Watch Hype!

Hype! is a 1996 documentary film that focuses on the alternative rock scene of the early 1990s in Seattle, Washington. Directed by Doug Pray, the film explores the rise of grunge music and its impact on popular culture. The film features interviews with numerous musicians, including members of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana, as well as industry insiders and fans. It also features performances by such bands as 7 Year Bitch, Mudhoney, and TAD.

Hype! begins by introducing the Seattle music scene in the early 1980s and tracing the evolution of the city's punk and underground music scenes throughout the decade. The film then delves into the emergence of grunge in the late 1980s and early 1990s, chronicling the success of bands like Soundgarden and Mudhoney and the explosion of interest in the Seattle sound.

The film also explores the role of the media in promoting grunge music, with interviews with journalists from publications like The Seattle Times and The Stranger. It examines the impact of the 1991 release of Nirvana's album Nevermind, which brought grunge music to a mainstream audience and made Seattle the center of the music world.

Hype! features interviews with musicians about the creative process and the pressures of success. For example, Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder discusses his struggles with fame and the band's decision to pull back from the media spotlight. Meanwhile, Soundgarden's Chris Cornell talks about the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision.

The film also touches on the subject of gender in the grunge scene, with interviews with female musicians like Valerie Agnew of 7 Year Bitch and Carrie Akre of Hammerbox. The women discuss the challenges they faced as women in a male-dominated music scene and the impact of feminism on their music.

Throughout the film, Hype! captures the energy and excitement of the Seattle music scene in the early 1990s. It features footage of live performances and the vibrant culture that surrounded the music, including the coffeehouses and clubs where the bands played.

Overall, Hype! is a fascinating look at one of the most important and influential music scenes of the 20th century. Whether you're a fan of grunge or just interested in the history of popular music, this documentary is an essential watch.

Hype! is a 1996 documentary 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 7.6.