Don Zientara
Encyclopedia
Don Zientara is an American
record producer
and musician
. He owns and runs Inner Ear Studios
in Arlington, Virginia, located just outside of Washington D.C., and is most widely known for his production work with Fugazi, Minor Threat
and various other Dischord Records
artists.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
and musician
Musician
A musician is an artist who plays a musical instrument. It may or may not be the person's profession. Musicians can be classified by their roles in performing music and writing music.Also....* A person who makes music a profession....
. He owns and runs Inner Ear Studios
Inner Ear Studios
Inner Ear Studios is a recording studio founded in Arlington, VA by musician and recording engineer Don Zientara. Hundreds of albums, including both independent and major label releases have been recorded at the studio. It has been in continuous operation for over 25 years.- See Also :Don Zientara...
in Arlington, Virginia, located just outside of Washington D.C., and is most widely known for his production work with Fugazi, Minor Threat
Minor Threat
Minor Threat was an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C. in 1980 and disbanded in 1983. The band was relatively short-lived, but had a strong influence on the hardcore punk music scene, both stylistically and in establishing a "do it yourself" ethic for music distribution and...
and various other Dischord Records
Dischord Records
Dischord Records is a Washington, D.C.-based independent record label specializing in the independent punk music of the D.C.-area music scene. The label is co-owned by Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson, who founded Dischord in 1980 to release Minor Disturbance by The Teen Idles...
artists.
Production credits
Zientara's production/engineering credits include the following:- Minor ThreatMinor ThreatMinor Threat was an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C. in 1980 and disbanded in 1983. The band was relatively short-lived, but had a strong influence on the hardcore punk music scene, both stylistically and in establishing a "do it yourself" ethic for music distribution and...
- Minor Threat (1981) - Government IssueGovernment IssueGovernment Issue was an American hardcore punk band from Washington, D.C. active from 1980 to 1989. The band experienced many changes in membership during its nine-year existence, with singer John Stabb as the only consistent member in an ever-fluctuating lineup that at various times included...
- Legless Bull (1981) - VoidVoid (band)Void was a Washington D.C.-based hardcore punk/crossover thrash band. They were one of the first hardcore outfits to fuse hardcore and some heavy metal in a way most hardcore and metal fans could accept, paving the way for bands such as The Melvins. They were one of the first local bands popular in...
/ Faith - Void/Faith split (1982) - ScreamScream (band)Scream is a hardcore punk band from Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia active from 1981 to 1990. As of 2009, the band has reunited to play several shows.-Biography:...
- Still ScreamingStill ScreamingStill Screaming is an album by Scream released in 1983 through Dischord Records.-Track listing:#"Came Without Warning"#"Bedlam"#"Solidarity"#"Your Wars/Killer"#"Piece of Her Time"#"Human Behavior"#"Stand"#"Fight/American Justice"#"New Song"...
(1983) - Minor ThreatMinor ThreatMinor Threat was an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C. in 1980 and disbanded in 1983. The band was relatively short-lived, but had a strong influence on the hardcore punk music scene, both stylistically and in establishing a "do it yourself" ethic for music distribution and...
- Out of Step (1983) - Government IssueGovernment IssueGovernment Issue was an American hardcore punk band from Washington, D.C. active from 1980 to 1989. The band experienced many changes in membership during its nine-year existence, with singer John Stabb as the only consistent member in an ever-fluctuating lineup that at various times included...
- Boycott Stabb (1983) - United MutationUnited mutationUnited Mutation were the flagship act on DSI Records in the early 1980s. Based in Northern Virginia, United Mutation attracted the interest of household punk names Ian MacKaye who partnered with the band for a split label release on Dischord Records and Jello Biafra who insisted United Mutation...
- Fugitive Family (1983) - Faith - Subject to Change (1983)
- Marginal ManMarginal ManMarginal Man was a punk band that emerged in the Washington, D.C. hardcore scene in 1983. Steve Polcari, Pete Murray, and Mike Manos all had played earlier in Artificial Peace, a band which appears on Dischord Records' important Flex Your Head compilation, an essential document of the 1980s D.C....
