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{{Short description|American musician}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Ian Svenonius
| image = Ian Svenonius.jpg
| caption =
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Ian Folke Svenonius
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|06|01}}
| birth_place = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], U.S.<ref name="Dissonance">{{cite episode
| title = 10-3-06 Ian Svenonius / The Make-Up
| url = http://dissonance.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=205034
| credits = Danger Mike, Jesse Rockoff (DJ Mark Foley), Ian Svenonius
| network = Radio CPR
| series = The Make-Up
| station = 97.5 FM
| location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
| airdate = 2006-10-30
}}</ref>
| genre = [[Punk rock]], [[post-punk]], [[indie rock]]
| occupation = Musician
| years_active = 1980–present
| instrument = [[Singing|Vocals]] [[Trumpet]]
| First_album =
| Latest_album =
| Notable_albums =
| Notable songs =
| label = [[Dischord Records]] [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]] [[K Records]] [[Southern Records]]
| associated_acts = [[Nation of Ulysses]] [[Make-Up (American band)|The Make-Up]] [[Weird War]] [[Chain and The Gang]] [[Weird War|Scene Creamers]] [[David Candy]] [[Cupid Car Club]] [[XYZ (2014 band)|XYZ]] Escape-ism
| website =
}}

'''Ian Folke Svenonius'''<ref name=vice>{{cite news |author=Zachary Lipez|date=20 November 2017 |title= Ian Svenonius, Rock N' Roll Insurrectionist|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/ian-svenonius-rock-n-roll-insurrectionist/ |work=Vice Magazine |access-date=20 November 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/workID/886857477 |title=ULYTHIUM |website=ASCAP |publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |access-date=November 13, 2023}}</ref> is an American author, filmmaker, and musician with various [[Washington, D.C.]]–based [[punk rock|punk]] bands including [[Nation of Ulysses]], [[Make-Up (American band)|the Make-Up]], [[Weird War]], [[XYZ (2014 band)|XYZ]], [[Too Much (band)|Too Much]], [[Escape-ism (band)|Escape-ism]], and [[Chain & the Gang]]. Between his numerous projects, Svenonius has released more than 22 full-length albums and over 20 singles, [[Extended play|EPs]], and [[Split album|splits]]. A published author and online talk show host, Svenonius' projects share a tongue-in-cheek, [[Far-left politics|radical left]] political ideology.

His first band, Nation of Ulysses, which released its first record in 1990, was highly influential in the punk scene but dissolved in 1992. After a short-lived side-project called [[Cupid Car Club]], Svenonius formed the Make-Up in 1995, who combined garage rock, soul, and [[liberation theology]] to make a new genre they dubbed "Gospel Yeh-Yeh".<ref name="Make-Up biography">{{cite web
| last = Gale
| first = Thomas
| title = The Make-Up Biography
| publisher = eNotes
| year = 2005
| url = http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/make-up-biography
| access-date = 2007-06-13
}}</ref> The Make-Up disbanded early in 2001, and a year later, Svenonius formed the band Weird War, who were also known briefly as the Scene Creamers. Later Svenonius led the band Chain and the Gang. Currently, Svenonius is the leader of the group ''Escape-ism.''

In 2021, Svenonius co-released a feature film called "''The Lost Record,''" named for the ''Escape-ism'' LP of the same name.

