Watch The Man From Mo'Wax

The Man From Mo'Wax is a 2016 documentary film that chronicles the fascinating life and career of James Lavelle, a renowned British DJ and music producer. The film is directed by Matthew Jones and features interviews with a host of industry heavyweights, including DJ Shadow, Ian Brown, and 3D from Massive Attack. The film opens with a young James Lavelle, who at the tender age of 18, started his journey into the British music scene. The scene at the time was dominated by the likes of acid house and rave, and James quickly made a name for himself with his distinctive sound and passion for music.

As his reputation grew, James founded his own record label, Mo'Wax, which would go on to become synonymous with the emerging trip-hop genre of the late 90s. The film documents the highs and lows of Mo'Wax, including their groundbreaking releases, collaborations with talented artists, and the tragic loss of key members of the label.

Throughout the film, there is a strong emphasis on how James was able to maintain his vision and artistic integrity in the face of commercial pressures. He was often faced with difficult decisions, such as whether or not to sign with major record labels, and his choices helped to shape the future of the music industry.

One of the most fascinating aspects of The Man From Mo'Wax is how it explores the relationships between James and his various collaborators. There are interviews with artists such as DJ Shadow, Ian Brown, Thom Yorke, and Robert Del Naja (from Massive Attack), all of whom have worked closely with James over the years. These interviews provide an insight into the creative process behind some of the most iconic music of the 90s and early 2000s.

The film also delves into James' personal life, including his struggles with addiction and how this impacted his career. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his passion for music and continued to inspire a whole generation of artists.

Overall, The Man From Mo'Wax is a fascinating and engaging documentary that captures the spirit of an era in British music. It is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of James Lavelle and his record label Mo'Wax, and a must-see for anyone with an interest in the music industry.

The Man From Mo'Wax is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 61.