PART II – We Could Not Do Any Better: A History of European Straight Edge
On this episode of One Step Beyond, we are joined by Jean-Paul Frijns and Mark Hanou, authors, “We Could Not Do Any Better”.
In this conversation, Aram, Marc, and Jean-Paul discuss their book about the Straight Edge movement in Europe. Straight Edge individuals are members of the punk and hardcore community who consciously abstain from smoking, alcohol, and drug use. Many also adopt vegetarian or vegan lifestyles. Their straight edge approach challenges the more traditional punk subculture, which often embraces a hedonistic lifestyle.
This episode delves into the cultural significance and lasting impact of European punk and hardcore music, emphasizing the role of DIY ethics, activism, and community-driven storytelling. The guests discuss how punk scenes shaped their identities and fostered a sense of belonging. They highlight the importance of documenting underground movements, ensuring that influential but lesser-known bands are not forgotten over time. Through their experiences, they shed light on how music, much like business, thrives on authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to innovation.
A key theme explored in the conversation is the deep connection between European straight edge culture and political activism, particularly in contrast to its North American counterpart. The guests discuss how European straight edge movements are often interwoven with veganism, anti-capitalism, and broader social justice efforts. This perspective underscores the idea that cultural movements are more than just trends. They are powerful forces for change that can redefine industries, influence public discourse, and leave a lasting societal impact.
The episode provides insights into the challenges of tackling large-scale creative projects, using the guests’ experience writing and publishing their book as an example. They stress the importance of collaboration, persistence, and adaptability when bringing a vision to life, drawing parallels between their journey and any major business endeavor. Their key advice, “don’t do it alone, and just start,” resonates beyond the creative world, offering valuable lessons for corporate leaders and entrepreneurs alike.
ON THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT:
- Straight Edge philosophy challenging traditional punk norms
- The influence of European punk and hardcore music on youth culture and social movements
- The DIY ethos of punk and hardcore, emphasizing self-expression and independence
- The importance of clear communication and collaboration in large-scale projects
- The impact of strategic alignment of goals between partners
- Navigating challenging conversations
- Leveraging diverse perspectives to enhance creativity and innovation
- Overcoming challenges and maintaining momentum during setbacks
ABOUT OUR GUESTS:
Marc Hanou (1967) discovered punk in 1980, and stumbled upon the underground a year later. He went to the first Lärm-show then started his first punk band. Turned straight edge in 1985, vegetarian in 1986 and vegan in 1991. Did Revelation Europe from 1989 till 1995. Booked shows in youth centers, squats, bars and music venues, from local Dutch bands to touring foreign bands, varying from Born Against to Green Day.
He started working as a city planner for the Dutch national government in the 90’s. His career developed in public administration, as senior advisor to the mayor of Amsterdam. Currently he works as one of the city managers of Almere, one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands.
Connect with Marc Hanou:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marchanou/
https://www.straightedgebook.nl/
Jean-Paul Frijns (1973) heard punk for the first time on the b-side of a new-wave compilation tape that a friend gave him during the mid ’80s. Skateboarding and magazines like Thrasher and Maximum Rocknroll got him more involved in punk and hardcore. It introduced him to straight edge and inspired him to start his own ‘zine, Value of Strength. He organized the annual ‘Geleen Festival’ during the mid 90’s in the southern part of the Netherlands and booked shows in squats, bars and music venues.
Worked as a graphic designer for Victory records, lived in Chicago where he picked up the bass guitar and played in bands like Birds of a Feather, Echoes, and currently for Thrive.
Since moving back to The Netherlands, he worked for (international) advertising agencies in the Amsterdam area and eventually started his own agency specializing in graphic design, art-direction, branding and brand-activation.
Connect with Jean-Paul:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanpaulfrijns/
https://www.straightedgebook.nl/
About Aram Arslanian:
Cadence was established in 2016 by Aram Arslanian, a coach, therapist, and executive with over 20 years of experience. His background in business, counselling, and performance has enabled him to build a firm uniquely positioned to support organizations in developing their talent. Aram’s approach to leadership and communication is informed by research, his therapeutic experience, and his lived experience as an executive leader.
Connect with Aram:
Linkedin
About Cadence Leadership:
Cadence Leadership + Communication is a professional development company dedicated to unlocking true leadership potential. We guide individuals to lead authentically and effectively with a unique blend of mindset and skill set development that is rooted in psychology. Our team is laser-focused on meaningful change and empowering clients to break free from limiting habits. Cadence has worked globally with leaders and their teams from the C-suite to the frontlines and has engaged with companies from a diverse range of industries. At Cadence, our passion is helping people become their greatest selves so they can create a lasting impact in the workplace and beyond.
Coaching | 360 Assessments | Team 360 Assessments | Courses | Keynote Speaking
Connect with Cadence Leadership & Communication:
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Cadence Leadership