Red Bull Music Academy releases film to mark 15th anniversary

Shereita Grizzle, Gleaner Writer

The Red Bull Music Academy marked its anniversary celebrations with a full-length feature film directed by the award-winning director, Ralf Schmerberg.

What Difference Does It Make? A Film About Making Music tells the story of life in the music industry and features prominent musicians such as Erykah Badu, Brian Eno and Jamaica's very own Lee 'Scratch' Perry.

The film was shot during the Red Bull Music Academy in New York last year. It provided the production team with a unique chance to bond with emerging artistes from all over the world as well as renowned music legends.

In an interview with The Sunday Gleaner, representatives from the Red Bull Music Academy (RBMA) said the title for the film came naturally as it suits what the film is about in a very real way.

"The title is a quote from Brian Eno taken from the film. From his point of view, What Difference Does It Make? is an important question artistes should ask themselves. It popped up naturally and we all thought this was a matching title for the film," said the representative.

The film, which premiered in more than 60 cities worldwide last Monday, speaks on the challenges faced by persons seeking a career in music. It defines true passion for the creative industry and encourages persons to pursue their dreams at all costs.

optimistic

"The film represents a huge list of artistes from different genres, generations and territories; it has something for everyone to connect with," said another representative.

When asked how people have been receiving the film, the RBMA representatives said the reaction makes them optimistic.

"What we've seen in people's faces while watching the film during the screenings makes us optimistic. If you're a professional musician, you'll be interested in the thoughts artistes have about certain things within the business you're working in. If you're a fan, you want to know what some of your favourite artistes think about life and the film has a lot of layers you can connect with, no matter how deeply you are involved."

With the purpose of allowing everyone access to the film, the RBMA made it available for free streaming or download the day after the screenings were released on February 17.

It can be streamed or downloaded at www.rbma15.com.

The Red Bull Music Academy had its beginnings in the late 1990s.

What began in the backyard of an unassuming Berlin warehouse resulted in a yearly venture, bringing music festivals and workshops to every country around the world. This year's academy will be held in Tokyo, Japan, and interested persons are encouraged to apply before March 18.