By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
I am not a huge fan of punk or alternative rock music. However, I'm always fascinated by musicians of every genre that have struggled and clawed their way to the top of the music industry or didn't quite make the cut regardless of how talented they were and how hard they tried.
That's why I especially like TV shows like "Unsung" that pulls back the curtain and spotlights famous musicians who were once at the top of their game. Then, for various reasons, their careers tanked, and they became out of sight and out of mind for most of their fans.
It is also the reason I was so intrigued by director/producer
Chelsea Christer's new documentary,
"Bleeding Audio" which tells the fascinating story of the rise and fall of the
Oakland, California rock group,
"The Matches."
I wasn't familiar with "The Matches" prior to watching "Bleeding Audio," but was taken by their story which is told in often humorous fashion from group members Shawn Harris, Jon Devoto, Matt Whalen, and Justin San Souci.
"The Matches" formed in the early 2000s and seemed to have it all. They were even dubbed within the music industry as the "Next Big Thing."
Initially they were known as the Locals but changed their name to avoid conflicts with a band out of Chicago called the Locals too.
In 2003, "The Matches" self-released their debut album E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals and appeared to be on their way to bigger and better things especially when Epitaph Records--the independent label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz--re-released it in 2004.
Their 2006 sophomore album, Decomposer strayed from their pop/punk roots, but their fans remained especially when they became an international touring act. They developed a cult-like fanbase.
So, why didn’t "The Matches" ever strike and hit it big?
Some of the reason, according to the bandmembers had to do with the music industry evolving and the whole digital revolution taking shape. Plus, illegal downloading, and streaming contributed to declining album sales.
"Bleeding Audio" also features interviews with Tom Higgenson (Plain White T's), Mark Hoppus (Blink 182), and Nick Hexum (311). Higgenson mentions he was surprised that "The Matches" never blew up and questions what led to their downfall.
There is no doubt, the music industry is tough to break into. "Bleeding Audio" shows just how hard it is for groups like "The Matches" and the heartbreak they endure after giving so much of themselves, only to be discarded for numerous reasons. The biggest of course usually is the group isn't making enough money for the record label.
"Bleeding Audio" is a thought provoking and well-made documentary. It is a must-see cautionary tale particularly if you are a budding musician aiming to become "The Next Big Thing."
"Bleeding Audio" is currently available on Digital and Video on Demand.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays at 6:20 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"BLEEDING AUDIO"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.