Every EDM documentary so far has been narrowly focused in its examination of the culture and industry that we enjoy every day. It’s certainly difficult to give a overarching look at what is “EDM” in just the time of a short documentary, but the film What We Started has found a brilliant way around the problem.
It aims to be the definitive film of the history of a well-insulated genre that has gone from secret warehouse parties to festival main stages. The film premiered on June 15th in Los Angeles to much critical acclaim, where stars and dance-music music icons Carl Cox, Moby, Paul Oakenfold, and Erick Morillo (as well as Paris Hilton) were in attendance.
The film blends the veterans with modern star Martin Garrix to tell the full story of dance music’s evolution and transformation. Some of the gatekeepers of old disagree with the direction of the genre, as showcased by their disdain for the established young EDM giant. Seth Troxler quips, “How is a seventeen year old kid the f—– face of dance music?”
No matter what side of the spectrum you fall on, What We Started is a film that speaks to all dance music enthusiasts.