Svenonius' solo work includes the 2001 album ''[[David Candy#Play Power|Play Power]]'' under the fictional pseudonym of [[David Candy]],<ref name="Ashlock">{{cite web
|last=Ashlock
|first=Jesse
|title=David Candy
|publisher=Epitonic Records
|url=http://www.epitonic.com/index.jsp?refer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epitonic.com%2Fartists%2Fdavidcandy.html
|access-date=2007-01-15
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930011113/http://www.epitonic.com/index.jsp?refer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.epitonic.com%2Fartists%2Fdavidcandy.html
|archive-date=September 30, 2007
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> the books ''The Psychic Soviet'',<ref name="WashingtonPost">{{cite news
| last = Malitz
| first = David
| title = Ian Svenonius – Editorial Review
| newspaper = [[Washington Post]]
| date = May 2007
| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?node=cityguide/profile&id=1138186&categories=Book%20Events&venueid=1138174
| access-date = 2007-06-03
}}</ref> ''Supernatural Strategies for Making a Rock 'n' Roll Group,'' ''Censorship Now!!,'' & ''Against the Written Word,'' and as host of ''Soft Focus'' on [[VBS.tv]].<ref name="Vice Magazine">{{cite web
|title = NEW YORK – Soft Focus With Ian Svenonius
|publisher = [[Vice (magazine)|Vice]]
|date = 2006-09-16
|url = http://vice.typepad.com/vice_magazine/2006/09/new_york_soft_f_1.html
|archive-date = 2011-09-29
|url-status = bot: unknown
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110929062341/http://vice.typepad.com/vice_magazine/2006/09/new_york_soft_f_1.html
}}</ref>

==Musical projects==

===Nation of Ulysses===
{{Main|Nation of Ulysses}}
Svenonius' first musical group was [[Nation of Ulysses]]. The band formed in spring 1988, initially composed of four members, Svenonius on [[singing|vocals]] and [[trumpet]], Steve Kroner on [[guitar]], Steve Gamboa on [[bass guitar]], and [[James Canty]] on [[Drum kit|drums]], and known simply as "Ulysses". In late 1989, Tim Green joined the band as a second guitarist and the band was renamed to "Nation of Ulysses".<ref name="Membership Profiles">{{cite web
|title = Who are the Nation of Ulysses?
|publisher = [[Southern Records]]
|url = http://www.southern.com/southern/band/ULYSS/lineup.html
|archive-date = 2009-07-18
|url-status = bot: unknown
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090718083947/http://www.southern.com/southern/band/ULYSS/lineup.html
}}</ref> The Nation of Ulysses described themselves not as a rock and roll group in the traditional sense, but "as a [[political party]]"<ref name="Make-Up biography" /> and as "a shout of secession".<ref name="Cheslow">{{cite web
|last = Cheslow
|first = S.
|title = Nation of Ulysses interview – 1989
|publisher = Interrobang?! #1 (1989)
|url = http://www.mindspring.com/~acheslow/AuntMary/bang/nou.html
|access-date = 2006-12-30
|archive-date = 2012-02-17
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120217115551/http://www.mindspring.com/~acheslow/AuntMary/bang/nou.html
|url-status = dead
}}</ref> Explaining their intent, Svenonius said "it's basically a new nation underground for the dispossessed youth colony. It's all about smashing the old edifice, the monolith of [[rock and roll]]".<ref name="Dundas">{{cite web
| last = Dundas
| first = Zach
| title = The Nation of Ulysses
| publisher = Mumblage #1 (January 1993)
| date = January 1993
| url = http://www.mumblage.com/ulysses.html
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051027215306/http://www.mumblage.com/ulysses.html
| archive-date = 2005-10-27
| access-date = 2006-12-10
}}</ref>

In 1990, before the band released any official albums, Svenonius was featured as teen-oriented ''[[Sassy Magazine]]''{{'}}s first "Sassiest Boy in America".<ref name="1990 Washington Post interview with Svenonious">{{cite news
| title = IAN SVENONIUS, PUNK PHILOSOPHER AND SASSY MAGAZINE'S BADDEST BOY
| newspaper = Washington Post
| year = 1990
| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ian-svenonius-punk-philosopher-and-sassy-magazines-baddest-boy/632605/02/11/eb5a416e-d6d5-11e3-95d3-3bcd77cd4e11_story.html
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150509065234/http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/ian-svenonius-punk-philosopher-and-sassy-magazines-baddest-boy/632605/02/11/eb5a416e-d6d5-11e3-95d3-3bcd77cd4e11_story.html
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 2015-05-09
| access-date = 2016-08-28
}}</ref> He was interviewed in the magazine's October issue, detailing the band's sound and political motivations.<ref name="NY Night Train">{{cite web
| title = New York Night Train One-Year Anniversary
| publisher = New York Night Train
| year = 2006
| url = https://www.newyorknighttrain.com/zine/events/halloween.html
| access-date = 2006-12-30
}}</ref> Svenonius stated that the Nation of Ulysses' intent was "to create a space of liberation where anything's possible". He criticized "traditional rock-and-roll" groups as a "corrupt medium". The contest was reportedly a "nationwide search for the most perfect boyfriend material a girl could ask for", and Svenonius was among 150 entries.

