Fish Piss, hailed as Canada’s most influential zine, splashed onto the scene from 1996 to 2006, running for 11 unforgettable issues. Emerging from the vibrant Montreal anglophone spoken word and comics scenes, this bilingual mash-up was edited by Louis Rastelli and fueled by the DIY punk spirit.

More than just a zine, Fish Piss became a vital contact zone, a space where literary expression collided with comics, essays, interviews, politics, and music. It evolved from a humble photocopied creation to a 160-page publication with advertising and global distribution through Tower Records. Fish Piss became a symbol of a true bohemian community, a relic of a pre-social media era.

In Why Fish Piss Matters, Andy Brown delves deep into the zine’s history. Brown examines how it bridged French and English cultures, fostering a unique and exciting creative exchange. Discover the early works of influential contributors like Kid Koala, Genevieve Castree, Catherine Kidd, Heather O’Neill, and Jonathan Goldstein. Brown, an insider to the Montreal scene, provides a compelling reflection on the zine’s cultural significance and enduring legacy, exploring its place within the history of bohemian communities over the past 200 years.