Music
6 music documentaries that will teach you more about the world
From Japanese video game soundtracks to conversations with some of the greatest musical minds, these docos will educate and entertain you.
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Looking for some inspiration or just want a sneak peak behind the scenes of musical genius?
We dove into the Red Bull TV archives to find six of our best globe-trotting music documentaries to keep you occupied and maybe even teach you something new. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese video game soundtracks or high-energy live performances, there’s something here for everybody.
#1 A look at what it takes to pull off an incredible live show
Ahead of her performance at Red Bull Music Festival New York, American R&B superstar Teyana Taylor came up with her most ambitious live show to date.
#2 The series that goes inside the minds of artistic geniuses
12 min
Emiway Bantai
At a young age Emiway Bantai discovered Eminem and he knew who he wanted to be.
Want to feel inspired? With one series and three episodes so far, The Mind Behind collects stories of athletes, musicians, and chefs overcoming long odds and succeeding in their chosen professions -- by finding communities and never taking no for an answer. You can check out the first episode in the video above.
#3 The doco that meets the brains behind Japanese video game soundtracks
15 min
The rise of VGM
Explore the origins of Japanese video game music and its influence on modern-day musicians.
From Sonic the Hedgehog to Final Fantasy, Diggin’ in the Carts explores one of Japan’s biggest cultural exports — video games. Produced and directed by Nick Dwyer and Tu Neill, the six-episode series not only focuses on the unsung men and women responsible for these soundtracks, but the modern day artists who were inspired by them, including J-Rocc, Kode9, Ladyhawke, Teki Latex, and many more. No cheat codes required!
#4 The series that explores the secret histories of music
12 min
Shaping the Sound of NY
Alex Rosner shaped New York City's nightlife in the 1970s as a sound designer for its most iconic disco clubs.
A Chicago baseball game in the 70s that ended in a riot after a rock DJ encouraged fans to bring disco records to blow up. The LA crew who brought hip-hop and electro to partygoers in the mid-70s. A church-raised, piano-playing Atlanta producer who became one of hip-hop’s most-indemand hitmakers.
These are just some of the stories covered in The Note, which over two seasons covers the secret stories of the people, events, and technology that changed lives and continue to shape the future of music.
#5 The series that explores the world's coolest parties and clubs
#6 The doco that visits the hometowns of Australia's best rappers
7 min
Dallas Woods
Indigenous Australian rapper Dallas Woods takes us on a tour of his hometown of Wyndham.
This is Home takes you to the hometowns of Australia's hottest up-and-coming artists. Visit the dusty plains of remote Wyndham, WA, where rapper Dallas Woods grew up, let Jesswar take you on a tour of Brisbane, or see the real South-Western Sydney with B Wise. It's a trip around Australia you won't forget.
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