You Play What?

Watch You Play What?

  • 2018
  • 1 Season

You Play What? is a thrilling and captivating show that focuses on the diverse world of music and the individuals who make it. From the traditional to the avant-garde, the series explores the creativity and passion behind the music, as well as the stories, the people, and the cultures that influence it.

Each episode revolves around a unique musician or group of musicians who take the audience through their musical journey. Hosted by Great Big Story’s own Fletcher Powell, the show showcases the musician’s process of creating their music and how it reflects their personal experiences and influences. Powell, inquisitive and intrigued, interviews the subject to get a firsthand account of their experience and journey.

One of the defining features of the show is its focus on music that is not necessarily mainstream or popular. The series touches on different music genres, including classical, traditional, jazz, blues, and world music. It encourages viewers to explore the rich and diverse world of music beyond the familiar songs played on the radio.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the show is its emphasis on the instruments used in creating music. The series goes beyond the typical guitar/bass/drums setup and explores the limitless world of music instruments. From the traditional wooden flute to an instrument made out of recycled materials, the stories behind the talents of the musicians and the peculiarities of their instruments are equally fascinating.

The show also highlights the global aspect of music, exploring the different cultures, traditions, and sounds that make up the world of music. Powell travels to various locations across the world, interviewing musicians from different countries and regions. The show places great emphasis on the cultural significance of each style of music and how it contributes to our understanding of the world.

Aside from the musical aspect of the show, You Play What? also features some incredible visuals. The background imagery and locations, combined with creative editing and sound design, enhance the musical performances and create a unique and immersive experience for the audience. The team behind the show’s production ensures that each episode is visually stunning, using vivid colors and light to create a sense of magic and wonder that transports the audience into the music.

Overall, You Play What? is an extraordinary show that explores the deep and meaningful world of music. It goes beyond the surface of what we hear on the radio and takes us on a journey into the hearts and experiences of the musicians, highlighting the beauty and complexity of their art form. With its immersive visuals, diverse musical genres, and global perspective, You Play What? is a must-watch for anyone who loves music and wants to explore the vast and creative avenues music can offer.

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Seasons
Covering Rock Classics on the Ancient Gayageum
7. Covering Rock Classics on the Ancient Gayageum
July 30, 2018
?In Seoul, South Korea, a young musician plays rock classics on a centuries-old Korean instrument, the gayageum. Luna Lee thought it wasteful to play only traditional music associated with the stringed instrument, so her repertoire features covers from Jimi Hendrix and other rock luminaries. Now, Lee is bringing Korean traditions to a whole new audience.
Making Musical Instruments Out of Garbage
6. Making Musical Instruments Out of Garbage
July 30, 2018
Brooklyn-based artist and musician Ken Butler has built over 400 musical instruments. But these aren't just any custom-built music makers. Butler builds his pieces from discarded items he finds on the streets of New York City. Hockey sticks, tennis rackets, brooms, golf clubs, styrofoam, toothbrushes: all are fair game for his masterpieces. It's musique concr
The Vegetable Orchestra Literally Plays with Their Food
5. The Vegetable Orchestra Literally Plays with Their Food
July 30, 2018
In Vienna, Austria, there is an orchestra that performs with instruments made from vegetables. For the past 18 years, these musicians have been purchasing produce from a local market, turning that produce into instruments and performing with them in front of a live audience. The vegetable scraps are made into soup, which the group then serves to the audience at the end of each performance.
Battle of the Alpine Horns
4. Battle of the Alpine Horns
July 30, 2018
Once a year, the world's top alpine horn musicians gather high in the Swiss Alps to compete for a special honor. The Valais Drink Pure Festival is an international meeting of alphorn players where the best of the best come to play the iconic elongated horn in its traditional Swiss setting. Sixteen-year-old Tim Lin might seem like an unlikely alphorn enthusiast, but he's quite the prodigy.
Making Music with The Typewriter Orchestra
3. Making Music with The Typewriter Orchestra
July 30, 2018
For pre-digital natives, there's something nostalgic about the "click," "clack" and "ding" of a mechanical typewriter. Since 2004, the Boston Typewriter Orchestra has made these old machines sing again-literally. They play a range of covers and original songs on both desktop and portable machines from years past. And if you thought all typewriters emitted the same sounds, think again.
The Instrument That Lets You Play the (Electromagnetic) Field
2. The Instrument That Lets You Play the (Electromagnetic) Field
July 30, 2018
It's the only instrument in the world that you play without physically touching it, and its siren call has lured Hollywood and musicians alike in pursuit of an eerie, otherworldly sound. The Theremin, named for its inventor, Leon Theremin?, is a synthesizer controlled by electromagnetic fields. Pamelia Stickney is one of its best players.
Sounds of the Nightmare Machine
1. Sounds of the Nightmare Machine
July 30, 2018
What happens when a horror movie composer and a guitar maker join forces? They create the world's most disturbing musical instrument, affectionately known as "The Apprehension Engine."
Description
  • Premiere Date
    July 30, 2018