Nation of Ulysses was known for their extremely physical performances,{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} during which Svenonius recalls many injuries,{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} including breaking his arm, his leg, and his skull on numerous occasions. Audience members were also hurt during some performances.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

The group disbanded in the fall of 1992 having failed to complete their third album (the finished tracks were later released as ''[[The Embassy Tapes]]'' in 2000). In a later interview, Svenonius explained the reason for the split: "Nation of Ulysses broke up because the epoch changed with the advent of [[digital audio|digital music]] and the [[Nirvana (band)|Nirvana]] explosion. We were faced with what's now known as [[indie rock]], a sort of vacuous form. We had to determine our next move and this [the forming of [[Make-Up (American band)|The Make-Up]]] is it".<ref name="Steady Diet">{{cite web
| title = Steady Diet fanzine – April 98
| publisher = Steady Diet, April 1998
| url = http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/Int_Steady_diet.html
| access-date = 2006-12-30
| url-status = dead
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060510201319/http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/Int_Steady_diet.html
| archive-date = May 10, 2006
}}</ref>

===The Make-Up===
{{Main|Make-Up (American band)}}

The Make-Up formed in 1995, consisting of Svenonius, Canty, and Gamboa from Nation of Ulysses, and with the addition of [[Michelle Mae]] on bass guitar.<ref name="Southern biography">{{cite web
|title = Make-Up biography
|publisher = [[Southern Records]]
|url = http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/biog.php
|archive-date = 2009-04-24
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090424030053/http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/biog.php
}}</ref> The Make-Up were joined in late 1999 by a fifth member, [[Alex Minoff]], who played guitar with the group until their dissolution in 2001.<ref name="DC PDF">{{cite web
| title = Make Up – A Biography
| publisher = [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]
| url = http://www.dragcity.com/press/pimages/pdf/makeup.pdf
| access-date = 2007-03-21
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071024071206/http://www.dragcity.com/press/pimages/pdf/makeup.pdf
| archive-date = October 24, 2007
}}</ref> In the band's five years of activity, they released four studio albums, two live albums, a [[Posthumous work|posthumous]] compilation of singles and B-sides, and a number of [[12-inch single]]s and [[Split album|splits]].<ref name="Southern discography">{{cite web
|title=Make-Up discography
|publisher=[[Southern Records]]
|url=http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/disc.html
|access-date=2007-05-27
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223195210/http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/disc.html
|archive-date=2008-02-23
}}</ref> The Make-Up combined [[garage rock]], [[soul music|soul]], and self-styled "[[liberation theology]]" to make a new genre they called "Gospel Yeh-Yeh". The Make-Up were highly influenced by [[bubblegum music]], particularly the French variety called [[Yé-yé]] music.<ref name="Gospel Yeh Yeh article">{{cite web
|title=Make-Up and "Gospel Yeh-Yeh"
|publisher=[[Southern Records]]
|url=http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/gospel-yeh-yeh.html
|access-date=2007-05-27
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410160155/http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/gospel-yeh-yeh.html
|archive-date=2008-04-10
}}</ref>

