Recently appearing in the McGill Tribune, by Tribune writer Rachel Melnik:

If you like Fish Piss, then you're in the right place.

Claiming to have been published "irregularly since 1996," Fish Piss is just one of the many independent small press publications circulating throughout Montreal's thriving underground literary scene. Like other independently funded, self-distributed magazines-or zines, as they are more commonly called-Fish Piss publishes works of poetry, prose, art, comics and reviews by up-and-coming local geniuses.

Fish Piss refers to itself as a magazine, but you aren't going to find it in the newsstand of your local metro stop. Zines are distributed via trade, mailing lists or uncovered in independently owned record shops, cafes and special underground zine "distros." Although the term originates from the word "magazine," this is not your average People or Time. Zines tend to be quirkier and more radical because they cater to a smaller readership with specific interests.

Many of these specific interests aim to promote particular political or social ideologies. Others print experimental literature or personal accounts of daily life. Zine publishers do not attempt to compete with mass market mags; instead, they tailor their publications to target a specialized demographic.

"All zines cease to cater to commercial enterprise," says Anna Lewenthal, coordinator at Bibliograph, Montreal's only zine library. Titles at Bibliograph range from feminist, queer and vegan to foosball, poodles and absinthe.

Are zines, therefore, the domain of the artsy, indie-culture obsessed hipster? Absolutely not, especially considering that the concept has existed since the invention of the printing press.

Read the rest of the article by clicking here.

Source: McGill Tribune

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