Typically, I'm no fan of documentaries; due to their tendency to have a cumbersome amount of new information, which leave me wondering why I didn't just go to a comedy. Luckily, director, Davis Guggenheim does not disappoint. Instead he masterfully immerses us into the minds of three musical geniuses, who've all followed considerably different musical paths, but represent something quite similar.
Jack White from The White Stripes, Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, and lastly guitarist of U2, The Edge bring together three disparate generations of music. Guggenheim impels us through each musician's journey of finding a love for guitar through enchanting cinematography and intriguing dialogue. Not only do we delve into the ingenuity of these artists, but also experience the creativity of three very influential musicians with staggeringly different approaches, come together to talk, but more importantly do what they love to do---play guitar.
It really got me thinking about the paradox most musicians face in our society just to follow their passions. Not only are wannabe musicians scoffed at for their ambitions, but they also face a dispiriting road less traveled by--one with numerous stories of failure, and minimal hope for guarantees of any kind. There's no doubt that media played a huge role in shaping and altering this career path. For instance, the internet has basically deteriorated any chance for lesser known artists to make a living. With free music accessible at the click of a button and little threat of retribution, most artists are forced to find success through touring. I think that the media has really stunted the musical creativity of the world.
Internets crippling of the music industry entwines with another media that also threatens those artists who do not have commercial appeal--TV. Unfortunately, advertising plays a hand in what we are hearing now, too. For that very reason, the most publicized music has lost its depth and originality.
With odds like these, how are lesser known artists supposed to follow their career choice when the path to success looks anything but favorable? Luckily, musicians have one last safe avenue to go down--the word of mouth of those who really care.
On that note, I would like to share some lesser known music that I've been digging lately. Here's a sample of two bands that I like:
Bowerbirds: "Northern Lights"
And some local music...
Black Blondie: "Marla Singer" and "Mockingbird"
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