As the Make-Up's frontman and mouthpiece, Ian Svenonius often contextualized the band's music in terms of larger socio-political themes, typically describing the band and its gospel attitude in [[Marxism|Marxist]] and [[Socialism|socialist]] terms, in opposition of what he saw as the [[Capitalism|capitalist]], [[Bourgeoisie|bourgeois]], [[machismo]] paradigm of [[rock and roll]].<ref name="In Film">{{cite video
| people = Svenonius, Ian and James Schneider
| title = [[In Film/On Video]]
| medium = DVD
| publisher = [[Dischord Records]]
| date = 2006
}}</ref><ref name="Damn You fanzine">{{cite web
|title=Damn You Fanzine
|publisher=[[Southern Records]], Damn You Fanzine
|url=http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/Int_damnyou.html
|access-date=2007-05-27
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102132343/http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/Int_damnyou.html
|archive-date=2007-11-02
}}</ref><ref name="HedonistFeb1998">{{cite web
|title=The Hedonist –- February 1998
|publisher=[[Southern Records]], The Hedonist
|url=http://www.southern.net/southern/band/MAKUP/Int_Hedonist_feb98.html
|access-date=2007-06-01
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222094356/http://www.southern.net/southern/band/MAKUP/Int_Hedonist_feb98.html
|archive-date=2007-12-22
}}</ref> The band's aversion to American culture was expressed through their self-styled musical genre "Gospel Yeh-Yeh", a belief system through which they advocated to their audience to "get theirs" and to "off the pigs in all their forms".<ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web
|last=Ankeny
|first=Jason
|title=The Make-Up Biography
|publisher=[[Allmusic]]
|url={{AllMusic | class = artist | id = p200416 | pure_url = yes }}
|access-date=2007-11-01
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/628q51XQN?url=http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/Rihanna/chart-history/658897?f=793&g=Singles
|archive-date=2011-10-02
}}</ref> The Make-Up intended to create ad-lib performances to re-energize what they saw as the stale, bland and formal ritual of rock and roll.<ref name="DC PDF" /> Appropriating [[gospel music]]'s use of the congregate as a "fifth member", the Make-Up incorporated audience participation through call and response vocals, lyrical "discussion" techniques, and destruction of the [[fourth wall]] by physical transgression.<ref name="DC PDF" />

The Make-Up dissolved in 2000, reportedly "due to the large number of counter-gang copy groups which had appropriated their look and sound and applied it to a vacuous and [[counter-revolutionary]] forms".<ref name="DC PDF" /> Between projects, Svenonius released a [[David Candy#Play Power|solo album]] under the pseudonym [[David Candy]].<ref name="Ashlock" />

===Weird War===
{{Main|Weird War}}

After the Make-Up disbanded, Svenonius formed the group [[Weird War]] in 2001, joined by Make-Up members [[Michelle Mae]] and [[Alex Minoff]]. While the current lineup appears on the group's first release ''I'll Never Forget What's His Name,'' the group's first full-length, [[Weird War (album)|eponymous release]] featured [[Neil Hagerty]] and Jessica Espeleta on guitars, and Steve McCarty on drums.<ref name="WW AMG">{{cite web
|publisher=[[Allmusic]]
|url={{AllMusic | class = artist | id = p476740 | pure_url = yes }}
|title=Weird War Biography
|access-date=2007-12-08
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/628q51XQN?url=http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/Rihanna/chart-history/658897?f=793&g=Singles
|archive-date=2011-10-02
}}</ref>

These collaborators soon left to pursue other projects, and the band briefly changed its name to The Scene Creamers, with Svenonius on vocals, Michelle Mae on bass, Alex Minoff on guitar, and Blake Brunner on drums. In this incarnation, the band released ''I Suck on that Emotion'', through [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City]]. After being threatened with a legal suit for the name Scene Creamers by a French [[graffiti artist]] collective of the same name, the band reverted to the name Weird War.<ref name="Holliy">{{cite web
| title = Not Going to Mars
| publisher = [[Drowned in Sound]]
| url = http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/9254.html
| access-date = 2007-03-21
| archive-date = 2007-09-29
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929083616/http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/9254.html
| url-status = dead
}}</ref> Since then, as its membership has become static, with the addition of [[Argentina|Argentine]] Sebastian Thomson on drums, its intent has become more cosmic. Weird War claims that they are "the sole answer to the hype-based careerism, empty formalism and vacuity which has infected what was once a genuinely creative underground rock 'n' roll scene".<ref name="Holliy" />

