It seems like you cannot go wrong with a good “rockumentary” about some standout artists and the great works of music they create. If you are looking for something of the like to entertain or inspire you, it’s never been easier, a short browse through Netflix and, as the Brits would say it, ‘bobs your uncle’. However what about those documentaries that delve into the workings behind the art itself? The gritty exciting world that is the business of music? Well they too are available, somewhat, but can be surprisingly hard to find. Most documentaries (understandably) concentrate on the music itself and not the guys that are putting it into circulation. That’s the boring stuff right?… Well not if you are anything like me. I don’t know what it is about the music business or music itself but I find it all just as interesting and exciting. The more I got into music and being a professional musician, the more I became interested in the music business itself.

So for those out there with a thirst for more insight into the music industry and with a few hours to kill here is a list of the best documentaries which focus a little more on the business side of things rather than the usual sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. Many of these speak of the ‘good o’l days’ but you will see plenty talking about the crazy state the industry finds itself in right now and it’s uncertain future.

So let’s get started, in no particular order here are the 11 Best Music Business Documentaries.

#1

Artifact

Artifact delves into the ever common legal disputes between a band and it’s record label. The band and label in the spot light here are Jared Leto’s ‘Thirty Seconds to Mars’ and record label giants EMI, which filed a $30 million breach of contract lawsuit against them in 2008, when Jared and co tried to exit their contract after disputes regarding royalties. The documentary takes place in 2009, a period in which the band and Jared are in the process of recording ‘This is War’ all while simultaneously trying to fight tooth and nail against EMI. A great insight is given here into a situation often hidden from the public and where many lessons can definitely be learned, especially if you are band entering into a contract or a manager of such.

Release: 2012, Director: Jared Leto

#2

B4TMD – (Before the Music Dies)

This documentary from 2006 takes a good hard look into the American music and radio industry and it’s ever increasing commercialization of music over the last 3 decades. Featuring great interviews and insights from artists who are both new and old to the industry and their struggle to make art whilst operating in a business where that is not the priority. A great documentary (and one of my favorites) from a time when many artist where going their own way and leaving the old business model behind.

Release: 2006, Director: Andrew Shapter

#3

Downloaded – (Napster)

In this day and age ‘Downloaded’ is an absolute must watch. It addresses the rise of the biggest change to the music industry in probably more than a century, digital file-sharing. Showcasing the history behind the now granddaddy of them all, Napster. Featuring interviews from the likes of Henry Rollins, Billy Corgan, Beastie Boys, Trent Reznor, Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, Don Jenner the former chairman of Sony Music and many more.

Anyone thinking of making and releasing music in the 21st century must watch this!

Release: 2013, Director: Alex Winter

#4

Everything is a Remix

Everything is a Remix examines modern attitudes to intellectual property and copyright. This one is sure to divide audiences as it argues that current laws and norms actually stifle creativity rather than encourage and foster it. A controversial topic no doubt, but a very well put together short indie series which I think captures the current Zeitgeist. Another must watch regardless of which side of the fence you are perched on.

Release: 2010, Director: Kirky Ferguson

#5

Supermensch

Mike Myers documentary about the Hollywood insider, entrepreneur, music manager and by the looks of things, genuine good guy of the music industry, Shep Gordon, is more of a biopic than a look into the music business, but biopic or not, Shep’s story as one of the top music manager from the 70’s to this day is sure to inspire and teach you a thing or two. This for me is 10 out of 10. It has it all. A good story, good music and great business insights.

Release: 2014, Director: Mike Myers, Beth Aala

#6

American Music: off the Record

Featuring well renowned theorists such as Noam Chomsky and Douglas Rushkoff, Off the Record is an insightful interrogation of the American music industry. Touching on the very relevant topics such as: the rise of indie labels and its circumvention of the ‘corporate machine’, the authenticity of live music and the downfall of privately owned music retailers.

Release: 2008, Director: Benjamin Meade

#7

Music Moguls: Masters of Pop

This three part series by BBC is like many of the BBC’s music documentaries, unmissable. If you are from the UK you must remember those nights where you come home from a show at 2am switch the TV on and you got one of the BBC’s well executed, researched and put together music documentaries which unavoidably keep you up and watching until the early hours, this one is no different.

Episode one, Money Makers, tells the stories of managers behind some of the greatest bands of modern history.

Episode two, Melody Makers, takes a look at the producers and hit-makers including Trevor Horn, Tony Visconti and more.

Episode three, Myth Makers, takes you into the world of PR, the story tellers, and sometimes bullshit artists behind all of the big cats in the industry.

Again a 10/10 from me on these, the interviews are phenomenal with some of the absolute greats from both the business and the art side of the industry.

Release: 2016, Director: Jack Cocker

#8

I need that Record

A more indie production than our number 7, but one to divide audiences, ‘I Need That Record’ weaves a tale of greed, homogenized radio, media consolidation, downloading and technological advances in the industry told through a series of very well put together interviews. With some great points of discussion, asking if this is the end of the independent record store, it’s well worth the watch.

Release: 2008, Director: Brendan Toller

#9

Broke – Will Gray

The film follows Will Gray through the recording of his debut album. Will Gray is an artist on the brink of great success, trying to push through the noise and break into the industry. However this documentary does more than just follow his struggle, it tells the stories of many artists and executives searching for ways to succeed in today’s challenging music industry, digging beneath the cliche to reveal a struggling industry trying to find its footing. Another film that captures the zeitgeist and a must see for up and coming artists/ music industry professionals who are questioning if an artist can still break into the industry.

Release: 2011, Director: Will Gray

#10

Meeting People Is Easy

Following Radiohead’s ‘OK Computer’ and its huge international success, the band undertakes a monumental world tour. The film follows them as they struggle with endless stadium shows, radio showcases and interviews over a course of two years with seemingly endless promotional work. ‘Meeting People is Easy’ is a no holds barred insight into the dissolution of mainstream success and the often unseen struggle that these artist go through when record industries treat a band as a product.

Release: 1998, Director: Grant Gee

#11

EMI: The Inside Story

Another one of those BBC documentaries that would keep me up after a long night gigging.

EMI, if anyone is unaware, was arguably the most important record label in Britain and maybe the world, bringing us such giants as Queen, Pink Floyd Iron Maiden, The Beatles and many, many more. This documentary traces their rise and struggles throughout it’s many years in operation. Featuring interviews from members of Queen, Pink Floyd, the Sex Pistols, Pet Shop Boys and also former employees with insider knowledge and gossip from a very British institution. Another great watch that I guarantee will entertain and, as with all of these, teach you a thing or two.

Release: 2016, Director: Todd Austin

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Before ending this list I would like to leave a couple of honorable mentions which I think worthy of your attention…

One more from the BBC is ‘Music For Misfits: The story of indie’. A great three part series.

And lastly, not exactly a documentary, but more of a discussion from the guys over at Vice Media titled ‘The Value of Creativity’ from Vice’s The business of life series.

And that conclude the top 11 (not as catchy as 10 but it was just too difficult to cut any others out of the shortlist) Music Business Documentaries. Which will (hopefully) entertain, educate and inspire you..

If I have left any out or if you disagree with this list in any way, or if you have already seen some of these, what did you think of it and what lessons did you gather? let me know in the comments section.

published on the 10th/3/2017