Watch Melody Makers

Melody Makers is a documentary film that explores the history of the British music magazine, Melody Maker. The film primarily features interviews with former writers, photographers, and editors of the magazine, as well as musicians who were featured in its pages. The film delves into the history of Melody Maker, which began as a weekly newspaper in 1926 and continued for over 80 years. It was known for its coverage of a wide variety of music genres, from jazz and blues to rock and punk. The film explores some of the magazine's most iconic covers and articles, including those featuring the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and David Bowie.

The interviews with former Melody Maker staff are particularly insightful. Steve 'Abbo' Abbot, who was the editor of the magazine from 1987 to 1993, shares his memories of working on the publication during the height of the Britpop era. He discusses the challenges of covering a rapidly-changing music scene and the pressures of working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Other former staff share their own experiences, as well as their opinions on the magazine's legacy.

In addition to interviews with former staff, the film also features conversations with musicians who were featured in the pages of Melody Maker. Some of the most memorable interviews are with musicians like Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, Suzi Quatro, and Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. These interviews provide an interesting perspective on how Melody Maker influenced the careers of some of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century.

Throughout the film, there is an emphasis on the role that Melody Maker played in shaping British music culture. The magazine was not simply a place to read about music - it was a forum for debate and discussion, a place where fans and musicians could come together to share their thoughts and ideas. The film explores how Melody Maker helped to create a sense of community among music fans and musicians, and how it helped to bring new music to a wider audience.

The film also touches on the decline of the print media industry in the 21st century, and the impact that this has had on music journalism. Several former Melody Maker staff express their sadness at the magazine's closure in 2000, and their concerns about the future of music journalism in a digital age. Overall, Melody Makers is an insightful and engaging documentary that celebrates the legacy of one of the most important music magazines of the 20th century.