Originally published in Verbicide issue #22

Joe Lally is a man who doesn’t mince words. Often known as the quieter member of Fugazi, Lally often left the talking to his outspoken band mates. But since the release of his first solo album in 2006, There To Here, he’s moved into the front person position. Lally comments, “[It is] a completely different thing for me. I am enjoying it and trying to fill the role and still be myself.”

On his first album, Lally offered a more laidback and experimental side than seen throughout his stint with Fugazi. His vocals drifted from gently sung to an almost spoken-word style, his lyrics as elliptical though just as thought provoking of those of his alma mater. The songs on his newest offering, Nothing Is Underrated, follow suit.

“I want to say something that provokes thought because I like music like that,” Lally says. “Even if it seems to be only nice words strung together.”

Nothing Is Underrated continues Lally’s evolution since the “hiatus” of Fugazi. Numerous guests include that band’s alums Ian MacKaye and Guy Picciotto.

On how he approached his second record, Lally explains, “When I began recording There To Here I had only played solo. It wasn’t until after the first recording session that I started to play with a percussionist live.” He continues, “I really didn’t know how to stay true to the song once it got into the studio. That experience informed the next record on how to approach the songs. Just basic tracks of drum, bass, and vocal, or drum, keyboard, and vocal, and go from there.”

With constant touring, Lally seems well adjusted to the spotlight, both on record and onstage. After more than two decades of hitting the road, Lally still relishes the thrill of the performance: “It is very rewarding and I do enjoy it a lot,” he says. “I don’t get out to see bands much anymore, so playing has become even more important. It’s the live experience that I need to keep moving through life, whether I am playing or attending a show.”

Does Lally intend to continue his flagship band’s championing of all things independent, including untraditional venues? “It is very important, but at this point I am trying to play anywhere someone will come see the guy from Fugazi,” Lally quips. “Once I have some weight to throw around I would love to choose different venues to play in. I would love to play in the afternoon and have people bring food and sell things like a flea market. The PA is small and it is something anyone might drop into and see. It’s not at two a.m., and it’s not so loud to drive older people or children away.”

And even from his new perch in Italy (he left DC for Rome), Lally still eyes the local tempests of the current political climate warily. Echoing the DIY rallying cry of his old band, he states, “I think it’s a scam, and the people have to gain control again. It’s clear the ideologies of politics fail to help people.”