Watch Soundtrek Mount Everest : A Musical Journey by Paul Oakenfold
- PG
- 2021
- 46 min
Soundtrek Mount Everest: A Musical Journey is a breathtaking documentary that follows world-renowned DJ and producer, Paul Oakenfold, as he sets out to create music at the highest point on Earth - the summit of Mount Everest. The film, released in 2021, is a gripping visual and auditory exploration of the majestic Himalayas and the unique challenges that come with taking music production to unprecedented heights.
The movie begins with Oakenfold undertaking his preparations to climb Mount Everest alongside mountaineer Kenton Cool and filmmaker Josh Heffler. The music superstar confesses his admiration for Cool, who has initially summited Mount Everest 14 times, as they set out on their adventure. He’s armed with a backpack full of musical equipment, including a portable studio for recording and a keyboard that can withstand the extreme weather conditions in the mountain region.
As the trio starts their climb, the beauty of the Himalayas and the brutal physical challenge of the journey is immediately evident. Oakenfold captures these remarkable moments and seamlessly mixes them with his original score to create a unique cinematic experience that immerses the viewer in the sights and sounds of Mount Everest.
One of the key themes of the movie is the technical and physical hurdles Oakenfold faces as he seeks to create music at an altitude of over 29,000 feet above sea level. The filmmaker expertly balances the emotional beats of Oakenfold’s journey with the trials and tribulations of working in such an extreme environment. The viewer is taken on a journey through rapidly changing weather conditions, precarious climbing and even the moment where the musician experiences a potentially life-threatening altitude sickness. All these difficulties are captured in footage that would be difficult to capture under normal circumstances, highlighting the filmmaker's and their team's incredible efforts to make it all possible.
As the journey progresses, the documentary provides ample opportunity for the viewer to learn more about the traditions and beliefs of the Sherpa people in the region. Oakenfold discusses the cultural significance of the environment and the impact that the climbers had on their local community. Through open conversations with the sherpas, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual connection that these communities have with the mountain and the difficulties they experience from a changing climate that’s affecting the region more and more every year.
The most memorable part of the movie is probably the summit of Mount Everest. The unpredictable weather and the treacherous conditions make the sequence suspenseful and exhilarating. Oakenfold manages to record his music even at the brink of exhaustion, while he and Cool stand at the top of the world. The emotion of the triumphant moment is palpable, and the music makes the scene even more inspiring.
Throughout the movie, Oakenfold creates a series of mesmerizing soundscapes that blend the sounds of the mountain and the recordings of the Sherpa’s hymns with his electronic music. The overall score is an ethereal and uplifting experience that is perfectly suited to the incredible visuals of the majestic Himalayas. Viewers with an interest in music production would be amazed by how the musician managed to keep his equipment operational above 22,000 feet and how he managed to draw inspiration for unique sounds from the environment.
Soundtrek Mount Everest: A Musical Journey is a captivating and awe-inspiring movie, both for its visuals and musical score. The documentary is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and musical talent, and the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. The movie can inspire all those who love music and the environment, those who want to learn more about the Himalayas and mountaineering, or those simply looking for a thrilling adventure. Without giving any spoilers, it is a must-watch for anyone even remotely interested in this amazing adventure, and it will truly be a journey that they will never forget.