Undeniable – The Story of The Independent Soul Music Movement

We’re excited to finally see a project in the making that tells the story of independent soul music, the movement and the artists that have worked tirelessly recording, touring and promoting their music to the masses from state to state, city to city and for a fortunate few country to country. These artists have weathered the storm with no radio exposure, very limited financial resources, grassroots distribution and word of mouth via social networks as far back as Black Planet and Myspace.   As we well know there are different levels and layers when defining “independent” artist but there is something very authentic and genuine about the independent soul music artist and the movement that has sustained them for nearly two decades.

Undeniable – The Story of The Independent Soul Music Movement is a documentary film directed by John C. Jointer and scored by +FE Music recording artist/producer and multi-instrumentalist Zo!  In order to see this amazing project through to completion we must  support this film financially and spread the word worldwide.  Please visit the film’s Indiegogo page for contribution details.  Check out the trailer and visit the film’s social media sites below.

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ABOUT: Undeniable – The Story of The Independent Soul Music Movement

Coined everything from “Indie Soul” to the “Honest Music Movement,” “Undeniable – The Story Of The Independent Soul Music Movement” traces the heretofore untold stories of artists and music lovers right from its late 1990s origins through the halcyon days of the mid-2000s to the lawless rule of today where throughout the collective goal is still to develop, maintain, and grow a space in the global cultural landscape for this multi-tentacle brand of “honest music.” In candid, digitally shot, in-person interviews with those who were there and those pressing the movement forward against impossible odds, “Undeniable” introduces a range of talented “newcomers” to the mainstream film-going audience. Director John C. Jointer uncovers former A-list veterans who found a second life through these new technologically driven models after being told they were too old or not the new major label prototype for the successful international pop star. “Undeniable” plans to juxtapose the plight of fresh young musicians who’ve never had a major label deal as well as those who were signed, shelved, but never saw an album release with those veterans now being represented by large independent labels like eOne, Malaco, Shanachie, and Stax/Concord, or at small indies like Dome, Stones Throw, Giant Steps, and Purpose Music Group. Their range in entering these new music identities complicating who gets to authentically call themselves an “indie artist” in a game where credibility is as elusive as it is key.

Who Is Sonny Rollins – 1968 BBC 30-Minute Documentary

This priceless piece of history is the 1968 30-minute BBC documentary that follows the legendary jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins during his self-imposed hiatus from the music business and playing live clubs.

At the time Sonny Rollins was frustrated and very vocal about club conditions for all jazz musicians. He felt (for good reason) that the lifestyle that clubs promoted allowing the use of alcohol, drugs and smoking were not healthy for musicians and loud, disruptive talking was not conducive to the over all jazz atmosphere.   He wanted better for himself and his colleagues. The footage captures Rollins instead opting to play his horn on the Williamsburg Bridge and in wooded areas.   He speaks very passionately about his disapproval of seedy club conditions which happen to still be valid today for a lot of musicians.

 

Twenty Feet From Stardom – The Unsung Heroes Behind The Greatest Music Of Our Time – A Documentary

Millions know their voices, but no one knows their names. In his compelling new film TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM, award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the film is both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and style to popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others.

These gifted artists span a range of styles, genres and eras of popular music, but each has a uniquely fascinating and personal story to share of life spent in the shadows of superstardom.    Along with rare archival footage and a peerless soundtrack, TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM boasts intimate interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger and Sting to name just a few.  However, these world-famous figures take a backseat to the diverse array of backup singers whose lives and stories take center stage in the film. TWENTY FEET FROM STARDOM stars singers Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Judith Hill, Claudia Lennear, Lisa Fischer and Tata Vega.

Visit the Twenty Feet From Stardom Official Website For Screening Dates In Your City.