===Chain and the Gang===
Svenonius' musical project, Chain and The Gang, has released the albums ''[[Down With Liberty... Up With Chains!]]'', "[[Music's Not For Everyone]]", "[[In Cool Blood]]" on K Records, as well as the albums "[[Experimental Music]]" and "[[Minimum Rock 'n' Roll]]" on Radical Elite Records. Some of the musicians featured on these records are [[Calvin Johnson (musician)|Calvin Johnson]], Brett Lyman (Bad Thoughts/M'Ladys's Records), Fiona Campbell (Vivian Girls/Coasting), Sarah Pedal, [[Katie Alice Greer]] ([[Priests (band)|Priests]]), Faustine Hudson (The Curious Mystery), Brian Weber ([[Dub Narcotic Sound System]]), Veronica Ortuño ([[Finally Punk/Carrots]]), Nicolaas Zwart (Desolation Wilderness), Karl Blau, Chris Sutton (Hornet Leg, [[The Gossip]]), Sixx (The Vibrarians), Arrington de Dionyso, Aaron Hartman, Benjamin Hartman (Old Time Relijun), Anna Nasty ([[Olivia Neutron-John]]), and Francy Graham.

===Escape-ism===

Formed as a solo project, Escape-ism encompasses a more lofi-electronic sound compared to Svenonius' band oriented projects. The band has featured Alexandria Cabral and Sandi Denton as live members and contributors. Live shows consist of programmed drum machines, sparse jagged guitars, and stream of conscious lyrics.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.weirdomusicforever.com/weird-news-and-interviews//ian-svenonius-dives-deep | title=Ian Svenonius Dives Deep into Escape-ism, Communication, and the Future | date=18 April 2019 }}</ref>

== Other projects ==
Throughout his career, Svenonius has [[disc jockey]]ed at clubs such as Cold Rice in Washington, D.C.<ref name="Dissonance">{{cite episode
| title = 10-3-06 Ian Svenonius / The Make-Up
| url = http://dissonance.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=205034
| credits = Danger Mike, Jesse Rockoff (DJ Mark Foley), Ian Svenonius
| network = Radio CPR
| series = The Make-Up
| station = 97.5 FM
| location = [[Washington, D.C.]]
| airdate = 2006-10-30
}}</ref><ref name="DC PDF" /> In 1993 Svenonius and Nation of Ulysses/Make-Up members James Canty and Steve Gamboa were involved in the short-lived project [[Cupid Car Club]], which released only one [[Extended play|EP]] on [[Kill Rock Stars]] Records titled ''[[Cupid Car Club#Join our Club|Join our Club]]''.<ref name="KRS">{{cite web
|title=Cupid Car Club
|publisher=[[Kill Rock Stars]]
|url=http://www.killrockstars.com/artists/viewartist.php?id=120
|access-date=2007-05-27
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070609092539/http://www.killrockstars.com/artists/viewartist.php?id=120
|archive-date=2007-06-09
}}</ref> In 2001 Svenonius collaborated with the English conceptualist/producer Mike Alway of If.. Records to create the record ''[[David Candy#Play Power|Play Power]]'' under the [[pseudonym]] [[David Candy]]. The album was released through Jet Set Records, Siesta Records, and If.. Records. ''Play Power'' was part of a series of "Magazine-Style Records" which included other imaginary acts such as Death by Chocolate, Maria Napoleon, and Lollipop Train.<ref name="Ashlock" />

