Of all mass cultural forms, popular music has historically been characterized by the greatest independence for artists and allowing access to a broader diversity of voices. However, in the contemporary period, this independence is being threatened by a shrinking number of record companies, the centralization of radio ownership and playlists, and the increasing integration of popular music into the broader advertising and commercial aspects of the market.
Narrated by Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, Money for Nothing features interviews with hip-hop legend and pioneer Chuck D, respected independent artist Ani DiFranco, Michael Franti of Spearhead, and Riot Grrrl co-founder Kathleen Hanna (of Bikini Kill and Le Tigre). It also includes interviews with popular music historian Professor Reebee Garafolo, ex-Rolling Stone editor Dave Marsh, political economist Robert W. McChesney, and Shirley Halperin, editor of BOP magazine.
Money for Nothing succinctly explains how popular music is produced and marketed, and offers an accessible critique of the current state of popular music.
SECTIONS: The Music Industry / The Gatekeepers: Radio, MTV, Touring, Retail / Music, Advertising, Marketing / Alternatives
South by Southwest Film Festival
(Austin, TX | March 2002)
Sound Unseen Festival (Minneapolis, MN | October 2001)
New England Film & Video Festival (Boston, MA | April 2002)
Winner: Rosa Luxembourg Award for Social Consciousness
REVelation Film Festival (June 2002)
San Francisco Documentary Film Festival (San Francisco, CA | May 2002)
Experience Music Project Pop Music Conference (April 2002)
Lost Film Festival (June 2002)
