Watch Instrument - Fugazi

Instrument - Fugazi is a documentary film that delves into the heart of the Washington, D.C. music scene through the lens of one of its most iconic and influential bands, Fugazi. Directed by Jem Cohen in collaboration with the band itself, this cinematic tribute to Fugazi's musical journey and DIY ethos was released in 1999, capping a decade that saw the band rise from underground punk roots to become a symbol of integrity and artistic independence in the music industry.

The film is not a conventional rockumentary; rather, it's an experimental and introspective collage of concert footage, interviews, and candid moments that reflect the spirit and philosophy of the band. Instrument - Fugazi unfolds over the span of 10 years, from 1987 to 1997, offering a unique window into the evolution of the band members as artists and individuals. This period encompasses their first shows and the release of multiple groundbreaking albums that challenged the status quo of the music business.

Cohen, who had been a friend and a fan of Fugazi since its inception, shot the film on 16mm and Super-8 film, as well as video, providing a raw, grainy aesthetic that complements the band’s unpolished sound and principled stance. His approach to documenting the band avoided traditional narrative structure and instead opted for a more poetic and experiential portrayal that resonates with the intensity and purpose of Fugazi’s performances.

Central to Instrument - Fugazi is the band's live performance, captured in a range of venues from basements and clubs to large outdoor spaces. These performances are intercut with behind-the-scenes snapshots: recording sessions, band meetings, and interactions with fans. The film showcases Fugazi's commitment to affordable ticket prices, their stance against violent moshing at shows, and their genuine engagement with the communities they played for.

The sound of Fugazi, a blend of punk, funk, and noise-rock, is a centerpiece of the film, with concert audio that's both raw and visceral. Their lyrics, often addressing themes of social and political relevance, are given context through the visuals and dialogue. Songs from their albums—including tracks from "13 Songs," "Repeater," and "Red Medicine"—form part of the film’s soundscape, but Cohen is just as likely to focus on the fragments of soundcheck improvisations and unreleased material that provide insight into the creative process of the band.

Members Ian MacKaye, Guy Picciotto, Joe Lally, and Brendan Canty, are seen both on stage and in day-to-day scenarios, their personalities gradually emerging through these vignettes. The members of Fugazi are presented not as rock stars, but as working musicians dedicated to their art, their fans, and to each other. One of the film's strengths is capturing the camaraderie and collaborative spirit that has been a hallmark of the band since its earliest days.

Instrument - Fugazi is also a commentary on the music industry and the ways in which Fugazi actively resisted its mechanisms. The band's label, Dischord Records (co-founded by MacKaye), exemplifies a business model rooted in equitable practices and artistic control. By foregrounding the group's DIY ethic and community-focused initiatives, the film highlights an alternative to the commercialized and often exploitative mainstream music industry.

Additionally, Instrument offers a snapshot of the socio-political climate of the time, including the challenges and contradictions inherent in being a socially conscious band within a capitalist system. This is illustrated through archival material, including news footage and interviews with activists and musicians who share the band's ethos.

While the film engages viewers with its magnetic concert scenes and fragments of life on the road, it also approaches the documentary form as an exploratory space, much like Fugazi did with their music. In doing so, Cohen creates a portrait that avoids idolatry and instead strives for a kind of transparency and authenticity that echoes the ethos of the band itself.

Instrument - Fugazi is a film that will likely resonate most with fans of the band or those interested in punk culture and independent music. However, its exploration of artistry, integrity, and resistance to the status quo offers broader appeal. It’s a subtle, yet compelling invitation to consider the ways in which music—and the people who create it—can defy conventions, challenge systems, and make a lasting impact.