions will be sent by November 21, 2024.
Proposals should be 350 words maximum. Please include a presentation title, affiliation information (if any), pronouns, and a brief presenter bio (50-100 words) with your submission. There is no conference fee for presenters.
Downtown Los Angeles’ subversive gallery These Days came alive with the primal spirit of punk rock during Jim Saah’s In My Eyes exhibition. The Punk Rock Chronicles caught up with the influential Saah and Jennifer Finch for an informative interview about the two photographers shooting pinnacle moments in American alternative culture from opposite coasts. The intimate setting of the gallery, surrounded by fringe art and underground cultural history, created the perfect backdrop for a conversation that delved deep into both photographer’s journey through the punk scene in Washington DC and Los Angeles. Stories are told of the early days alongside reflections on the lasting impact of punk culture; the day was a powerful reminder of the genre’s resilience and relevance.
Saah’s and Finch’s candid insights and the dynamic energy of the conversation offer a rare glimpse into the life of the two punk rock trailblazers. For those who couldn’t be there, stay tuned for a full recap and highlights from the event. This interview is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the raw, unfiltered passion that defines punk rock and its enduring legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard L7 fan or fascinated by the evolution of punk rock, this conversation offered something special. Stay tuned for an exclusive recap featuring key moments and behind-the-scenes photos from the event.
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In the meantime, visit These Days and explore their incredible collection of art, books, and zines that celebrate the creative heartbeats in Los Angeles and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to connect with punk history—check out this full interview through Apple Podcasts or watch the Punk Rock Chronicles crew speak with the two below. You can learn more about Jim Saah’s work through his portfolio and The Punk Rock Chronicles through their LinkTree.
“L7, hailing from California and playing grungy punk-rock, stopped at Sonic Temple amidst an ongoing tour. The sheer swagger on stage was daunting as Finch and the rest of the quartet dug their heels in and began to prove why the band remains relevant after all this time.” (Metal Injection)
“All of this, along with consistent touring, has made two things very clear: L7 isn’t going anywhere, and we need their righteous fury and snarky edge now more than ever.” (NPR)
“The 22-song, 95-minute set was bursting with vigor and an incredible amount of swagger.” (Times Union)
“No matter the musical genre you try to label L7 with — grunge, punk rock, alternative metal — it really doesn’t matter, and the truth is they are just four ladies that can still kick ass and melt faces with their decades-long catalog of tunes.” (All Music Magazine)
“LA Punk rock legends L7! came to the Canal Club to kick ass and take names!”” (Digital Beat Magazine)
Reading through the reviews ofL7’s “May Daze Tour” has been gratifying with the kind words and descriptive commentary about each show. I can’t help but feel a surge of pride and gratitude with each glowing comment. Fans have been raving about our energy on stage and the raw, unfiltered power that defines L7. It’s amazing to see how L7’s music still resonates with people, old fans and new ones alike. From the moment we step on stage to the last chord we play, the connection with the audience is electric. The feedback confirms what we feel every night on tour – that punk rock is STILL very much alive, kicking, and here to stay!
Reading through the reviews
One thing that stands out in these reviews is the appreciation for our setlist. We’ve been digging deep into our discography, mixing the classic hits from our first records with some of the newer tracks off Scatter The Rats. Fans have been thrilled to hear songs they grew up with, and it’s been equally rewarding for us to see how our newer material is being embraced.
I’m stoked about the cross-generational aspect we’ve seen at L7 shows with long-time L7 fans, now parents bringing their kids to their first L7 show, and the opening bands talking about how much L7’s music has influenced their creativity. The energy in the venues has been palpable, with mosh pits erupting and fans singing along at the top of their lungs. The reviews have highlighted not just our performance but also the communal experience of the shows – the sense of unity and rebellion that’s defined an L7 gig throughout our career.
FEEDBACK
The positive feedback has also got me thinking about the future of L7. The enthusiasm I see every night from the crowd is what makes us excited about what lies ahead for the band. We’ve always been about more than just the music; it’s about making a statement and connecting with people on a deeper level. Knowing that our fans are still with us and that new generations are discovering our music fills me with a sense of purpose. We’re more inspired than ever to keep pushing boundaries and delivering the kind of raw, unapologetic rock that people expect from us.
Jennifer Finch of L7 performing in Atlanta, GA – Photo by Elliot Gordon for All Music Magazine.