Svenonius wrote an afterword for [[Glen E. Friedman]]'s 2005 photography book ''Recognize'' ({{ISBN|0-9641916-6-0}}),<ref name="Friedman">{{cite web
| title = glen E. friedman's – idealist propaganda – The Latest
| publisher = Burning Flags Press
| url = http://burningflags.com/home/
| access-date = 2017-08-26
}}</ref> as well as the introduction to Friedman's 2007 book ''Keep Your Eyes Open'' ({{ISBN|0-9641916-8-7}}).<ref name="Friedman bio">{{cite web
| last = Marshall
| first = Craig
| title = biography
| publisher = Burning Flags Press and Consafos Press
| year = 2005
| url = http://www.burningflags.com/bio/
| access-date = 2007-08-18
}}</ref> As host of the VBS.TV online show ''Soft Focus'', Svenonius interviews guests such as [[Ian MacKaye]], [[Genesis P-Orridge]], [[Ad-Rock|Adam Horovitz]], [[Cat Power]] and [[Will Oldham]] in front of a live audience at the [[Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum|Guggenheim Museum]] in [[New York City]].<ref name="Vice Magazine" /><ref>{{cite web
| last = Gee
| first = Ess
| title = Vice TV
| date = 2006-09-26
| url = http://diablogue.typepad.com/diablogue/2006/09/vice_tv.html
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061130093509/http://diablogue.typepad.com/diablogue/2006/09/vice_tv.html
| archive-date = 2006-11-30
| access-date = 2007-01-14
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| title = Ian MacKaye on Soft Focus w/ Ian Svenonius
| publisher = [[Dischord Records]]
| url = https://www.dischord.com/news/131/2007/2/ian-mackaye-on-soft-focus-w-ian-svenonius
| access-date = 2017-08-26
}}</ref> ''Soft Focus'' later moved to [[London]], England, where Svenonius interviewed British artists such as [[Mark E. Smith]] of [[The Fall (band)|The Fall]] and [[Billy Childish]]. In 1994, Svenonius had a supporting role in the independent film ''[[Half-Cocked (film)|Half-Cocked]]''. In 2001, Svenonius appeared in the documentary ''[[Plaster Caster]]'' about the plaster casts of [[Cynthia Plaster Caster]].<ref name="IMDB">{{cite web
| title = Ian Svenonius
| publisher = [[Internet Movie Database]]
| url = https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0841072/
| access-date = 2007-06-04
}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

In 2021, Svenonius co-released the feature length film ''The Lost Record'', named for the ''Escape-ism'' record of the same title.

=== ''The Psychic Soviet'' and other writing===
In July 2006, Svenonius released a book of 19 essays titled ''the Psychic Soviet'' ({{ISBN|0-9656183-9-0}}), published by [[Drag City (record label)|Drag City Press]].<ref>{{cite web
|last = Flicker
|first = Jonah
|publisher = [[Pitchfork Media]]
|date = 2005-10-28
|title = Ian Svenonius to Publish Book
|url = http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/35262-ian-svenonius-to-publish-book
|archive-date = 2008-06-10
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080610143522/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/35262-ian-svenonius-to-publish-book
}}</ref> Pocket-sized and bound in bright-pink plastic with beveled edges, its form is similar to "[[Quotations from Chairman Mao Zedong|The Little Red Book]]", a Bible, or a foreign-language dictionary.<ref name="WashingtonPost" /><ref name="Illuminated by the Light">{{cite web
| last = Twerdy
| first = Saelan
| title = Illuminated by the Light
| publisher = [[CITR-FM|DiSCORDER]]
| url = http://discorder.ca/2006/11/illuminated-by-the-light/
| access-date = 2007-06-08
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212253/http://discorder.ca/2006/11/illuminated-by-the-light/
| archive-date = September 27, 2007
}}</ref> The book serves as an anthology of past articles and essays by Svenonius previously published in periodicals, edited for readability and flow, with a number of new essays included.<ref name="Illuminated by the Light" />

