In this episode, we explore Fire Party, the self-titled debut from one of the most groundbreaking bands to emerge from Washington, D.C.’s post–Revolution Summer punk scene. Formed in 1986 by Amy Pickering (vocals), Natalie Avery (guitar), Kate Samworth (bass), and Nicky Thomas (drums), Fire Party brought a new perspective to D.C. punk — politically charged, emotionally direct, and unapologetically their own.

Recorded at Inner Ear Studios with Don Zientara engineering and Ian MacKaye producing, the album captures the raw energy of late ’80s Dischord Records while pushing its sound into more melodic and introspective territory. The band’s 1988 European tour with Scream marked one of the first international tours for a Dischord act and solidified Fire Party’s reputation as both trailblazers and torchbearers of a more inclusive punk movement.

In this conversation, all four founding members reflect on the scene that shaped them, their first shows at D.C. Space, and how their music helped open the door for future generations of feminist and alternative punk artists.

Go Further:

Dischord Records – Fire Party

Wikipedia – Fire Party (band)

Dance of Days by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins – Akashic Books

Follow Us:

Social Media: @dcrockpod

Email: dcrockpod@gmail.com

Hosts:

Philip Basnight – Broke Royals

Alex Vidales – Pilot Waves

Podcast Artwork by Rebecca Basnight