Watch Troubadour Blues

Troubadour Blues is a documentary film released in 2011 that sheds light on the struggles of independent singer-songwriters in the American music industry. It features the lives of several such artists, including Peter Case, Slaid Cleaves, Mary Gauthier, Mark Erelli, and others. The film takes the viewer on a journey through the country, following these artists and their music as they perform in small clubs and bars, living out of their vans and constantly on the move. These troubadours are portrayed as modern-day nomads, who tirelessly travel the country, trying to make a living with their music.

The film discusses the challenges that these artists face in the music industry, where money and fame often have more value than authentic and meaningful music. The documentary shows how the music industry has changed over the years, with corporate labels dominating the scene while independent artists struggle to get their music heard.

The narrative of the film is driven by the artists' interviews, where they share their struggles and the reasons why they choose to pursue music as a career despite the odds. The documentary explores how their life experiences influence their music, providing insights into the creative process behind their songs.

One of the artists featured in the film is Peter Case, who started his career as a member of the band The Plimsouls before going solo in the 1980s. He talks about how he moved away from his hometown of Buffalo to pursue his music dream in California, eventually becoming homeless and living out of his car. Despite the hardships, he persevered and became a successful solo artist, acclaimed for his poetic lyrics and unique style.

The documentary also features Slaid Cleaves, a singer-songwriter from Maine, who reflects on his life growing up in a blue-collar family and how his music is influenced by his upbringing. Mark Erelli, a Massachusetts-based musician, talks about his struggle to balance his music career with his family life.

The film culminates in a performance by several of these artists at a music festival in New York. The audience is treated to an eclectic mix of folk, blues, rock, and country music as these troubadours take to the stage and pour their hearts out in front of a rapt audience.

Overall, Troubadour Blues is an enlightening and poignant look at the world of independent singer-songwriters. It provides a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of these artists, who are fighting to preserve their authenticity and make a living with their music. The film celebrates the power of music to bring people together and offers a rare insight into the creative process behind some of the most memorable music being made today.

Troubadour Blues is a 2013 music movie 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 8.7.