Working Class Rock Star - (Unstable Ground Presents)*
    Style - Documentary
    Darren's Review - Working Class Rock Star takes a close look at the current state of the music industry and summarizes in a 95 minute neatly packaged visual presentation. The film dissects just how musicians approach getting signed, touring, recording, etc., - all while trying to keep sanity in check. Included are some fun times, but also the challenges and real life scenario's that tend to not be included when one dreams of being a rock and roller (or metalhead). Many bands are featured, but we really get close and personal with "Bloodshoteye" and "3 Mile Scream". Bloodshoteye is a
female fronted band from Canada, (whose boyfriend just happens to be the guitarist... makes for some interesting drama) - willing to do whatever it takes to make the music they love, metal. We see just how hard it is to travel, record, hold down temporary jobs, raising a child and then rock and roll. Perhaps the most interesting perspectives comes from the industry veteran Frank Marino, who offers a smorgasbord of opinions.

Justin McConnell did a fantastic job depicting the "way it is",
straight from the folks who eat, sleep and breathe it. Even folks that don't get into metal can appreciate a good film. Highly recommended.

Score: 8.5/10

Working Class Rockstar – DVD Documentary (Unstable Ground)

    Style – Documentary

    Mike’s Review – Well, when I first saw the trailer for this documentary and read the synopsis, I immediately thought to myself….. “IT’S ABOUT TIME SOMEBODY DOES SOMETHING LIKE THIS!”  Warning: This DVD will deliver a harsh reality and a slap across the face to those dreaming of becoming a rich rock star someday.   Working Class Rockstar is a collaboration of interviews with musicians about the music industry and their lives as musicians.  They explore the pros and cons of getting signed to a label, the reality that even when you “make it” you may still be broke, and how the music industry is changing.  The message passed along is one that I think every musician should hear.    

    This DVD reinforces my viewpoint that music is an art, not a competition.  In order to survive, you must learn to humble your ego and be prepared for a lot of ups and downs.   It also touches on the subject of the internet and file sharing.  My favorite quote from the whole discussion came from Devin Townsend of Strapping Young Lad.  His comment on file sharing was: “Share away!  Music is meant to be heard.  If you like it, buy a t-shirt.  If you like it a lot, buy a t-shirt AND our back catalog”.  Hell yeah.

    I recommend this DVD to everybody (even your grandma).  I watched it from beginning to end and plan on doing it again soon.  To watch a trailer and read a list of artists in the documentary, go to http://www.workingclassrockstar.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/workingclassrockstar .  The DVD will officially be released on November 11^th.

Overall: 8.5/10  The only thing I would have liked to see more of in this documentary are some facts about the metal world; A rough guess at the number of metal bands out there, how many actually “make it”, etc.