Thomas Carlyle (Wordsworth) said,
"Who is there that, in logical words, can express the effect music has on us? A kind of inarticulate unfathomable speech, which leads us to the edge of the infinite and lets us gaze into that."
With that in mind, in recent days I attended a screening of the entertaining film - "Before the Music Dies".For music fans it is a must-see.
With the advent of "clear channel" and focus groups, Director Andrew Shapter gambled on taking his voyeuristic camera along the roads of America to interview key personalities in the music arena, and came up a winner.
In the words of producers Shapter and Joel Rasmussen:
"We sought to understand why mainstream music seems so packaged and repetitive and whether corporations had the power to silence musical innovation."
The revealing interviews Shapter captured with his insightful lens clearly signal the answer is a resounding "no".
In the old days record labels signed about twenty or thirty artists and dictated how their talent would be packaged and promoted, usually keeping a tight reign on their creativity.
"There was so much pressure to turn out a hit," one artist confessed.
Others complained that today the suits would cut a musician loose if they failed to deliver right out of the gate.
"It's all about money" appeared to be a repeated MANTRA in the engrossing film.
For this reason, many popular acts are signed on the basis of one CD so the movers and shakers can cut their losses and capitalize on a sudden hit.
One promoter lamented that few at the majors were in for the long haul anymore.
Bonnie Raitt fondly recalled an earlier era when it was a lot easier for talent to break in; in her case, playing the guitar figured well into her success.
"The way I look, it is doubtful I would have made it in the business today."
That was one of the focuses of the film.
Artists pointed out that with the X-Generation it was all about the "look", glossy images, and sizzlin' sex appeal.
Ah, the seductive nature of those MTV videos!
Industry-insiders noted that all the – um – talent had to do these days was show up.
Can’t sing?
Don’t worry. A sound mixer demonstrated how an off-key note could be sweetened in the recording studio until it hummed with perfect pitch.
The music giant "Clear Channel" was criticized for relying on focus groups (many wondered who these curious mysterious forecasters actually were, by the way) to determine slots and airplay.
Others observed that today it was harder for true artists with a heart to make it.
But many interviewed were enthusiastic about the new trends in music.
Independent radio stations in Seattle and Texas and elsewhere are now scouring the earth for alternative innovative new sounds, they alleged.
In fact, if Shapter's subjects are to be believed, hordes of the teaming masses appear to be turning away from the mainstream radio stations.
One female vocalist thought it was offensive how Radio Stations packaged a radio program for Nationwide airplay and then inserted a short - "Hello, New York" - into the mix to give the impression that the music was tailored to their locale.
A number of music enthusiasts - with eclectic tastes - talked excitedly about garage bands, too.
The acts were applauded for taking destiny into their own hands by shooting their own low-budget videos which they summarily edited and mixed on tracks on their home computers.
Then, given a glorious send-off to YouTube and other sites on the World Wide Web.
In fact, Andrew Shapter noted that one band he was familiar with did just that and are now reaping huge rewards playing to sold-out venues around the globe.
Shapter noted that the homogeneous corporate product that was spoon fed to consumers is now competing with independent music that adventurous fans online and at clubs around the country are discovering.
I loved the look of the film; slick and professional, but heartfelt too.
Shapter is a former fashion photographer and has a great eye which is reflected in his work.
The pacing of the well-produced doc is excellent and the sequences soundly and stylistically placed.
Engaging entertainment.
The historical references are solid, embolden, and ultimately lay a great foundation for the musical landscape that unfolds.
The journey is a worthwhile insightful one.
In sum, the film takes a fascinating energetic (and optimistic) gaze into the fascinating world of music while hinting at the myriad possibilities ahead.
Forest Whittaker narrates.
Impromptu performances by Eric Clapton (at the Viper Room) and Dave Mathews are a plus.
Info: www.beforethemusicdies.com
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