Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, 2011

As the title might suggest, this documentary is about A Tribe Called Quest, often referred to as the most influential and groundbreaking musical groups in hip-hop history. The film is directed by Michael Rapaport who followed the band through their reunion tour in 2008, almost 10 years after the band’s sudden break up. Some of the participating interviewees are Common, Ludacris, Beastie Boys, and Pharrell.

Where to watch: YouTube rental, Google Play rental

FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened, 2019

For anyone who has yet to see it, this is the story behind Fire festival, luxury music festival that turned into a national disaster. Over an hour-and-a-half the audience gets to see the inner workings of this festival trainwreck and it is entertaining and sad to watch all at the same time.

Where to watch: Netflix

Madonna and the Breakfast Club, 2019

The early story of Madonna, before the fame during her struggling year trying to make it in the big apple with her band the Breakfast Club. In many ways this film is a celebration of Madonna’s ambition but also a showcase of the people who had made an impact on her becoming a musician.

Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube rental

New York 77 the Coolest Year in Hell, 2007

This was a big year for New York for a variety of reasons from an economic downturn, to a massive city blackout, and a series killer on the loose. It was also the year South Bronx embraced hip hop, Lower East side embraced thrashing guitar punk at CBGB, and disco was still in full swing. The film features interviews with music legends like Afrika Bambaataa, Chris Stein (Blondie), Grandmaster Caz, DJ Disco Wiz, and many more.

Where to watch: free on YouTube

ReMastered: Who Shot the Sheriff, A Bob Marley Story, 2018

The violent political suppression of the roots reggae movement in Jamaica told through an investigation into Jamaican politics and the CIA’s involvement in the mysterious shooting of Bob Marley.

Where to watch: Netflix

Searching for Sugar Man, 2012

An amazing story of an artist no one knew about called Rodriguez, who lived a humble, subtle life not knowing that he had a near cult following in South Africa. Rodriguez is eventually found well and alive by two fans who then proceed to untangle the story of his life and lack of attribution.

Where to watch: Netflix (US), YouTube rental, Google Play rental, Amazon rental

Scratch, 2001

This doc is all about turntablism, looking at the history from the South Bronx in the 1970 to San Francisco today (aka at the time filmed). A wealth of DJs and industry experts pitch into the story, reflecting on how they got into scratching and how it all begun. Among the many featured performers are Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, DJ Babu, Jazzy Jay, Grandmaster Flash, Madlib, and many, many more.

Where to watch: free on YouTube

Shut Up and Play the Hits, 2012

Documentary about the LCD Soundsystem’s last ever show at Madison Square Gardens. To quote IMDb, this film is “an intimate portrait of James Murphy as he navigates the lead-up to the show, the day after, and the personal and professional ramifications of his decision.”

Where to watch: Hulu, YouTube rental, Google Play rental

Rebel Music, MTV Series, 2013 –

A series of stories about Younge artists using music and art to ignite revolutionary actions around the world. Each episode focuses on an artists within a country, facing oppression, injustices, crime and other socio-political issues that fuel their creativity.  The stories featured are from indigenous people in Canada, Egypt, Mali, Israel/Palestine, Afghanistan, Mexico, and India.

Where to watch: Some full episodes are available free on YouTube

27 Gone Too Soon, 2017

Documentary that investigates the deaths of musical celebrities all of whom died at the age of 27. Throughout the film audiences get to see unseen footage and interviews with medical professionals, critics, and other insiders from the lives of Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain.

Where to watch: Netflix

The post 10 Music documentaries to stream during social isolation appeared first on Quip Magazine.

After the success of CityFox: Halloween, CityFox returned to Avant Gardner to host a second rendition of CityFox Live, a unique music festival dedicated to underground superstars of electronic genres. New Yorkers braved the high wind and cold weather to witness Avant Gardner transform into multiple multi-faceted venues where each stage was its own different world with its own special ambiance.

The lineup was unique and international. Brazil’s Gui Boratto and Parisian producer Rodriguez, Jr. returned after a successful run at CityFox Halloween. Germany was all over the lineup with the presence of Christian Löffler, Tim Engelhardt, Seth Schwarz, and Schwarzmann. Italian techno producer SOEL [cover image] as well we UK’s Kate Simko and Japanese-born Alice Iguchi added additional international flair to the lineup. But CityFox kept in touch with their local roots by featuring Ray Zuniga, Nikita, and Beartrax. The live ambient lounge sets from BPMF, PJay, and Gleix gave fans an additional layer of music to enjoy as they moved between the musical worlds of Avant Gardner. The diversity in sound, technique, and nationality was omnipresent in this line up celebrating the beauty of underground electronic music.

One of the standouts for the night was German-born DJ and producer Tim Engelhardt. Engelhardt graced the stage of the Great Hall giving fans an impressive light show combined with sounds that moved the room. Engelhardt’s consistent and vibrant set filled the room early on in the day capturing the attention and admiration of the crowd with songs like “Skin,” his collaboration with Mi.Li.An. It really felt as if the Great Hall was transformed into the main room at the famous Suicide Circus in Berlin.

Washington, D.C. native Jon Charnis continued the party in King’s Hall, stepping into his role as both DJ and Live Producer. The crowd embraced Charnis’ unique sound during the live set which created the soundtrack for the night combining his own magic while blending in tribal grooves like “Cableito” from Colombian producer Canedo. Charnis’ set, coupled with the ambiance in King’s Hall, teleported the crowd to a rave in the tropics.

As the night went on the audience was treated to a very special performance by The Lost Circus. German DJ, producer, and classically trained violinist Seth Schwarz combined all of his talents together into one of the best sets of the night. Schwarz’s impressive multi-tasking skills came into play as he beautifully showcased his talent to a cheering crowd of fans. The sound of Schwarz’s violin echoed the halls of the Lost Circus as he played along to songs such as “Coming Home” from A-Track and Ferreck Dawn as well as his own creations such as “Ometion,” his collaboration with Stephan Zovsky, “Einsheimer,” his collaboration with Einmusik, and “Najura.” It was quite the sight and probably one of the most unique and impressive DJ sets of the festival.

CityFox: Halloween favorite, Parisian producer, and DJ Rodriguez, Jr. was another standout of the night. The Great Hall was packed with fans dancing to an alluring set ranging tracks from Rodriguez, Jr. such as “Monticello” and “Radian” as well as some underground favorites like “Moon” by Brazilian artist Astrodisco. It was pretty evident why CityFox decided to bring Rodriguez, Jr. back one more time to Brooklyn who once again showcased some of the best in French electronic music to the crowd.

The second CityFox: Live was an experience to remember. Every spectrum of underground electronic music was represented where every space, even the lounge, was filled with unique sounds that penetrated the soul. Every detail down to the lighting was planned meticulously by the folks at CityFox which created one of the most unique concert experiences you’ll ever attend.

The post CityFox Live: Electronic music festival celebrating the best of the underground appeared first on Quip Magazine.