Posted by Scott Willats

Shifting gears a bit today, we turn our eyes to the big screen, where the documentary Global Groove Network is set to make its Toronto debut next week. This is a film that digs deep into the creation and evolution of the music we have come to adore: EDM. Through the eyes of filmmaker Courtney James, we travel around the world to learn, from a multitude of perspectives, how electronic and dance music affects people’s lives.

I’m a huge fan of the documentary The Electro Wars, and this film looks like it ought to rival the latter — not only in its intensity, but also in terms of it relateability to hardcore ravers and newbies alike. There have, of course, been documentaries before that promised to dissect the world of EDM; most have just left me feeling that the filmmakers were motivated by the desire to get access to concerts. This film is different. It’s about the ideals at the heart of this vibrant yet vulnerable culture.

It’s also about the curious case of the DJ — that singular figure at the heart of our genre, dismissed by some as a selfish wanker with an overstuffed iPod, revered by others as a maestro who weaves atmospheres of symphonic complexity and subtlety. Courtney James makes a study of what it means to be a DJ, what goes into the DJ’s art, and what kind of responsibility comes along with being DJ. Many of the craft’s finest practitioners lend their insights and inspiration to the film — among them Sander Kleinenberg, Donald Glaude, Arno Cost and Toronto’s Manzone & Strong.

Here’s how the Global Groove Network Web site describes the film:

This documentary is an experience into the subconscious of music and tribal healing. The myths and the realities of this culture will be exposed. Prepare yourself for the journey …

Check out the Trailer HERE:

And be sure to check out the website HERE.

Global Groove Network makes its Toronto premiere next Friday May 11 at the Royal Theatre. I’ll be there — hope you will too!

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