Fortunately, Clicker offers plenty of music-related programming that can help you out. These shows fall into a number of categories: Performance, interview, performance/interview, and shows that simply defy categorization. For this post, let’s sample a collection of interview shows:
the creators project
genres – rock, world, electronic, hip-hop
the creators project is “a worldwide celebration of creativity featuring 80 of the world’s most exciting young artists.” A collaboration between Vice Magazine and Intel, the creators project is more than an interview show. It’s an intimate and extremely well shot look inside the life of an artist. It should be noted that certain episodes of the creators project stray beyond musicians and cover filmmakers, graphic designers, and engineers, all of which is great stuff. Check out this episode featuring Nick Zinner, guitarist for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Ever wonder where that sample from “Rich” came from? Wonder no more…
Other noteworthy episodes:
Selector
genres- hip-hop
Love them or hate them, Pitchfork’s reputation as a music taste-maker is undeniable and their influence grants them access to many of today’s top musicians. One of Pitchfork.tv’s newest shows, Selector, is a unique take on the interview format. (One could argue it’s actually a performance/interview show; I think it could go either way). After a brief but insightful chat with host Eavvon, the artist selects a beat to freestyle over. Watch Big Boi, one-half of rap superstars’ OutKast, freestyle over a beat at The New York Shaving Company. (NSFW language).
Other noteworthy episodes:
Only three artists have been profiled thus far, so go ahead and watch ‘em all.
Amplified
genres- indie rock, alternative, electronic
Host Dan Harris sits down with bands both established and on the verge of breaking out. This show is a great resource for new music and there are new episodes every week. I like to hear how bands got together in the first place and Amplified consistently sheds light on that subject. Watching a clean-cut anchorman such as Dan Harris hang out with oft disheveled musicians can be odd at first, but he holds his own and is clearly captivated with his subjects and their art. Check out this recent episode with the lo-fi punk outfit Wavves (sadly, Amplified does not offer embeds).
Other noteworthy episodes:
Spoon
The National
Charlotte Gainsbourg
And as an added bonus, Amplified filmed an episode in which comedian David Cross defends his role in the Alvin and The Chipmunks movies. He’s signed to Sub Pop Records, so this is somewhat justified.
Again, these shows are only a sampling of what exists on Clicker. If your favorite genre didn’t get any love, search it out! Chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for. If not, let us know what we’re missing. In the meantime, we’ll keep our eyes (and ears) peeled for the best in music programming and make sure to share it with you.
