Watch Hot Sugar's Cold World

Hot Sugar's Cold World is a 2015 documentary film that takes the viewers into the unique creative world of Nick Koenig, more popularly known as "Hot Sugar". The film, directed by Adam Bhala Lough, offers a glimpse into the life of an artist whose work straddles the line between music and sound design. Frank Andrews, Danny Brown, and Shelby Fero are some of the artists featured in the film, who share their experiences of collaborating with Nick Koenig. The film follows Nick Koenig as he navigates through his creative process, from recording random sounds on the streets to transforming them into music.

The movie begins with Nick's explanation of his philosophy towards recording sound. He argues that every sound around us has a musical quality that can be sculpted and transformed into something beautiful. This idea is the driving force behind Nick's work, as he spends his time recording mundane sounds such as garbage trucks, traffic noises, and even the sound of a credit card swipe.

As the film progresses, we are introduced to Nick Koenig's unique approach to music production. His process is deeply unique, as he uses sounds that are often not considered musical and turns them into complete pieces of music. He also heavily relies on technology to manipulate sound, using various programs and apps to create specific sounds.

One intriguing aspect of the film is the use of visuals to accompany the music. Nick Koenig's work is heavily influenced by visuals, and he often creates music to accompany video or other art forms. The film illustrates this aspect of his work effectively, pairing footage of various images with Nick's music.

Another notable aspect of the film is the sheer variety of Nick's collaborators. The documentary shows a range of musicians, artists, and even comedians who have worked with Nick over the years. Danny Brown, the acclaimed rapper, shares his experience of working with Nick and how his eccentric sound palette influenced their collaboration. Meanwhile, Shelby Fero, the comedian, describes her work with Nick as the creation of an "audio world."

The documentary also focuses on Nick's journey as a person, showcasing his struggles with depression and anxiety. We see him grappling with the emotional toll of his creative process, and how the relationship between his hectic work schedule and mental well-being is often tenuous.

Overall, Hot Sugar's Cold World is an engaging documentary that captures the essence of Nick Koenig's work. The film shows how his work is defined by his unique approach to sound production, and how he has managed to cultivate a body of work that is both deeply personal and universal. Through interviews with collaborators and footage of his creative process, the film delves into the world of an artist who is not afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of what music can be.

In conclusion, Hot Sugar's Cold World is a fascinating documentary that is sure to appeal to music lovers and anyone interested in the creative process. The film does an excellent job of showcasing Nick Koenig's unique talents and his contribution to the world of music. Whether you're a fan of his work or not, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone who wants to see how an artist can turn even the most mundane sounds into pieces of art.

Hot Sugar's Cold World is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.