Mel Hughes

Mel Hughes is a writer and publisher associated with the DIY punk and hardcore scene. He began the zine No Barcodes Necessary around 1993–94, initially using workplace photocopiers before moving to printed production. After nine issues he renamed it Direct Hit, continuing its interviews, reviews and commitment to independent punk culture.

In 1999, Direct Hit included a split record by Active Minds and Urko, which Hughes organised alongside interviews with the bands. He also contributed interviews, columns and reviews to Fracture and Profane Existence. His work joins small-scale publishing, record distribution and the correspondence networks that sustained the scene.