THE PLOT THUS FAR
Hitmakers is a one hour music documentary about the changing face of the music business. Today, the music industry is once again undergoing seismic transformation. Almost daily, game changing events are making headlines. Lorde, Melissa Etheridge, Questlove, Sharon Jones, Steve Aoki, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks perform and discuss their personal history, emergence as stars, and perceptions of the business side of things. Additional artists and heritage artists are also featured including Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Madonna, and The Ramones. Interviews with important music label mavericks, historians, and journalists put into perspective the world that surrounds the hitmakers. Hitmakers is entertaining and thought provoking, breaking new ground in our understanding of the people and forces that have shaped the music business, while its unsurpassed music soundtrack will be unforgettable.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Hitmakers” is a look at how new artists are breaking the mold in modern music. Songwriters and producers are becoming closer to auteurs, while the constant recycling of older material has now become an art. Much of the documentary is a history of the process. Sadly, the program only runs at an hour long and doesn’t allow much time for coverage. I loved the wide array of artists interviewed, but it’s too many talking heads in too short of a time.
Music industry documentaries don’t normally impress a wide audience. While this piece feels like an over-extended news segment, I feel that there is enough here to warrant a potential series launch. I wish PBS would take up the call with shows that demand more attention. But, that’s just me wishing for the best.
The DVD comes with no special features. The A/V Quality is on par with a PBS documentary. The transfer isn’t amazing, but it works. The same goes for the Dolby audio track. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to the curious.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!