Finding Inspiration: Music Documentaries

Often the first place I look for inspiration for artwork is music, and so this week I thought I'd blog about some of the music documentaries I've been watching recently...

Foo Fighters: Sonic Highways
Directed by Dave Grohl

An 8 part series devoted to chronicling the histories and cultures that define a city's musical identity. In each episode the band record one song in one city, as Dave Grohl interviews the musical 'local legends'.

I loved this series! Being able to identify the reasons behind the lyrics makes the songs on the album (of the same name) much more meaningful. I also enjoyed seeing inside the 8 different recording studios and hearing the stories behind them.
 
Cobain: Montage of Heck
Directed by Brett Morgan

An honest look at the life of Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain through home footage, never before seen drawings, and journal pages. 'Montage of Heck' features in-depth interviews with Kurt's family and closest friends, including Krist Novoselic (Nirvana bassist) and Courtney Love (Kurt's wife). Revealing and very intense.

The accompanying book (of the same name) includes transcripts of hundreds of hours of interviews, and features never before seen photographs. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it!

The Wrecking Crew
Directed by Denny Tedesco

 
My local independent cinema recently brought this documentary to my attention. 'The Wrecking Crew' were a talented group of studio musicians in LA in the 1960s who played on almost all of the hit records of the day, including songs by Nancy Sinatra, Beach Boys, and Mamas and Papas.

Unknown to the general public, the accomplished musicians were often brought in to replace entire groups on recordings. If you are at all interested in the history of rock music, I recommend this documentary!

Amy
Directed by Asif Kapadia

As with 'Cobain: Montage of Heck', 'Amy' isn't always an easy film to watch. Directed by Asif Kapadia, 'Amy' depicts the life of Amy Winehouse: her  blossoming career, her relationships, and her struggle with drink and drugs.

Kapadia's controversial choice to use paparazzi footage at times  creates the unpleasant feeling that you are hounding Amy, as the paparazzi so relentlessly did. But there are happier moments: a tattoo free Amy excited to begin her musical career. Be prepared to cry.

What documentaries have you watched recently? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Until next week...

-Karen