BEYOND THE DECKS

Just because you have a dream job, doesn’t mean there are no struggles or sacrifices made.

With the global success of EDM, why is there still such a gender divide and lack of diversity? What are the pressures of being a ‘Superstar DJ’? Has the commercially successful version of this genre created a cultural divide between veterans and new dominating DJs, giving the corporate world control? And if the music came from Black and LGBT communities in the US, and women have always been present within musical history - why is the industry now a white man’s playground?

Told through the experiences of pioneers and trailblazers - Frankie Knuckles, DJ Pierre, DJ Minx, Sister Bliss (Faithless) - and DJs and producers who have played a role in EDM’s global success including Alok, Will Sparks, Headhunterz, and NERVO; Beyond the Decks chronicles the advent and evolution of the industry. From home-grown house and techno, and massive commercial successes, to uncovering previously untold historical moments, music documentary producers Cardinal Releasing (Beside Bowie, B.B. King: On the Road) delve deep into the world of EDM.

This new feature documentary explores the highs and lows of featured DJs’ careers, travels to unlikely destinations dominating the EDM scene, and reaches into topics more relevant than ever: from mental health and diversity to the disparity between male and female DJs and producers. All the while, Beyond the Decks gives viewers a wild ride through festivals and clubs the world over.

Beyond the Decks takes its audience on a journey around the world looking at the music scene and how it dominates the youth culture across Asia, Australia, South America, and new party hotspots, and how the scenes in the US, UK, Europe, and Ibiza have evolved.

This is the first documentary production to feature both male and female DJ’s and producers’ side-by-side talking about their careers and experiences within the industry.

Beyond the Decks features an unseen interview and behind-the-scenes footage with the Godfather of House, Frankie Knuckles, which was filmed in early 2000.