Fugazi formed in Washington, D.C. in 1986 around Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat, releasing everything on Dischord and setting the standard for independent ethics along the way. Repeater (1990) and the 13 Songs compilation (1989) are the entry points into post-hardcore's defining catalog. Shop Fugazi vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Fugazi formed in Washington, D.C. in 1986 around Ian MacKaye after the dissolution of Minor Threat (1980-1983) and Embrace (1985-1986). The stable lineup of MacKaye, Joe Lally, Brendan Canty, and (from 1987) Guy Picciotto recorded the entire Fugazi catalog. The band became foundational to American post-hardcore alongside their commitment to independent music ethics - keeping ticket prices to $5-10, releasing material exclusively on Dischord Records (the label MacKaye co-founded with Jeff Nelson in 1980), and refusing major-label offers. They have been on indefinite hiatus since 2003. The Fugazi Live Series (releasing the band's complete live archives) launched in 2011.
Fugazi's sound combines post-hardcore, hardcore punk, indie rock, and noise rock with the band's signature dual-vocal interplay between MacKaye and Picciotto, intricate dual guitar work, and dynamic compositions moving between quiet textural sections and explosive heavier passages. They are widely cited as one of the defining acts in American post-hardcore and as influential models for independent music ethics.
Dischord pressings of the Fugazi catalog are foundational items in American post-hardcore and independent music collecting. The catalog has been continuously in print since release through Dischord's distribution. The Fugazi Live Series (digital and select vinyl) has produced extensive archival material.
Listeners new to Fugazi typically start with Repeater (1990) or 13 Songs (1989).
