Profane Existence
Profane Existence (mostly referred to by those who know of it as 'P.E.') is an anarcho-syndicalist collective, known mostly for the zine it publishes four times a year; and Profane Existence Records, a label that deals mostly with Anarcho-Punk, and Crust Punk. The collective is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota USA.
Profane Existence began in December 1989, and is part of the North American anarcho-punk movement. In fact, many correctly credit them with being a major force in promoting anarchist punk/hardcore/metal bands, setting up venues and forming labels that print vinyl DIY records. The magazines deal with many issues relevant to anarchist punk rockers, such as veganism, animals, women's and minority rights, anti-fascist action and the punk rock lifestyle. It also deals with anarchist music in general, offering reviews and interviews with bands in the scene and promoting DIY and anarchist activism worldwide, accepting articles from all around the globe.
Profane Existence grew out of a previous publication called Minneapolis Alternative Scene (M.A.S.), which was edited by Dan Siskind. Founding member Bill Steinhagen later died of cancer.
In the early 1990's, Profane Existence enjoyed a close relationship with other anarcho-punk zines, including Artflux, Assault With Intent to Free, and Hippycore. Contributing writer Felix von Havoc would go on to become a regular columnist for HeartattaCk and later Maximum Rock N Roll.
In 1993, several of the former editors and columnists split to form a rival political tabloid called The Blast!.
The magazine can be acquired by contacting the PE collective, and has an avid following in all of Europe, America and parts of Asia, Oceania and the Middle East.
The collective was referenced by former Minnesotans The Hold Steady on their album Separation Sunday. The song, Stevie Nix, contains the line "When we hit the Twin Cities, I didn't know that much about it; I knew Mary Tyler Moore and I knew Profane Existence."
