Watch Towncraft

Towncraft is a 2007 documentary film focusing mainly on the little-known music culture of Denton, Texas during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The film revolves around the idea of an underground scene of predominantly young, white musicians who were creating a new, alternative music scene that was as authentic and original as it was poorly understood by the mainstream audience.

The documentary, directed by Richard Bakewell, features interviews with numerous musicians who were part of this scene, including some of its biggest names. The interviews are conducted in a raw and candid manner, with the musicians speaking honestly about their motivations, their experiences, and their struggles.

The film begins by introducing viewers to the town of Denton, which is situated roughly 35 miles north of Dallas. Denton is portrayed as a sleepy college town, with a heavy emphasis on its local music culture. According to some of the musicians interviewed, Denton was a place where creative expression was highly valued, and where experimentation was encouraged.

As the film progresses, viewers begin to get a sense of the scope of the Denton music scene. The film features interviews with musicians from a variety of different genres and sub-genres, ranging from emo and punk to folk and country. While these genres may seem disparate, the film shows how they all came together in Denton to create something truly unique.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its exploration of the tension between the Denton music scene and the mainstream music industry. Many of the musicians interviewed express a deep ambivalence about the role of record labels and the music business. They appreciate the idea of getting their music out to a wider audience, but are wary of the compromises they might have to make in order to do so.

The film also delves into the economics of the Denton music scene, which was largely self-sufficient. Many of the musicians interviewed talk about the DIY ethos that defined the scene; they would put on their own shows, release their own albums, and create their own merchandise. This allowed them to maintain complete artistic control over their work, but also meant that they were often scraping by financially.

Overall, Towncraft is a well-crafted documentary that manages to capture the spirit of a unique and largely underappreciated music scene. It is a film that will appeal to music lovers, particularly those who are interested in alternative or underground scenes. However, even viewers who are not particularly music-oriented may find themselves drawn in by the sincerity, creativity, and passion of the Denton musicians featured in the film.