Watch Austin to Boston

Austin to Boston is a documentary film released in 2014 that follows four up-and-coming bands from the UK, namely Bear's Den, Ben Howard, Nathaniel Rateliff and The Staves, as they embark on a 2,500-mile road trip across the United States. The documentary captures the raw energy and spirit of these musicians as they perform at various small venues along their journey, without the aid of giant spotlights or expensive sound systems, and showcases their unique music styles, personalities, and the journey they take together.

The road trip starts in Austin, Texas, where the bands are brought together by a passion and love for music. They start their journey by hitching up an old school bus, nicknamed "Vandalf the Grey," and setting off on a tour of some of America's iconic music cities, including New Orleans, Atlanta, Nashville, and Boston. The documentary captures the highs and lows of touring, the sweat, the hard work, and the challenges of performing every night, with limited sleep and little food.

One of the most striking things about Austin to Boston is the incredible on-screen chemistry between the musicians. Despite coming from different backgrounds and having distinct musical styles, they quickly form a bond, sharing their love of music and stories of their own struggles to get where they are today. The film shows the musicians' passion and commitment to their craft, and how, despite the challenges of touring, they remain dedicated to sharing their music with the world.

Throughout the journey, the bands remain philosophical about their experiences. They are humble about their own talents but resist the relatively conventional understanding that success in music can only be measured by fame, fortune, and playing large-scale venues. Instead, the musicians celebrate their fanbase and the importance of the live music experience in intimate settings.

The adventure is not without its hiccups, however. One of the struggles the bands encounter is the unexpected and sometimes violent weather conditions in the American south. In one of the stops, a tornado warning causes a last-minute change of plans, forcing the band to set up and perform under a bridge. The documentary highlights the logistical strain of the touring experience, as the bands are shown figuring out details such as how to unload their gear quickly and finding alternative sleeping arrangements.

The documentary's soundtrack is an integral part of its charm. Austin to Boston features live performances of original songs from each of the bands, such as Ben Howard's "Black Flies" and Bear's Den's "Isaac." The songs amplify the human emotions of joy, sadness, doubt, and hope that the musicians express in interviews throughout the film.

Another highlight of Austin to Boston is the brief and intimate perspectives of each musician. As the journey progresses, the audience is given an insight into the artists' deep personal experiences, including the effects of family breakdown, the struggle of coming to terms with sexuality, and the difficulty in finding true love. Through these moments, the documentary shows a sensitive and human approach rarely seen in the mainstream music industry.

Austin to Boston is a unique music documentary that captures the raw energy, spirit, and dedication of four up-and-coming musicians embarking on a road trip across the United States. It serves to remind the audience of the power of live music to touch emotions and connect people. It shows how, despite differences in personalities, musical styles, and geographical backgrounds, the artists come together to celebrate their passion for music and the intimate setting each of them experiences on the tour. It is a breathtaking journey that tells both a personal and a collective story. The documentary is an inspiration to all aspiring musicians, reminding us that success can come from honest expression and joy in what we love.

Austin to Boston is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 12 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.