Introduction: Beyond the Music
The music industry is far more than charts, performances, and headlines. Behind the scenes lie the power structures, cultural shifts, business deals, and personal sacrifices that shape global soundtracks. Whether you're an artist, fan, or investor, understanding how the industry works means going beyond the hits—and into the stories behind them.
These eight documentaries and films are your essential watchlist.
1. Quincy (2018) — Directed by Rashida Jones and Alan Hicks
A deeply personal and richly layered portrait of Quincy Jones, the man behind some of the most influential music of the 20th century. The documentary spans six decades—from arranging jazz for Sinatra, to producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, to shaping film soundtracks and political moments like We Are The World.
It’s also a story of resilience: how Jones navigated racial barriers, built cultural bridges, and redefined what it means to be a producer and entrepreneur. Winner of the Grammy for Best Music Film, it’s a masterclass in longevity and legacy.
2. The Black Godfather (2019) — Directed by Reginald Hudlin
Clarence Avant never released an album or stood behind a mic, yet he shaped careers that changed American culture. This Netflix documentary explores how Avant used his influence to protect, negotiate, and empower Black artists—insisting on transparency, fair pay, and strategic alliances.
Through interviews with Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and countless musicians, The Black Godfather paints Avant as a quiet but unstoppable force in both music and politics. His motto? Influence is meant to be used—not hoarded.
3. The Playlist (2022) — Created by Christian Spurrier
This six-part Swedish series fictionalises the rise of Spotify and the disruption it brought to a crumbling music industry. Each episode is told from a different perspective: founder Daniel Ek, a major-label executive, a coder, a lawyer, an artist, and an investor.
Beyond the drama, The Playlist poses hard questions: Can tech save music? Who truly benefits from streaming? And what happens when the value of a song is measured in fractions of a cent?
A must-watch to understand the power dynamics behind your playlists.
4. The Defiant Ones (2017) — Directed by Allen Hughes
This four-part HBO documentary traces the intertwined careers of Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre—from Dre’s N.W.A. days to the $3 billion Beats by Dre deal with Apple.
It’s not just a story of success; it’s a blueprint of how hip-hop and rock reshaped capitalism, branding, and tech. Along the way, we see how Interscope Records broke taboos, bet on unfiltered voices like Eminem and Tupac, and redefined the artist-label relationship.
Art, commerce, and risk—all in one explosive series.
5. Avicii: True Stories (2017) — Directed by Levan Tsikurishvili
Few documentaries capture the emotional toll of stardom like Avicii: True Stories. It charts the meteoric rise of Tim Bergling, the Swedish DJ who became a global EDM sensation—only to suffer burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion from relentless touring and industry pressure.
The film now resonates more deeply following Avicii’s tragic death in 2018. A sobering reminder that behind the lights and beats lies a fragile human reality.
6. Homecoming (2019) — Directed by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
More than a concert film, Homecoming is Beyoncé’s visionary self-portrait. Chronicling her iconic 2018 Coachella performance, it blends powerful live footage with behind-the-scenes moments and a tribute to Black culture, historically Black colleges, and motherhood.
Beyoncé controls every aspect of the narrative—from choreography to cinematography—turning Homecoming into a declaration of artistic independence and generational pride.
7. The Greatest Night in Pop (2024) — Directed by Bao Nguyen
We Are The World wasn't just a song—it was a cultural milestone. This recent Netflix release revisits the legendary 1985 recording session where 45 of the world’s biggest artists gathered to fight famine in Africa.
With interviews and rare footage, it reveals the chaos, egos, and brilliance behind a single night that changed the role of musicians in global humanitarian efforts. Quincy Jones famously told the stars: “Leave your ego at the door.” And they did.
8. DJ Mehdi: Made in France (2024) — Produced by ARTE
This French mini-series celebrates the legacy of DJ Mehdi, a pioneer of the French touch and hip-hop-electro crossover who passed away in 2011. Across three episodes, Made in France explores his collaborations with Justice, Daft Punk, and Ed Banger Records, painting a portrait of a deeply respected artist gone too soon.
It also reflects on France’s evolving urban music landscape, showing how one producer bridged cultures, sounds, and generations with humility and innovation.
🎤 Final Notes: More Than Just Entertainment
These documentaries are not just behind-the-scenes glimpses—they're case studies. They reveal how power, pain, influence, and innovation collide to shape the business of music.
What these documentaries reveal—beyond the drama and brilliance—is that music is more than entertainment: it’s a powerful, evolving asset shaped by cultural movements, creative vision, and economic forces. At Bolero, we believe that music rights deserve to be understood not just as artistic expressions, but as investable opportunities with enduring value.
By offering access to publishing and master rights through a transparent, curated platform, Bolero enables a new generation of investors to engage with the very assets that define modern culture. Because behind every great song lies a story—and behind every story, a stream of royalties waiting to be unlocked.
