“House Music: A Cultural Evolution” by Barbara Allen opened the door to the world of house music and its roots to the audience of the Seeyousound festival, in Torino. The director is from Chicago, where a specific and upcoming brand of house music was born in the 80’s and still is ruling the dance floors. Like happened for disco music in the 70’s, the roots of house came from the minorities’ necessity of their own space and expressivity, and the black queer world was the perfect nest for this new musical baby.
House music is more a feeling than a sound
Barbara Allen in her film “House Music: A cultural evolution” explains clearly how that kind of music was born from the necessity of community and as a tool to defend itself and the safety of its members. Marginalised communities always find the way to survive and this way very often is through creativity and art, regardless the media it involves.
Plot
Celebrating 40 years of Chicago's legendary house scene, the film explores the evolution of the genre through rare archival footage and interviews with those who experienced its early days. The documentary pays tribute to this innovative and captivating electronic dance music that continues to inspire world-renowned artists such as Charli XCX, Peggy Gou, Beyoncé and Fisher. It also celebrates its origin in Chicago's underground Black and gay clubs and the work of house music producers and DJs such as Frankie Knuckles, who created safe and welcoming spaces for marginalised communities.