The "Instructions" that preface the book state that it "should clear up much of the confusion regarding events of the last millennium – artistic, geo-political, philosophical, et al." and encourages the reader to "refer to the book in case of ethical quandaries, arguments, and social feuds".<ref name="Illuminated by the Light" /><ref name="Jetset">{{cite web
| last = Svenonius
| first = Ian
| title = David Candy – Jetset records
| publisher = Jetset Records
| url = http://www.jetsetrecords.com/bands/david_candy/bio.asp
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030808172717/http://www.jetsetrecords.com/bands/david_candy/default.asp
| archive-date = 2003-08-08
| access-date = 2006-12-30
}}</ref> The writing addresses topics such as the ascent of the [[DJ]] as a "star", the "cosmic depression" that followed the defeat of the [[Union of Soviet Socialist Republics]] in the [[Cold War]], and the status of [[rock and roll]] as a [[religion]].<ref name="Illuminated by the Light" />

After ''The Psychic Soviet'', Svenonius released the books ''"Supernatural Strategies for Making a Rock 'n' Roll Group"''(2012), ''"Censorship Now!!"'' (2015), & ''"Against the Written Word"'' (2023). He also publishes a newsprint periodical of essays, art, and poetry called ''"The Cellophane Flag"'' through ''Radical Elite Press.''

==Discography==

===Nation of Ulysses===
{{Main|Nation of Ulysses discography}}
* ''[[13-Point Program to Destroy America]]'' (Dischord) (1991)
* ''[[Plays Pretty for Baby]]'' (Dischord) (1992)
* ''[[The Embassy Tapes]]'' (Dischord) (2000)

=== The Make-Up ===
{{Main|The Make-Up discography}}

* ''[[Destination: Love – Live! At Cold Rice]]'' (Dischord) (1996)
* ''[[After Dark (The Make-Up album)|After Dark]]'' (Dischord) (1997)
* ''[[Sound Verite]]'' (K Records) (1997)
* ''[[In Mass Mind]]'' (Dischord) (1998)
* ''[[Save Yourself (Make-Up album)|Save Yourself]]'' (K Records) (1999)
* ''[[I Want Some]]'' (singles compilation) (K Records) (1999)
* ''[[Untouchable Sound]]'' (Drag City/Sea Note) (2006)

===Weird War===
{{Main|Weird War discography}}

* ''[[Weird War (album)|Weird War]]'' (Drag City) (2002)
* ''[[I Suck on that Emotion]]'' (as Scene Creamers) (Drag City) (2003)
* ''[[If You Can't Beat 'Em, Bite 'Em]]'' (Drag City) (2004)
* ''[[Illuminated by the Light]]'' (Drag City) (2005)

===Chain and The Gang===

* ''Down With Liberty... Up With Chains!'' (K Records) (2009)
* ''Music's Not For Everyone'' (K Records) (2011)
* ''In Cool Blood'' (K Records) (2012)
* ''Minimum Rock n Roll'' (Radical Elite Records) (2014)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dischord.com/release/RE001/minimal-rock-n-roll|title=Chain and the Gang - Minimum Rock N Roll (RE001)|website=Dischord Records|access-date=7 September 2018}}</ref>
* ''Experimental Music'' (Radical Elite Records) (2017)
* ''Best of Crime Rock'' (In The Red) (2017)

===David Candy===
* ''[[David Candy#Play Power|Play Power]]'' (Jet Set/Siesta/If Records) (2001)

===Cupid Car Club===
* ''[[Cupid Car Club#Join our Club|Join our Club]]'' (Kill Rock Stars) (1993)

===XYZ===
* ''[[S/T (XYZ album)|S/T]]'' (Mono-tone Records) (2014)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.finestvinyl.de/xyz-xyz-70343,296,en |title=XYZ - XYZ - LP - Vinyl |access-date=2014-04-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413124003/https://www.finestvinyl.de/xyz-xyz-70343,296,en |archive-date=2014-04-13 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/XYZ/306074912874134|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140412223120/https://www.facebook.com/pages/XYZ/306074912874134|url-status=dead|title=(1) XYZ|website=archive.today|archive-date=2014-04-12}}</ref>
*[[Artificial Flavoring]] (Mono-Tone Records)(2019)

