The Best Electronic Music Documentaries You Need to See
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From 808 to Daft Punk, these are the best documentaries to get an inside look at the culture and history of electronic music.
What is Electronic Music?
Electronic music is a genre of music that is created with the help of electronic devices and instruments. It has a wide range of sub-genres and is a popular genre of music today. In this article, we will be taking a look at the best electronic music documentaries that you need to see.
A brief history
Since the late 1990s, electronic music has become increasingly popular. In fact, it is now one of the most popular genres of music. There are many different types of electronic music, but most of it can be divided into two main categories: dance music and experimental music.
Dance music is often played in nightclubs and is designed to make people dance. It typically has a strong beat and is very often very loud. Experimental electronic music, on the other hand, is usually quieter and more complex. It is often created by musicians who are more interested in exploring new sounds and experimenting with different ways of making music.
Electronic music has its origins in the early 20th century, when musicians began experiment with new ways of making sound. One of the earliest pioneers of electronic music was French composer Claude Debussy. He used a device called the theremin to create strange, otherworldly sounds in his work “Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune.” In the 1930s, American composer George Antheil wrote a piece called “Ballet Mécanique” that featured 16 player pianos and airplane propellers. This was one of the first pieces of electronic music ever written.
During the 1950s and 1960s, composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and Pierre Boulez began to experiment with electronics in their work. They used devices such as tape recorders and synthesizers to create new sounds that had never been heard before. These composers were part of a movement known as musique concrète, which was based on the idea that any sound could be used as musical material.
In the 1970s, a new generation of composers began to experiment with electronic music. These composers, who became known as minimalists, explored repetition and simplicity in their work. One of the most famous minimalist composers is Steve Reich, whose piece “Music for 18 Musicians” features repeating patterns that gradually change over time.
In the 1980s and 1990s, electronic dance music became increasingly popular. This type of music often features repetitive beats and samples from other songs or movies. One of the most famousDJs is Moby, who became famous in the 1990s for his song “Go.”
The different genres
Think of electronic music and the first thing that might come to mind is the stuff your kids are listening to on Spotify. But if you scratch beneath the surface, there’s so much more to it than that.header-gettyimages-117490837
Electronic music is a genre of music that is created with the help of electronic instruments and technology. It has grown from its roots in techno and house music to encompass a wide range of styles, making it one of the most popular and influential genres of music today.
There are many different genres of electronic music, each with its own unique sound and style. Here are some of the most popular:
Techno: A fast-paced and energetic type of electronic dance music that originated in Detroit in the 1980s. It is characterized by a heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines.
House: A slower and more groove-based type of techno that originated in Chicago in the mid-1980s. It often features a 4/4 beat and samples from soul, funk, and disco records.
Drum & Bass: A high-energy type of electronic dance music that emerged in the early 1990s in the UK. It is characterized by its fast tempo and heavy use of drum machines and bass synthesizers.
Trance: A type of electronic dance music that became popular in the 1990s, characterized by its ethereal melodies and hypnotic rhythms.
Ambient: A type of atmospheric electronic music that is designed to be listened to as background noise or for relaxation purposes.
The Best Electronic Music Documentaries
Electronic music has become one of the most popular genres in the world, and there are some great documentaries about it. This list will cover the best electronic music documentaries that you need to see.
‘808’
‘808’ is a documentary about the Roland TR-808 drum machine. The film explores the impact that the 808 has had on the music industry, from its inception in 1980 to its present day popularity. The film features interviews with a variety of music industry experts, including producers, engineers, and artists who have used the 808 in their work. ‘808’ is a must-see for any electronic music fan, as it provides an in-depth look at one of the most important pieces of equipment in the genre.
‘Raving Iran’
‘Raving Iran’ is a 2016 documentary film directed by Arash T. Riahi and Arman Naderi. The film follows Anoosh and Arash, two young Iranian DJs who throw illegal underground techno parties in Tehran despite the strict religious and moral codes of the country. The film showcases the dangers and difficulties that the duo face in their fight to keep the rave scene alive in Iran.
‘The Secret Life of Machines’
“The Secret Life of Machines” is a 1988 documentary television series presented by Tim Hunkin. The series is an informative and creative look at the machines which people use every day, and how they work. Hunkin uses stop-motion animation to explain the working of various machines, and also makes public appearances to demonstrate his inventions.
