SXSW Film 2013 : “Sound City” behind the scenes and on the red carpet

Monica Solis
KTSW News

You’ve heard about “Sound City,” the documentary Dave Grohl directed which takes a look into the little, but powerful studio – Sound City in Van Nuys, California where musicians such as Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks with Fleetwood Mac, and Grohl with Nirvana produced hit records. Feel fee to refer back to my review on the KTSW blog titled “SXSW Film 2013:Dave Grohl’s ‘Sound City’ ignites the spirit of rock’n’roll,” and check out Jordan Gaas-Poore’s post “SXSW Film Festival 2013:Sound City” for tons of great red carpet photos. But what else does Grohl have to say? And what went into actually making the film? I talk to Grohl on the red carpet and personally interview producers John Ramsay and James “Jim” Rota, who worked with production company Therapy Content, to find out.

Did you have any concerns or doubts in agreeing to produce this film? Immediate reactions? (Ramsay, Rota)

“It’s a dream scenario – Dave Grohl calls and says ‘Hey will you produce my movie for me?’ It’s a no brainer.” – John Ramsay

Sound City studio is supposed to have this “magical” feel to it, according to Grohl in clips for the documentary. Did it for you? (Rota)

What was the group dynamic that existed among the crew? (Rota, Ramsay)

What is one of the most important messages to take from “Sound City?” (Ramsay, Rota)

“The analogy is just – when you do something together as people – there’s something about the interaction between different human beings that makes it special. John, Paul, George and Ringo were The Beatles. If it was John, Paul, George and Al, it wouldn’t have been the same band.” – Jim Rota

Speaking of the fab four, Grohl talks about Paul McCartney after an audience member asks how Grohl got McCartney to be in “Sound City” and to record with him for his new band Sound City Players (Grohl – Q&A)

“Well Paul is…a Beatle.” – Dave Grohl

Grohl expands on producer Ramsay and Rota’s emphasis on the importance of collaboration:

“For me personally, that’s what it’s all about, to find other people to share this with.” -Dave Grohl

 

(Media – Monica Solis, Jordan Gass-Poore’/KTSW 89.9)