The story of prolific Amherst, MA-formed indie rock trio Dinosaur Jr.'s rise to prominence will be the subject of a new documentary.
Directed by German filmmaker (and J Mascis' brother-in-law) Philipp Reichenheim, Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr. has just been acquired by film distribution company Utopia [via Deadline].
Named after the opening track from their 1988 album Bug, the film will be available digitally on June 3, following a one-night theatrical event in the US on May 31 and an exclusive screening, solo set and Q&A session with Mascis at the Opera House in Brooklyn, NY, on May 28.
The premise of the documentary is telling the story of Dinosaur Jr. — from their founding back in the mid-'80s through to the band's reunion concert celebrating their 30th anniversary — and their widespread influence, opening doors for the likes of Nirvana with mucky, punishing guitar solos. It features exclusive interviews with Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph, as well as some of their musical contemporaries like My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and the Pixies.
"It seems to me retrospectively that when I heard one of the first superb Dinosaur Jr. albums in 1987, my 16 year-old artistic unconsciousness was inspired to make a documentary about them," director Reichenheim said in a statement. "Freakscene is a visual tribute to the dynamite sound and story of the band and their iconic anti-hero members, and I'm thrilled to be working with Utopia on sharing it with the world."
"Freakscene viscerally captures the joyous quirkiness and emotional resonance of one of rock music's weirdest – and most influential – bands," Utopia's Danielle DiGiacomo added. "Utopia is honoured to be entrusted with bringing the miracle that is Dinosaur Jr. into peoples' lives through this film."
Watch the trailer for Freakscene below.
Dinosaur Jr. released their 12th studio album Sweep It into Space last year.
Directed by German filmmaker (and J Mascis' brother-in-law) Philipp Reichenheim, Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr. has just been acquired by film distribution company Utopia [via Deadline].
Named after the opening track from their 1988 album Bug, the film will be available digitally on June 3, following a one-night theatrical event in the US on May 31 and an exclusive screening, solo set and Q&A session with Mascis at the Opera House in Brooklyn, NY, on May 28.
The premise of the documentary is telling the story of Dinosaur Jr. — from their founding back in the mid-'80s through to the band's reunion concert celebrating their 30th anniversary — and their widespread influence, opening doors for the likes of Nirvana with mucky, punishing guitar solos. It features exclusive interviews with Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow and drummer Murph, as well as some of their musical contemporaries like My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth and the Pixies.
"It seems to me retrospectively that when I heard one of the first superb Dinosaur Jr. albums in 1987, my 16 year-old artistic unconsciousness was inspired to make a documentary about them," director Reichenheim said in a statement. "Freakscene is a visual tribute to the dynamite sound and story of the band and their iconic anti-hero members, and I'm thrilled to be working with Utopia on sharing it with the world."
"Freakscene viscerally captures the joyous quirkiness and emotional resonance of one of rock music's weirdest – and most influential – bands," Utopia's Danielle DiGiacomo added. "Utopia is honoured to be entrusted with bringing the miracle that is Dinosaur Jr. into peoples' lives through this film."
Watch the trailer for Freakscene below.
Dinosaur Jr. released their 12th studio album Sweep It into Space last year.
