On the Scene: DVD Review: What is Indie? A Documentary Film by Dave Cool Posted on Saturday, June 03, 2006 @ 11:42:41 PDT
Topic: On The Scene
Imagine having to take an 18-month road trip just so you can explain exactly
what you do for a living. Canadian musician Dave Cool (his real name) started
his own independent record label and found himself stumped when someone looked
at his business card and asked, "What does Indie mean?"
Think you know the answer? Not so fast. As Cool proves in this documentary,
shot in four major cities and featuring interviews with musicians, authors,
and industry experts, the definition of "Indie" has evolved over the
past several years. And even if you froze this moment in time and asked everyone
in the music industry to define what Indie means, at this exact moment, you'd
get different answers and lots of debate.
The lively, spirited, and often funny debate is just part of what makes What
is Indie? so fascinating. Cool does not just leave the question open. He
explores the issue from every angle. Does "Indie" just mean "unsigned?"
If you're an Indie artist signed to an Indie label that is owned by a major
label, are you still Indie? (My immediate answer was "no," but opinions
offered by CDBaby's Derek Sivers and Sonicbids' Panos Panay made me reexamine
the question.) Cool then compiles his answers and provides his own definition.
But of course, this is not where it ends. He then takes a look at the significance
of the definition and what it means for the major labels. This sudden turn makes
up the second half of the CD and offers an exciting look at the bargaining chips
many Indie artists don't realize they're holding. All independent musicians,
especially those wondering if they should be pursuing a major label deal, need
to watch this documentary.
It was almost too much to absorb in one viewing. I watched it three times,
and I found that what makes this project breathe and buzz goes beyond the discussion
of one simple question. So much is going on behind the scenes. In one segment,
artists talk about how the word "Indie" can be a curse because of
the preconceived notion that the word means "poor quality." Cool allows
Indie Bible Editor David Wimble to refute that notion with a couple of
sentences, but then he lets the music speak for itself. We see live footage
and music videos of artists like Ember Swift, Andrea Revel, The Vendettas, and
many others. The performances are captivating, from NEeMA's seductive crooning
to Bloodshot Bill's hyper feedback frenzies. These artists are not label rejects.
This music is not poor quality. (To get you further hooked, the DVD comes with
a CD with music from all the artists interviewed in the film.)
What also stands out is the family vibe. Cool talks to artists and experts
from all over the world, and they all feel connected. They have different personalities,
they speak different languages, they play different music and have different
goals. But they share similar experiences in the industry, backing up points
made in each other's interviews and expanding on each other's ideas. As an Indie
music writer, I felt like I was watching members of my artist family. The connection
goes beyond the screen - it pulls the audience right in. Even if you don't play
music, you are a member of that family if you love Indie music (even if you
can't define it).
The editing is sharp and smart, with some scenes clicked still like a snapshot
while other interviewees weigh in and then released to continue the scene afterwards.
The narration is well-handled by Cool, an articulate and detail-oriented filmmaker.
Like the music, this independent film is made with style and professionalism.
The DVD contains
many extras, including more detailed interviews with the industry experts (including
Indie-Music.com's own Founder, Suzanne Glass). Viewers can also find a listing
of web resources, some deleted scenes (which I felt should have been included
in the actual film) and a very funny blooper reel.
I strongly recommend that people in the Indie music community get together
in groups to watch this documentary, because they will want to discuss it. They
will also want to celebrate together the excitement evoked by one of the messages
of the film - that this is a great time in music history to be an independent
artist. This documentary may focus on a specific question, but the effect on
the viewer is like a rallying cry.
It also solves a major problem for me. I am going to show this documentary
to my parents when I visit them this summer so they will finally understand
what I do for a living. And that alone is worth Dave Cool's 18-month investment.
