The music industry has always fascinated us beyond what we listen to on the radio. As fans we dig deep to the roots. We find the beating heart within. It’s more than just music and lyrics for us.

It’s about success against all odds, about the “aha” moments that changed music history and sometimes it’s about the heartbreaking underbelly of an artist’s life we don’t normally get to see.

Now’s the time to deepen your music education. Sit back, relax and enjoy these amazing music documentaries while you #StayHome.

20 Feet From Stardom | Stan

Opening to the lazy bass of Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side”, 20 Feet From Stardom shines the spotlight on the background vocalists behind some of the most iconic songs in music history.

Journey into the lives of these unknown legends as they share their elusive search for stardom. For any budding artists out there, this is a poignant lesson in persistence when faced with personal and professional setbacks.

If winning the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2014 isn’t enough to win you over, appearances from legendary artists Mick Jagger, Sting, Stevie Wonder and more will!

Amy | Netflix

Think you know everything about Amy Winehouse? Think again. Three years in the making and featuring over 100 interviews, Amy is a moving film about the talented prodigy Amy Winehouse, who tragically died at the age of 27.

This is a tragic story of addiction, self-destruction, the toxic media culture and the ethos of enabling. You’ll experience her struggles in this nuanced portrait of Amy – a very different view than what was exposed to the public during her short life.

Give this one a watch for a full-blown appreciation for the talent that is Amy Winehouse.

Miss Americana Taylor Swift | Netflix

Ever wonder why we didn’t see much of Taylor Swift in 2016-2017? Miss Americana has the answer. Taylor invites you into her life, sweatpants and all, to document everything that takes place before the release of her album Reputation.

She tells us the story of a good girl who, by following all the rules, became successful. We learn there are two sides to every story and her life is by no means a fairytale. In this documentary you will see Taylor overcome constraints and truly find her voice where it counts.

Make sure you look out for scenes in the studio, Taylor really shines in her creative process.

Creating Woodstock | Amazon Prime

What better cure for isolation than to learn about the world’s first ever mass, music festival! In 1969 the legend of Woodstock was born when half a million people descended on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York.

Creating Woodstock is the final product of three decades of interviews and research conducted by Mick Richards. If you’re a Millennial or Gen Z, you’ll be shocked to know that the “Three Days of Peace and Music” was riddled with logistical nightmares, artists shortages and last-minute changes.

You’ll learn the difference between fantasy and reality and appreciate how the legacy of Woodstock has created the blueprint for the most popular festivals today.

The Defiant Ones | Netflix

Dr Dre and Jimmy Iovine. Two big names in the music industry that you need to know about (if you don’t already). The docu-series, The Defiant Ones, is an absorbing look into the successful industry they created for themselves and others by teaming up.

This film takes a deep dive into their mindset and experiences as they journey from the bottom and navigated their way to the top. Expect some of your favourite artists like Snoop Dog, Bruce Springsteen and Ice Cube sprinkled throughout each episode.

You can binge this out in a day or space out each episode over four days.

These films certainly deepened our music knowledge and will do the same for you. Giving you the perfect small talk to kick off your next Zoom call with friends!