The music scene of Philadelphia in the 1980s is about to get its well-deserved spotlight with an upcoming documentary, "When We Rocked." This independent project aims to uncover the city's often-overlooked contribution to the rock music genre during a pivotal era.
Uncovering Philly's Musical Legacy
Philadelphia's musical identity in the latter half of the 20th century is a story waiting to be told. The city's unique sound, a blend of metal and hardcore, will be the focus of this documentary. Michael Kelly, a music professor, captures the essence of Philly's music scene: "The city has its own sound, but we don't know what to call it." This documentary aims to give a name and recognition to that sound.
A Journey Through Time and Music
"When We Rocked" takes us on a journey from 1978 to 1992, a period when Philadelphia was buzzing with musical talent. The documentary features interviews with artists who were at the forefront of this movement, sharing their aspirations and the challenges they faced in breaking into the mainstream. It's a glimpse into the lives of these musicians and their impact on the city's cultural landscape.
Uncovering Hidden Treasures
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the unearthed footage, photos, and live performance recordings. These hidden gems will provide a visual and auditory treat for viewers, offering a glimpse into the vibrant music scene of Philly during that era. Chris Natalini, lead vocalist of Blood Feast, captures the essence of this period: "Philly was such a hotbed of music...and then it's just gone in an instant." This documentary aims to bring that era back to life.
A Collaborative Effort
The documentary is a collaborative effort between Philly-based director Matthew Scott Johnston and executive producer Mick Michaels, who co-authored the book on which the film is based. Their goal is to fill a gap in the city's music history and give voice to the artists who shaped this scene. Michaels believes that Philly's contributions to glam rock and heavy metal during the '80s were often overshadowed, and this documentary aims to change that narrative.
A Theme Song and a Musical Reunion
Adding to the excitement is the theme song for the documentary, written by Michaels himself. This song brings together several artists featured in the film, including Reggie Wu and Jaron Gulino from Heavens Edge, and Frankie Cross and Mad T from Corners of Sanctuary. It's a musical reunion of sorts, celebrating the talent and collaboration that defined Philly's rock scene.
A Deeper Dive into Philly's Musical History
"When We Rocked" goes beyond just telling stories; it aims to define and refine Philly's place in music history. Co-author Antonio Aloia spent two years compiling stories from bands like Roughhouse, Britny Fox, and Heavens Edge, tracing the evolution of disco, hard rock, and grunge in the city. This documentary is a celebration of Philly's musical journey and its impact on modern American music.
A Thoughtful Conclusion
In my opinion, this documentary is not just about music; it's about uncovering a hidden chapter in Philadelphia's cultural history. It's a story of passion, talent, and the impact of a city's unique identity on the broader music scene. As Michaels said, "Our goal was to shed light on Philly's impact...to raise the volume of those voices and their stories." And that's exactly what this documentary promises to do.
