Why Punk Will Beat Any PR Firm

Last year I visited some young(ish) punks in Bristol.

I love underground culture.

It bristles with energy and creativity.

I don’t have an original creative bone in my body.

To quote Austin Kleon’s book title, I ‘Steal Like An Artist’.

If you haven’t read it, do.

I’m a member of several marketing/branding/stand-the-fuck-out communities.

I love how messaging can change the culture impact people’s lives.

Every PR company tries to define a brand. Craft an authentic story.

Yet it seems that authentic = mass-produced bollocks.

The next time I hear someone use the A word, I’m a-gonna rip their darn head off, and drink from the fountain of blood.

Puuurrrleeze!

How can a bunch of dishevelled miscreants somehow get their art and creations out to such a vast network in a culture drowning in noise?

Easy.

They don’t play the game the way other people think the game should be played.

Nah!

They go full-throttle when it comes to originality: that and an infectious desire to stick it to the man.

No money, just creativity, energy and cunning.

That’s why punks blow PR firms out of the water.

Next time you want a rebrand, pop down to a big city punk gig and soak up the vibe.

The worst that can happen is you might get punched in the face for being a hipster.

Go ship fuckers.