Over the last few weeks, we have all been hit with a lot of news that has lead us to social distancing. While we are all currently tethered to our homes, one thing that won’t stop is our ability to consume and take-in music. While we can only watch so many episodes of our favorite TV shows, we compiled a list of 8 concert and music documentaries to help you get through social distancing.
1) Vevo Presents: The 1975 Live at The O2, London
Available on: YouTube
Three years ago, The 1975 surprised fans when they released a full-length concert film of one of the last shows on their album cycle for I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it. The near-2 hour concert film is best enjoyed at full volume (so you can sing-a-long with every song), and also to give you a pseudo-concert effect. This film’s energy will provide you with a great, and extremely necessary escape from the world.
2) GAGA: Five Foot Two
Available on: Netflix
The release of Joanne was one of the most important moments in Lady Gaga’s career, and “GAGA: Five Foot Two” takes viewers through her entire process for the album. It details the singer’s struggles with writing and recording the album, as well as the personal factors that she endured while creating Joanne. “GAGA: Five Foot Two” is an emotional journey, taking views all the way up through her performance at the Super Bowl in 2017.
3) How To Be: Mark Ronson
Available on: YouTube
Mark Ronson is one of the most sought-after producers in popular music today. His journey to where he stands now is an interesting one, and this hour-long YouTube documentary details his entire career. The documentary was released on the heels of the release of Ronson’s most recent release, Late Night Feelings, which dropped in June 2019.
4) Sound City
Available on: Amazon Prime
Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California is one of the most iconic recording studios in rock music. In this documentary, legendary Nirvana drummer and frontman of the Foo Fighters Dave Grohl explores the history of the iconic studio. Throughout the film, Grohl details the studio’s history, along with discussing its importance in the footprint of rock music. The documentary was released in 2013, just two years after Sound City Studios closed it’s doors
5) Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler – brent (Documentary)
Available on: YouTube
Both Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler are known for their sad and emotional alt-pop tunes. This brief 10 minute documentary details the making of their joint EP brent, which was released last year. The EP is the most vulnerable piece of work both musicians have put out, and the mood throughout the documentary captures that vulnerability perfectly. It’s an interesting watch for anyone who’s interested in seeing an honest, stripped-back view on how music is made.
6) Chasing Happiness
Available on: Amazon Prime
One of the biggest moments in the music industry in 2019 was the return of the Jonas Brothers, and “Chasing Happiness” was an instrumental part in their return to music. The documentary is a retrospective on their careers, the strife that lead them to initially breaking up, and then the steps they took in repairing their relationship that ultimately lead to them getting back together. It’s an emotional watch, especially for those who were formerly massive Jonas Brothers fans. Despite it’s wildly emotional undertones, it’s an interesting look into the psychological tolls that music can take on musicians and their personal relationships.
7) Miss Americana
Available on: Netflix
For anyone who is looking to learn about the inner workings of one of the world’s most popular posters – look no further. “Miss Americana” follows Taylor Swift through one of the most difficult (yet exciting) periods of her career. The documentary starts by showing Swift at the tail-end of the album cycle for Reputation, and then takes viewers through the process of putting together her most recent release Lover. It touches on many pivotal moments throughout her career, many of which Swift had yet to speak up on. “Miss Americana” is an interesting retrospective on her career thus far, giving fans new insight into Swift’s career, and where she hopes to take things in coming years.
8) Catfish & The Bottlemen: Live from Manchester Arena
Available on: YouTube
Catfish & The Bottlemen: Live from Manchester Arena is one of the newer additions to the never-ending library of concert films on YouTube. This playlist is the band’s full set from their show in Manchester in the UK last May. Catfish & The Bottlemen recently released it for fans, and it doesn’t disappoint. The concert’s massive energy is sure to get you off your couch and dancing around your living room.
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