Watch Los Wild Ones

Los Wild Ones is a heartwarming documentary about the rockabilly music scene in Los Angeles, California. The film follows the life of the founder of Wild Records, Reb Kennedy, as he tries to keep his independent record label afloat in a world dominated by big corporations. The documentary is directed by Elise Salomon, who provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at the music that inspired a generation.

The film focuses on the passion and dedication that Reb Kennedy and his artists have for the music they create. The documentary introduces us to the talented musicians that make up Wild Records, including Luis Arriaga, Gizzelle Bercera, and Rudy De Anda. We see how these artists work tirelessly to create new music and perform on stage.

The film takes us on a journey through the history of rockabilly music in Los Angeles, starting with the birth of the scene in the 1950s. We learn about the vibrant culture that formed around the music, with its distinctive style and fashion. The movie explores how the music and culture evolved over time, and how it continues to inspire a new generation of performers.

One of the most fascinating parts of the film is the way it explores the close-knit community that has formed around Wild Records. We see how the artists collaborate and work together, and how Kennedy acts as a mentor and father figure to many of them. The movie imparts on the audience that the Wild Records family is as much a part of the music as the songs themselves.

The documentary also delves into the financial struggles that independent record labels like Wild Records face in the modern music industry. We see how Kennedy must balance his love for the music with the reality of making a living off of it. The movie paints a poignant picture of the hardships these artists face, but also the resilience and creativity they possess to keep the music alive.

Salomon's direction is superb, capturing the energy and passion of the music and performers. The documentary is filled with extensive interviews with the artists and Kennedy, giving the audience a real understanding of what makes rockabilly music so enduring. She also perfectly balances the music, interviews, and commentary on the challenges of being an independent record label.

The music in the documentary is fantastic and varied, featuring songs from a range of artists of different ages and backgrounds. The performances are energetic and life-affirming, and the passion and love of the music are evident in every note. The sound quality is excellent, which brings out the personality and nuances of each song.

Overall, Los Wild Ones is an excellent documentary about the history and future of rockabilly music. Elise Salomon's direction, combined with the passion and love of the performers, make it an enjoyable and inspiring film. The movie is a must-see for anyone who loves music, for those interested in the music industry, and for anyone who wants a glimpse into a fascinating cultural scene. It's a film that proves that, even in the digital age, there's still a place for raw, authentic music that comes straight from the heart.

Los Wild Ones is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.