- Identity (1984) - Minor ThreatMinor ThreatMinor Threat was an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C. in 1980 and disbanded in 1983. The band was relatively short-lived, but had a strong influence on the hardcore punk music scene, both stylistically and in establishing a "do it yourself" ethic for music distribution and...
- Salad Days (1985) - ScreamScream (band)Scream is a hardcore punk band from Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia active from 1981 to 1990. As of 2009, the band has reunited to play several shows.-Biography:...
- This Side UpThis Side UpThis Side Up is the second album by Washington, D.C. band Scream, released in 1985 on the Dischord Records label.-Track listing:#"Bet You Never Thought"#"Things To Do Today"#"This Side Up"#"Gluesniff"#"Still Screaming"#"A No Money Down"...
(1985) - Rites of SpringRites of SpringRites of Spring was an American post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C. in the mid-1980s, known for their energetic live performances. A part of the D.C. hardcore punk scene, Rites of Spring increased the frenetic violence and visceral passion of hardcore while simultaneously experimenting with...
- Rites of SpringRites of Spring (album)Rites of Spring is the first and only studio album released by influential DC post-hardcore band Rites of Spring. The twelve songs were recorded at Inner Ear Studios in February, 1985, produced by Ian MacKaye and released on vinyl in June, 1985 as Dischord Records #16...
(1985) - EmbraceEmbrace (U.S. band)Embrace was a short-lived post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., which lasted from the summer of 1985 to the spring of 1986 and was one of the first bands to be dubbed in the press as emotional hardcore, though the members had rejected the term since its creation...
- Embrace (1985) - Dag NastyDag NastyDag Nasty was a Washington D.C. punk band formed in 1985 by guitarist Brian Baker of Minor Threat, drummer Colin Sears and bassist Roger Marbury, both of Bloody Mannequin Orchestra, and vocalist Shawn Brown...
- Can I SayCan I SayCan I Say is an album by Dag Nasty released in 1986 through Dischord Records.Remastered and re-released on CD with bonus songs in 2002.-Track listing:All tracks by Dag NastySide one#"Values Here" - 2:23#"One to Two" - 2:15#"Circles" - 2:46...
(1986) - Egg HuntEgg HuntEgg Hunt was a small band/project of long time friends and musicians Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson, former singer and drummer of the hardcore punk band Minor Threat....
- Me and You (1986) - Gray MatterGray Matter (band)Gray Matter was a post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., who played in the 1980s and '90s. They disbanded in 1986, but reformed in 1990.On September 12, 2008, the band reformed for a one off reunion show to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Black Cat, a night club in Washington DC,...
- Take it Back (1986) - Rites of SpringRites of SpringRites of Spring was an American post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C. in the mid-1980s, known for their energetic live performances. A part of the D.C. hardcore punk scene, Rites of Spring increased the frenetic violence and visceral passion of hardcore while simultaneously experimenting with...
- All Through a LifeAll Through a LifeAll Through a Life is an EP by Rites of Spring, released in 1987 . It is regarded as the release that bridged the early DC sound of Minor Threat and Scream and the later DC sound of Embrace and One Last Wish.-Track listing:...
(1987) - Soulside - Less Deep Inside Keeps (1987)
- Shudder to ThinkShudder to ThinkShudder to Think is an American indie rock group. Formed in 1986, they released three albums on the Washington, D.C.-based label Dischord Records and were a post-hardcore band, although they drew upon a wide range of stylistic influences, including pop....
- It Was Arson (1988) - Holy Rollers - Origami Sessions (1989)
- Fugazi - 13 Songs13 Songs13 Songs is a compilation of all the songs from the American post-hardcore band Fugazi's first two EPs. It was released in September 1989.-Background:...
(1989) - Fugazi - RepeaterRepeater (album)Repeater is the debut full-length studio album by the American post-hardcore band Fugazi. It was released on April 19, 1990 as Repeater on LP, and in May 1990 on CD bundled with the 3 Songs EP as Repeater + 3 Songs...
(1990) - JawboxJawboxJawbox was an alternative rock band from Washington, D.C., U.S.. Its original members were J. Robbins , Kim Coletta and Adam Wade...
