As an independent musician, I have been hit with the harsh reality that things in the recording industry have not changed for the betterment of the artist. Record companies are interested in the bottom line of making money, and not putting out music that positively influences, or grows on the listener. The opportunities to openly express oneself and be heard that my influences had, are not exactly there for up and coming artists like myself.
When I first heard about director Andrew Shapter, and co-writer Joel Rasmussen’s film Before the Music Dies, a sense of inspiration hit me. Once I finished watching the film, the feeling only grew, opening my mind to the fact that many music fans, and artists alike want to do something to change music for the better. The film features artists Erykah Badu, Dave Matthews Band, Bonnie Rait, and Questlove from The Roots, and others all talking about their dissatisfaction on the way things have gone in the music industry.
Joel Rasmussen & Andrew Shapter
Both Shapter and Rasmussen talked with me more in depth about their influences and purpose behind the film. Shapter originally came up with the idea to make this documentary through his experience as a fashion photographer. “I would take pictures for CD covers, and MTV, and noticed a shift in my job where an emphasis was placed on making the artist look younger as opposed to their music,” he explained. Questions he posed about this and other issues in the music industry were subsequently answered in the film. He pitched the idea for the film to Rasmussen, who is also a musician, and was 
tired of hearing the same songs on the radio. “Both of us are parents and it concerned us that most songs don’t talk about things anymore,” Rasmussen said. Reflecting on the music of yesteryear, they were frustrated that the lyrics in music have become so watered down. “There was a time when an artist’s songs talked about things that were going on in the world and inspired its listeners,” Shapter added, “now the industry is not investing in prolific writers,.” In search of the reason behind authentic music’s apparent demise, they allowed their quest to be the fuel behind creating an insightful documentary to pass on to their children, and other future generations to come.
Addressing this serious topic in an entertaining, yet informative way, Shapter, and Rasmussen educate the viewer on the ins and outs of a business many are so infatuated with. In comparing music of today with songs of the past there is a humorous scene when radio personality/comedian Charlie Hodge interviewed what looked like teenage girls after an Ashlee Simpson concert. He asked them if her songs inspired them to do anything and in a giggly tone they responded “no!” Despite there being a lack of musical inspiration for today’s youth, Before the Music Dies offers a silver lining to the nasty storm the current music industry has created. Shapter says the goal of this movie is three fold; to first wake up the audience and go below the surface of the music industry. The other is to inspire musicians and show them that in lieu of their frustration there is hope. Lastly, they want communities to support independent musicians by going to their shows.
Before the Music Dies is distributed by B-Side Entertainment which is putting the film on a national screening tour. The tour will focus on communities where die hard music fans reside. Steve Waters, a representative from B-Side stated the film will reach audiences that otherwise wouldn’t be reached. “There will be a music screening for inner city youth in Rhode Island, and also one in Morehouse College,” he stated. They are also looking for organizations across the nation who would be interested in hosting a screening of the film. For more information on the film, or if interested in hosting a screening go to www.beforethemusicdies.com, or www.myspace.com/beforethemusicdies.
–Copyright 2006 Keneteph Entertainment
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