The release of System Recordings’ documentary on famed DJ duo John Digweed and Sasha is set to hit shelves early next year. Entitled Delta Heavy after the duo’s groundbreaking 2002 Delta Heavy American DJ tour, the DVD captures the ins and outs of the first major DJ tour ever mounted in America. Thanks to advances in video technology, the last few years have seen a slew of artist-oriented documentaries, chronicling everything from the making of the album to the life on tour. The “DVD” in many cases has become like an accessory to the album, a mere side thought used to lure consumers away from illegal down loads. However, there is something very different about Delta Heavy. The documentary’s subtle charm is an intriguing display of humility and passion. A very warm quality becomes apparent in both Digweed and Sasha, making the video appealing for even marginal fans. The viewer is brought along and introduced to a variety of different characters throughout the Delta Heavy tour, including the stage manager, tour manager, light and effects technicians, and the tour’s VJ. Join Digweed and Sasha on their bus, in their hotel, at dinner, and of course playing out to American crowds of 85,000 total people over its six week run. The two British DJs who got their start spinning progressive house in the late 1980s at notable venues like Manchester’s infamous Hacienda, are responsible for making history with their tour and much of the documentary focuses around the commercial impact the tour will make on electronic music in America. This is an intelligent documentary that has excellent commentary from classic promoters and early ravers. In addition to the documentary, the DVD comes complete with a bunch of extras, which include a series of audio/video mixes constructed by the tour VJ. The video has many memorable moments that are set to a pulsing sound track, providing for an intimate view into a lifestyle that was pronounced dead years ago. Maybe it’s time to dig those glow-sticks out of storage.
Sasha & Digweed
System Recordings
