While great music can spring up anywhere in the world at any point in time, it’s difficult for any band to grow a following and become known outside of their own hometown. It takes a lot of talent and hard work. Blood, sweat and tears. This is a lot easier when you’re part of a community. A local music scene with a group of likeminded musicians who support and help each other. A network of venues, recording studios, practice rooms and a group of passionate loyal fans.
During the 1990s, Athens, Georgia, became the unlikely location for one of the more outlandish and inspirational musical movements of the late twentieth century. The brand of psychedelic rock produced by the likes of Neutral Milk Hotel, The Apples in Stereo, The Olivia Tremor Control and Elf Power was scrappy and unusual. The Elephant 6 collective shared houses and band members. Becoming a force to be reckoned with.
The Elephant 6 Recording Co. tells the story of this ragtag bunch of rabble-rousers who immersed themselves in a DIY ethos to create something special. C.B. Stockfleth mixes archive footage and recording with contemporary interviews to piece together the history of this group of oddballs. Most of the main players are involved, but notably not Jeff Magnum; whose absence is the elephant in the room. Nevertheless, The Elephant 6 Recording Co. is an entertaining and lively foray into the minds of these musical mavericks.
The Elephant 6 Recording Co. screens at DOC NYC.
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