‘The Human Experiment’
Food has become big business. Corporations are engineering foods to be more addictive and to have longer shelf lives. They are pumping them full of hormones and antibiotics and genetically altering their DNA. meanwhile, rates of chronic illnesses in the U.S. are on the rise.
The film, directed by Dana Nachman and Don Hardy, examines the effects of the chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis. It’s a fascinating and troubling look at the way our food system has become industrialized and how that is effecting our health.
‘I Dream of Wires’
I Dream of Wires is a must-see for any fan of electronic music. The documentary chronicles the history of the genre from its humble beginnings in the late 1970s to its present-day incarnation as one of the most popular genres in the world. Featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in electronic music, including Kraftwerk, Aphex Twin, and Moby, I Dream of Wires is an essential look at the evolution of a truly groundbreaking sound.
Why You Should Watch These Documentaries
Electronic music has come a long way since its inception in the late 1970s. Today, the genre is one of the most popular in the world, with fans of all ages. If you’re curious about the history of electronic music, or you’re simply a fan of the genre, then you need to watch these documentaries.
They’re educational
Entering the world of electronic music can be daunting for some. With so many different styles and sub-genres, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where documentaries come in. These films educate as well as entertain, providing an insight into the lives of some of the most influential DJs and producers around.
From Detroit techno to French house, these are the best electronic music documentaries you need to see.
1) ‘Pump Up the Volume’
This 1990 documentary is all about acid house and rave culture in Britain during the late 1980s. Featuring interviews with some of the biggest names in dance music at the time, including Paul Oakenfold, Danny Rampling, and Sasha, it’s a fascinating look at a key period in electronic music history.
2) ‘Modulations’
Directed by Iara Lee, ‘Modulations’ is a film about the history of electronic music from the 1940s to the present day. It features interviews with a host of big names from all corners of the genre, including Giorgio Moroder, Brian Eno, Afrika Bambaataa, and Fatboy Slim.
3) ‘Better Living Through Circuitry’
This 1999 documentary looks at the rise of raves and EDM culture in America during the 1990s. Featuring interviews with everyone from Moby to The Crystal Method, it’s a must-watch for any fan of electronic music.
4) ‘Magnetic Resonance’
Released in 2008, this film takes an in-depth look at Detroit techno – one of the most important sub-genres in dance music. With contributions from some of techno’s biggest names, including Juan Atkins and Derrick May, it’s essential viewing for anyone with an interest in this style of music.
5) ‘ Daft Punk Unchained’
This 2015 documentary charts the rise of one of electronic music’s most popular acts – Daft Punk. Featuring interviews with everyone from Kanye West to Nile Rodgers, it gives a rare insight into the world of these enigmatic French producers.
They’re entertaining
good documentary should be entertaining while also informing the viewer on its subject. A great documentary does all of this while also leaving the viewer with a new perspective on the world. The following documentaries do just that by shining a light on different aspects of the electronic music scene.
“808”
“808” is a documentary about the Roland TR-808 drum machine. The machine was responsible for creating some of the most iconic sounds in music, including the ” 808 drop.” The film chronicles the history of the machine and its influence on music. It features interviews with some of the biggest names in music, including Afrika Bambaataa, Questlove, Diplo, and more.
“Rave New World”
“Rave New World” is a documentary about the rise of rave culture in the United Kingdom. The film chronicles the early days of rave culture and how it evolved into something much more than just a party scene. It features interviews with some of the biggest names in UK rave culture, including Carl Cox, Paul Oakenfold, and Danny Rampling.
“Deconstructing Dad: The Music, Machines, and Mystery of Raymond Scott”
Raymond Scott was an electronic music pioneer who created some of the most iconic sounds of the 20th century. His music has been used in countless cartoons and movies, including ” Looney Tunes,” “Ren and Stimpy,” and “The Simpsons.” This documentary explores Scott’s life and work, featuring interviews with his family and friends, as well as archival footage and recordings.
These are just a few of the best electronic music documentaries you need to see. Each one offers a unique perspective on a different aspect of the scene. Whether you’re a fan of electronic music or not, these films are sure to entertain and enlighten you.
They’ll help you appreciate electronic music even more
For anyone who loves electronic music, these documentaries are essential viewing. They’ll help you understand and appreciate the roots of the music, the culture surrounding it, and the people who create it.