- Jawbox (1990) - Shudder to ThinkShudder to ThinkShudder to Think is an American indie rock group. Formed in 1986, they released three albums on the Washington, D.C.-based label Dischord Records and were a post-hardcore band, although they drew upon a wide range of stylistic influences, including pop....
- 'Ten Spot (1991) - JawboxJawboxJawbox was an alternative rock band from Washington, D.C., U.S.. Its original members were J. Robbins , Kim Coletta and Adam Wade...
- GrippeGrippe (album)Grippe is the debut album from post-hardcore band, Jawbox. It was released in May 1991 on Dischord Records.Recorded throughout the year of 1990, Jawbox's first effort was generally brushed off by critics as a sloppy but promising debut...
(1991) - Fugazi - Steady Diet of NothingSteady Diet of NothingSteady Diet of Nothing is the second full-length studio album by American post-hardcore band Fugazi, released in July, 1991. The title is taken from a quote by the late American stand-up comedian Bill Hicks....
(1991) - Nation of UlyssesNation of UlyssesThe Nation of Ulysses was an American punk rock band from Washington, D.C., formed in spring 1988 with four members. Originally known as simply "Ulysses," the first mark of the group consisted of Ian Svenonius on vocals and trumpet, Steve Kroner on guitar, Steve Gamboa on bass guitar, and James...
- 13-Point Program to Destroy America (1991) - JawboxJawboxJawbox was an alternative rock band from Washington, D.C., U.S.. Its original members were J. Robbins , Kim Coletta and Adam Wade...
- Tongues (1992) - Circus LupusCircus LupusCircus Lupus was a post-hardcore band based in the area of Washington, DC, U.S.A.. The band originally formed in Madison where one-time Ignition and Soul Side bassist Chris Thomson met guitarist Chris Hamley and drummer Arika Casebolt while attending school...
- Super Genius (1992) - LungfishLungfish (band)Lungfish is a post-hardcore band formed in 1987 in Baltimore, Maryland. All of their music has been released by the Washington, D.C. punk label Dischord except for their first LP, Necklace of Heads which was released by Simple Machines .Their line-up as of 2005 consists of Daniel Higgs , Asa...
- Talking Songs for Walking - Shudder to ThinkShudder to ThinkShudder to Think is an American indie rock group. Formed in 1986, they released three albums on the Washington, D.C.-based label Dischord Records and were a post-hardcore band, although they drew upon a wide range of stylistic influences, including pop....
- 'Get Your Goat (1992) - Gray MatterGray Matter (band)Gray Matter was a post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., who played in the 1980s and '90s. They disbanded in 1986, but reformed in 1990.On September 12, 2008, the band reformed for a one off reunion show to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Black Cat, a night club in Washington DC,...
- Thog (1992) - JawboxJawboxJawbox was an alternative rock band from Washington, D.C., U.S.. Its original members were J. Robbins , Kim Coletta and Adam Wade...
- NoveltyNovelty (album)Novelty is an album from the early 90's by Jawbox. The songs "Static" and "Cutoff" were singles from the album, but only the latter had a music video.-Track listing:#"Cutoff"#"Tracking"#"Dreamless"#"Channel 3"...
(1992) - Fugazi - In on the Kill TakerIn on the Kill TakerIn on the Kill Taker is the third full-length studio album by the American post-hardcore band Fugazi. It was released on June 30th, 1993 through Dischord Records and was recorded at Inner Ear Studios and produced by Ted Nicely and Don Zientara...
(1993) - Nation of UlyssesNation of UlyssesThe Nation of Ulysses was an American punk rock band from Washington, D.C., formed in spring 1988 with four members. Originally known as simply "Ulysses," the first mark of the group consisted of Ian Svenonius on vocals and trumpet, Steve Kroner on guitar, Steve Gamboa on bass guitar, and James...
- Plays Pretty for BabyPlays Pretty for BabyPlays Pretty for Baby is the second album by the American punk rock band Nation of Ulysses.Tracks 14-16 on the CD are not on the original album, and are taken from the 7" EP Birth of a Ulysses Aesthetic....