===Escape-ism===
* ''Tour tape '' (Flat Black Studios) (2017)
* ''Introduction to Escape-ism'' (Merge Records) (2017)
* ''Iron Curtain'' (split 7" w/ Light Beams) (Lovitt Records) (2017)
* ''"Crime Wave Rock" Live at Third Man'' (Third Man Records) (2018)
* ''The Lost Record'' (Merge Records) (2018)
*''Bodysnatcher b/w Where Does One Kiss End?'' (Waaghaals Records) (2019)
* ''Alphabet Reform'' 7" (Experimental Jetset Records) (2019)
* ''The Silent Record'' (Radical Elite Records) (2021)
* ''Rated Z'' (Radical Elite Records / Monotone Records) (2021)
* ''Charge of the Love Brigade'' (Radical Elite Records) (2025)

===Too Much===
*''"Patent Leather"'' 45 b/w ''"Dyslexia"'' (2018)

* ''Club Emotion'' (Radical Elite Records) (2020)

==Filmography==
* ''[[Half-Cocked (film)]]'' (independent release) (1994)
* ''[[Plaster Caster]]'' (Xenon Pictures) (2001)
* ''Soft Focus'' ([[VBS.tv]]) (host, 2007–2010)
* ''The Seduction of Paolo Hewitt'' (Ooga Booga) (2008)
* ''The Launching of the Dream Weapon'' (Ooga Booga) (2008)
* ''What is a Group?'' (Strawberry City Films) (2013)
* ''Teenage Surrealism'' (2018)
* ''The Lost Record'' (Rated Z Films) (2022)

==Writings==
* Afterword of [[Glen E. Friedman]]'s ''Recognize'' ({{ISBN|0-9641916-6-0}}) (Burning Flags Press) (2005)<ref name="Friedman bio" />
* ''The Psychic Soviet'' ({{ISBN|0-9656183-9-0}}) ([[Drag City (record label)|Drag City Press]]) (2006)
* Introduction of Glen E. Friedman's ''Keep Your Eyes Open – The [[Fugazi]] Photographs of Glen E. Friedman'' ({{ISBN|0-9641916-8-7}}) (Burning Flags Press) (2007)<ref name="Friedman bio" />
* "''Supernatural Strategies for Making a Rock 'n' Roll Group''" ({{ISBN|978-1-61775-130-1}})(Akashic Books)(2013)
* "Censorship Now!" ({{ISBN|1617754099}})(Akashic Books)(2015)
* "''Against the Written Word''" (Akashic Books) (2023)
*"''The Autobiography of Ian F Svenonius''" [chapbook] (Akashic Books) (2023)
*''The Cellophane Flag'' (Radical Elite Press) (2021)

==References==

{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
;Band/Project homepages
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051201031222/http://www.southern.com/southern/band/ULYSS/ Nation of Ulysses on Southern Records]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051210133718/http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/ The Make-Up on Southern Records]
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20061205054340/http://weirdwarworld.com/ Weird War]}}
* [http://www.jetsetrecords.com/bands/david_candy/default.asp David Candy on Jet Set Records] (Archived [https://web.archive.org/web/20030808172717/http://www.jetsetrecords.com/bands/david_candy/default.asp here])
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927212742/http://www.southern.net/southern/band/CUPID/ Cupid Car Club on Southern Records]

;Interviews
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070623205550/http://www.southern.com/southern/band/MAKUP/interview.html The Make-Up interview archive]

{{The Make-Up|state=autocollapse}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Good article}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Svenonius, Ian}}
[[Category:K Records artists]]
[[Category:Singers from Washington, D.C.]]
[[Category:American indie rock musicians]]
[[Category:American punk rock singers]]
[[Category:Post-hardcore musicians]]
[[Category:Kill Rock Stars]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Drag City (record label) artists]]
[[Category:George Washington University Corcoran School alumni]]
[[Category:Make-Up (American band) members]]
[[Category:Weird War members]]
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Cupid Car Club members]]
[[Category:The Nation of Ulysses members]]

Ian Svenonius - Revision history

imported>SchlurcherBot: Bot: http → https