Before the Music Dies (2006)

Synopsis: With outstanding performances and revealing interviews, Before the Music Dies takes a critical and comedic look at the homogenization of popular music with commentary by some of the industry's... With outstanding performances and revealing interviews, Before the Music Dies takes a critical and comedic look at the homogenization of popular music with commentary by some of the industry's biggest talent such as Erykah Badu, Branford Marsalis, Dave Matthews, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt, Questlove (from hiphop group the Roots), and many more. Using historic footage the film looks at the evolution of American music and the artists who created it and pulls back the curtain (in a very creative way) to expose the sad truth behind today's "artificial" music stars. "The reality is that superficiality is in," says Marsalis. "And depth and quality is kind of out." After the death of his musician brother, director Andrew Shapter was inspired to make this film. He and Producer Joel Rasmussen and the film crew traveled thousands of miles, visiting dozens of cities, speaking with hundreds of fans, journalists, record executives and musicians while searching for "real" American music. What they found were mega-talents without a major label, including one artist Eric Clapton believes is "the real thing." "I've never heard anyone like him," says Clapton. "He plays like nobody else." In addition to the artists, Shapter and Rasmussen put the questions to writers and critics from The Future of Music Coalition, Indie 911, CNN, USA Today, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NPR and others. Many questions were raised such as "why do they always play the same few songs over and over again on the radio? Why do major labels no longer allow musicians to develop their career over time? Why do local radio stations not feel so local anymore? In addition, why is it that all the acts promoted as the 'new thing' seem to resemble fashion models?" The film also features live performances by many of the artists featured in the film including Dave Matthews, Erykah Badu, Calexico, Branford Marsalis, Eric Clapton, Blaze, Guy Forsyth, and Correo Aereo. --© Official Site [More]

Starring: Erykah Badu, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Branford Marsalis

Starring: Erykah Badu, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Branford Marsalis, Dave Matthews, Calexico, Widespread Panic, Bonnie Raitt

Director: Andrew Shapter

Director: Andrew Shapter

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