(1993) - ScreamScream (band)Scream is a hardcore punk band from Bailey's Crossroads, Virginia active from 1981 to 1990. As of 2009, the band has reunited to play several shows.-Biography:...
- FumbleFumble (album)Fumble is the fifth and final studio album by American hardcore band Scream, recorded December 1989 at Inner Ear Studios in Arlington, Virginia, and released in July 1993 through Dischord...
(1993) - Slant 6Slant 6Slant 6 was an all-female punk rock trio based in Washington, D.C.The group consisted of Christina Billotte , Myra Power , and Marge Marshall ; it formed in July 1992 following the 1991 breakup of Autoclave, in which Billotte had played...
- What Kind of Monster Are You (1993) - Ignition - Complete Services (1994)
- LungfishLungfishLungfish are freshwater fish belonging to the Subclass Dipnoi. Lungfish are best known for retaining characteristics primitive within the Osteichthyes, including the ability to breathe air, and structures primitive within Sarcopterygii, including the presence of lobed fins with a well-developed...
- "Pass and Stow" (1994) - Fugazi - Red MedicineRed MedicineRed Medicine is the fourth full-length studio album by American post-hardcore band Fugazi, released on June 12th, 1995 through Dischord Records.-Background:...
(1995) - BluetipBluetipBluetip was a rock band from Washington, D.C. It was formed in 1995 by ex-members of Swiz, and released four albums, an EP, and a number of singles before splitting up in January 2002....
- Dischord No. 101 (1996) - Bad BrainsBad BrainsBad Brains is an American hardcore punk band formed in Washington, D.C., in 1977. They are widely regarded as among the pioneers of hardcore punk, though the band's members objected to this term to describe their music. They are also an adept reggae band, while later recordings featured elements of...
- Black DotsBlack DotsBlack Dots is a collection of early songs recorded by Bad Brains. It was recorded at Inner Ear Studios in 1979, which at the time was in Don Zientara's basement. In between songs you can hear Zientara's son talking to H.R...
(1996) - The WarmersThe WarmersThe Warmers were a post-hardcore band based in Washington, D.C. that recorded and performed from July 1994 through December 1997. A trio act that featured Alec MacKaye , Juan Luis Carrera , and Amy Farina , The Warmers released two recordings through the D.C. based record label Dischord Records...
- The Warmers (1996) - LungfishLungfishLungfish are freshwater fish belonging to the Subclass Dipnoi. Lungfish are best known for retaining characteristics primitive within the Osteichthyes, including the ability to breathe air, and structures primitive within Sarcopterygii, including the presence of lobed fins with a well-developed...
- "Indivisible" (1997) - Fugazi - 'End HitsEnd HitsEnd Hits is the fifth studio album by the American post-hardcore band Fugazi. It was recorded at Inner Ear Studios from March 1997 to September 1997 and produced by Don Zientara & Fugazi. It was released on April 28, 1998 through Dischord Records. The album saw the band continuing with and...
(1998) - LungfishLungfishLungfish are freshwater fish belonging to the Subclass Dipnoi. Lungfish are best known for retaining characteristics primitive within the Osteichthyes, including the ability to breathe air, and structures primitive within Sarcopterygii, including the presence of lobed fins with a well-developed...
- The Unanimous Hour (1999) - One Last WishOne Last WishOne Last Wish was a short-lived post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C. It was formed in May 1986 by members of Rites of Spring, and split up in January 1987....
- '1986 (1999) - Fugazi - Instrument SoundtrackInstrument SoundtrackInstrument Soundtrack is a 1999 album by American post-hardcore band Fugazi.-Background:It is a mainly instrumental soundtrack for the documentary about the band produced by the band and filmmaker Jem Cohen....
(1999) - FaraquetFaraquetFaraquet is an influential post-hardcore band from Washington D.C. sometimes placed in the math rock genre. They were formed in 1997, and disbanded in 2001. They were on Dischord Records, and were influenced by bands like Fugazi, Jawbox, Nation of Ulysses, as well as King Crimson...
- 'The View from this TowerThe View from this TowerThe View from this Tower is the only full-length album by the band Faraquet. Released on Dischord Records in 2000 , it was their fourth, and last, recorded work.The album is also known for its instrumental fan favourite "The Missing Piece"....
