Watch Before the Music Dies

Before the Music Dies is a documentary film that delves into the current state of contemporary music and the music industry at large. Released in 2006 and directed by Andrew Shapter and Joel Rasmussen, the film features interviews with several iconic musicians, including Bonnie Raitt, Elvis Costello, and Les Paul, as well as many lesser-known artists and industry insiders.

The film explores a range of issues facing the music industry, beginning with the impact of corporate consolidation on radio stations and the resulting homogenization of music. The filmmakers argue that this consolidation has created an environment in which only a handful of major labels control the vast majority of what gets played on the radio, stifling creativity and reducing the diversity of music available to listeners. The film also touches on the issue of payola, or the practice of record labels paying radio stations to play their music, and the negative impact this can have on independent musicians.

Another major focus of the film is the decline of the recording industry and the rise of digital music. The filmmakers argue that the proliferation of free, illegal file sharing has taken a significant toll on record sales, leaving many musicians struggling to make a living through their art. The film also explores the potential of digital music distribution to democratize the industry by removing some of the institutional barriers faced by independent musicians.

Throughout the film, the filmmakers highlight a number of musicians who they feel represent the best of contemporary music, including the funk band Galactic, blues guitarist Chris Thomas King, and singer-songwriter Gillian Welch. These artists and others are shown performing live and discussing their creative processes, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make great music in the modern age.

Overall, Before the Music Dies is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of the challenges facing contemporary music. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in music, culture, and the state of the music industry today.

Before the Music Dies is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.