13 Electronic Dance Music Films You Must Watch
Sundance Film Festival 2013 is revving up this week with a documentary titled, "The Drop: The EDM Culture Explosion," debuting at the acclaimed Cannes occasion. The celluloid creations listed here gives viewers an insider's eye to various components of the dance music genre - from daily routines of its current top artists to the intricate histories of its sub genres. So, whether you’re a rave-boppin'-dance-addict or just someone looking to get an ‘EDM’ education without getting off the couch, VIBE’s got your back.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy this electronically infused trip through dance-based film.--compiled by Jessica Wusnch & Jorge Hernandez --->
Sit back, relax, and enjoy this electronically infused trip through dance-based film.--compiled by Jessica Wusnch & Jorge Hernandez --->
deadmau5 - Meowingtons Hax 2K11 (2012)
Taking the title as one of the biggest live shows in dance music history, Toronto-based celebrity producer deadmau5 brings some love to his hometown with a concert of epic standards. Ultra Records cameramen were onsite to film the entire thing so we'd never miss a second of this stunning visual performance.
Where to watch: Netflix, iTunes, YouTube
Taking the title as one of the biggest live shows in dance music history, Toronto-based celebrity producer deadmau5 brings some love to his hometown with a concert of epic standards. Ultra Records cameramen were onsite to film the entire thing so we'd never miss a second of this stunning visual performance.
Where to watch: Netflix, iTunes, YouTube
Maestro (2003)
Before dance music was "so hot right now" the underground clubs and bars of New York were a mecca for to escape and find refuge. This film gives rare insight into that private world, and much-needed recognition to dance genre’s “founding fathers” – DJs and producers who set the bar in playing sounds/music that went against conventional means – including Larry Levan and David Mancuso.
Where to watch: YouTube
Before dance music was "so hot right now" the underground clubs and bars of New York were a mecca for to escape and find refuge. This film gives rare insight into that private world, and much-needed recognition to dance genre’s “founding fathers” – DJs and producers who set the bar in playing sounds/music that went against conventional means – including Larry Levan and David Mancuso.
Where to watch: YouTube
Pump Up The Volume (2001)
House music and techno from Chicago to UK in the '90s on display by Carl Hindmarch. The opening sentence of this film: “I could never figure out how people could stay up that long, because I was so young. I wasn’t aware that they were doing drugs." -Paul Oakenfold.
Where to Watch: YouTube , Angus Cameron Films
House music and techno from Chicago to UK in the '90s on display by Carl Hindmarch. The opening sentence of this film: “I could never figure out how people could stay up that long, because I was so young. I wasn’t aware that they were doing drugs." -Paul Oakenfold.
Where to Watch: YouTube , Angus Cameron Films
Moog (2004)
If it weren’t for this man, dance music would not be what it is today. Music visionary Dr. Robert Moog is best known as the inventor of the Moog synthesizer, which served as the catalyst for electronic music. This film, by Hans Fjellestad, serves as a tribute to one of dance music’s pioneer’s, depicting candid conversations and interviews with the late inventor.
Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube
If it weren’t for this man, dance music would not be what it is today. Music visionary Dr. Robert Moog is best known as the inventor of the Moog synthesizer, which served as the catalyst for electronic music. This film, by Hans Fjellestad, serves as a tribute to one of dance music’s pioneer’s, depicting candid conversations and interviews with the late inventor.
Where to watch: Netflix, YouTube
Electric Daisy Carnival Experience (2011)
Touted as one of the must-attend dance music festivals each year, Electric Daisy Carnival premiere most of hottest acts in the dance music industry. In this live concert documentary, viewers get to witness first-hand performances by David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Will.I.Am, and Steve Aoki, just to name a few. If time or expense has kept you away from festival thus far, consider this film an appropriate alternative.
Where to watch: Netflix, iTunes, Jokeroo
Touted as one of the must-attend dance music festivals each year, Electric Daisy Carnival premiere most of hottest acts in the dance music industry. In this live concert documentary, viewers get to witness first-hand performances by David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Will.I.Am, and Steve Aoki, just to name a few. If time or expense has kept you away from festival thus far, consider this film an appropriate alternative.
Where to watch: Netflix, iTunes, Jokeroo
Limelight (2011)
Reigning on high as New York’s hottest nightclub in the 1980’s, Limelight was THE place to see and be seen thanks to the nightlife visionaire, Peter Gatien. His reign on New York nightlife came at a time when dance music was getting its first holdings on mainstream music, making this an insightful documentary on the evolution of club culture, its drug involvement and '80s NYC as whole. Watch out for BlackBook's Steve Lewis in this one!
Where to watch: Netflix
Reigning on high as New York’s hottest nightclub in the 1980’s, Limelight was THE place to see and be seen thanks to the nightlife visionaire, Peter Gatien. His reign on New York nightlife came at a time when dance music was getting its first holdings on mainstream music, making this an insightful documentary on the evolution of club culture, its drug involvement and '80s NYC as whole. Watch out for BlackBook's Steve Lewis in this one!
Where to watch: Netflix
Slices — Pioneers of Electronic Music: Richie Hawtin (2006)
You may think DJs live in the lap of luxury with six-figure salaries, and a job that DEMANDS your attendance at the world’s hottest clubs and festivals to keep the party going from dusk to dawn. But these lords of night have their fair share of crosses to bear, as seen in this special dance music expose series from Slices. In the first volume, they take an in-depth look at industry figure Richie Hawtin, showcasing his personal and artistic life as he rises from introverted adolescence to successful entertainer and entrepreneur.
Where to watch: YouTube
You may think DJs live in the lap of luxury with six-figure salaries, and a job that DEMANDS your attendance at the world’s hottest clubs and festivals to keep the party going from dusk to dawn. But these lords of night have their fair share of crosses to bear, as seen in this special dance music expose series from Slices. In the first volume, they take an in-depth look at industry figure Richie Hawtin, showcasing his personal and artistic life as he rises from introverted adolescence to successful entertainer and entrepreneur.
Where to watch: YouTube
Take One: A Documentary Film About Swedish House Mafia (2010)
Ever wondered what it took to create Grammy nominated dance anthems “Save the World” and “Don’t Worry Child?” Christian Larson’s documentary gets a close and personal look at the three dance DJs that make up DJMag’s #12 spot, Swedish House Mafia. By filming scenes from their everyday routines in the studios and abroad, the collaborative vision of Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso is immortalized in this film.
Where to watch: iTunes, Hulu
Ever wondered what it took to create Grammy nominated dance anthems “Save the World” and “Don’t Worry Child?” Christian Larson’s documentary gets a close and personal look at the three dance DJs that make up DJMag’s #12 spot, Swedish House Mafia. By filming scenes from their everyday routines in the studios and abroad, the collaborative vision of Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso is immortalized in this film.
Where to watch: iTunes, Hulu
High Tech Soul: The Creation of Techno Music (2006)
The first of its kind to tackle the origin story of one of dance music’s most popular subgenres, “High Tech Soul” is a penetrating look into techno’s rise from Detroit’s underground society. The film gives a detailed account of how a city recovering from financial ruin found new life in a revamped alternative music genre.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vimeo
The first of its kind to tackle the origin story of one of dance music’s most popular subgenres, “High Tech Soul” is a penetrating look into techno’s rise from Detroit’s underground society. The film gives a detailed account of how a city recovering from financial ruin found new life in a revamped alternative music genre.
Where to watch: iTunes, Vimeo