(2000) - Q and Not UQ and Not UQ and Not U was a post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., signed to Dischord Records. Members John Davis, Harris Klahr, Christopher Richards, and Matt Borlik formed the band in 1998...
- No Kill No Beep BeepNo Kill No Beep BeepNo Kill No Beep Beep was the debut album from Q and Not U that was released on October 24, 2000. It was produced and engineered by Ian MacKaye and Don Zientara...
(2000) - Fugazi - Furniture + 2Furniture + 2Furniture + 2 is the most recent EP released by American post-hardcore band Fugazi. It was recorded in January and February 2001, the same time that the band was recording their last album, The Argument, and released in October 2001 on 7" and on CD....
(2001) - Fugazi - The ArgumentThe ArgumentThe Argument was released by Dischord Records on October 16, 2001, along with their EP, Furniture + 2, almost 4 years after the release of End Hits. The album was met with critical and commercial success entering the Billboard charts and selling 174,000 copies in its first week of release...
(2001) - Q and Not UQ and Not UQ and Not U was a post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., signed to Dischord Records. Members John Davis, Harris Klahr, Christopher Richards, and Matt Borlik formed the band in 1998...
- On Play PatternsOn Play PatternsOn Play Patterns is a Q and Not U EP that was recorded at Inner Ear Studios in January 2002 and released on Dischord Records in April 2002 on both CD and 7" formats. It was produced and engineered by Ian MacKaye and Don Zientara. Cover art photography was taken by Shawn Brackbill at the National...
(2002) - Q and Not UQ and Not UQ and Not U was a post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., signed to Dischord Records. Members John Davis, Harris Klahr, Christopher Richards, and Matt Borlik formed the band in 1998...
- Different DamageDifferent DamageDifferent Damage is a Q and Not U album that was recorded at Inner Ear Studios in May/June 2002 and released in October 2002 on Dischord Records. It was engineered and produced by Ian MacKaye and Don Zientara and mastered by Chad Clark at Silver Sonya...
(2003) - John FruscianteJohn FruscianteJohn Anthony Frusciante is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, record and film producer. He is best known as the former lead guitarist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, with whom he had been for a number of years and recorded five studio albums...
- DC EPDC EPDC EP is an EP by John Frusciante, released on September 14, 2004 on Record Collection. Produced by Ian Mackaye, of Fugazi, the EP is the third recording in a series of six, released from June 2004 to February 2005, by Frusciante....
(2004) - The EvensThe EvensThe Evens are a Washington, D.C. indie-rock duo, formed in the fall of 2001, comprising partners Ian MacKaye and Amy Farina...
- '12 SongsThe Evens (album)The Evens is the self-titled debut album by The Evens. It is the first non-Fugazi album released by Ian MacKaye since 1987's Embrace.-Track listing:# "Shelter Two"# "Around the Corner"# "All These Governors"# "Crude Bomb"# "Sara Lee"# "Mt...
(2005) - Joe LallyJoe LallyJoe Lally is a bass guitar player, vocalist and label owner, best known for his work with Fugazi.-Fugazi:...
- There to Here (2006) - The EvensThe EvensThe Evens are a Washington, D.C. indie-rock duo, formed in the fall of 2001, comprising partners Ian MacKaye and Amy Farina...
- Get EvensGet EvensGet Evens is the second album by indie / punk duo The Evens. It was released on November 6, 2006.-Track listing:# "Cut from the Cloth"# "Everybody Knows"# "Cache Is Empty"# "You Fell Down"# "Pushed Against the Wall"# "No Money"...
(2006) - Joe LallyJoe LallyJoe Lally is a bass guitar player, vocalist and label owner, best known for his work with Fugazi.-Fugazi:...
- Nothing is Underrated (2007) - Dag NastyDag NastyDag Nasty was a Washington D.C. punk band formed in 1985 by guitarist Brian Baker of Minor Threat, drummer Colin Sears and bassist Roger Marbury, both of Bloody Mannequin Orchestra, and vocalist Shawn Brown...
- Dag with Shawn (2010)