"What is the Re:Generation Music Project?"

Over the past 5 years, electronic music has seen a large growth in popularity. Artists’ like Skrillex, Pretty Lights and DJ Premier have become commonplace on iPods and devices around the world. Last month, Director Amir Bar-Lev held a press event promoting the Re:Generation Music Project, a film endeavor to hit theatres February 16^th.

The goal for the Re:Generation Music Project is to capture the evolution of music in a film documentary. Today’s top electronic artists agreed to collaborate with artists of the past to create new works of “mash-up” music. The documentary presents 5 “new school” musicians to work with 5 “old school” artists. Derek Vincent Smith, stage name Pretty Lights, said, “That’s what I feel I’m good at…taking things that weren’t intended to go together… and then that’s what creates something new.”

Before any filming took place, Director Amir Bar-Lev had to get in contact with each of the artists’ managers. He mentioned that there was a common denominator with each of the conversations. Each of the artists mentioned that the project could not hinder their reputations as an artist. Each of them has strived to create and perfect their image. Taking on a “new art” project certainly has its risks for large names in the music industry. In sidestepping reputation issues, all were excited to be a part of the project.

The initiation behind the project started in July and took 3 months to shoot. The crew followed the DJs and their respective groups into the studios and captured something rare and intriguing. Director Amir Bar-Lev was able to capture the creative process that these megastars undertake to create their music. Usually, artists are very tight knit when filming them and their material.

The creative process that was captured was more than just rehearsing, according to 5 Grammy nominee, Skrillex. During the press event, Skrillex shared his experience with getting on board with Re:Generation and working with his group, The Doors.

He stated that music is a very heartfelt art that exposes you to the world. Skrillex said letting each artist “do what they do best” was important to him in recording. He said in collaborating with others, effort had to be mutual and receive the same intensity from all parties to create the best record possible. He felt that his session with The Doors was interesting, to say the least. Prior to recording, Skrillex had no idea the band hadn’t been together for 30 years prior to Re:Generation. “I’m glad I didn’t though! There might have been some pressure there…” 

Here is a recording of the Skrillex/Doors final project.