Twenty contemporary artists record songs on a restored 1925 electrical sound recording system for the first time in 80 years.
Synopsis
Twenty contemporary artists record songs on a restored 1925 electrical sound recording system for the first time in 80 years.
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Synopsis
In a dimly lit studio, contemporary artists gather to record music using a restored 1920s electrical sound recording system. Directed by Bernard MacMahon, "The American Epic Sessions" features performances from Nas, Elton John, and Alabama Shakes, among others. Each artist has three minutes to capture their sound onto a wax disc, a process that demands precision and creativity. The film documents these intense sessions, revealing the influence of early recording technology on modern music.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See Nas and Elton John record on a 1925 sound machine.
- Find out how the recording technology shaped modern music.
- Meet diverse artists like Alabama Shakes and Jack White.
Did You Know
- The restoration of the recording machine took a decade to complete.
- The film features 20 contemporary artists recording on the machine for the first time in 80 years.
- The film won both the Discovery Award and the Audience Award at the Calgary International Film Festival.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed The American Epic Sessions?
Bernard MacMahon directed and co-wrote The American Epic Sessions.
What awards did The American Epic Sessions win?
The film won the Discovery Award and the Audience Award at the Calgary International Film Festival and a Grammy Award for the Alabama Shakes performance of 'Killer Diller Blues.'
When was the original motion picture soundtrack for The American Epic Sessions released?
The original motion picture soundtrack was released on June 9, 2017.
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