Search - D.I.Y. Or Die: How to Survive as an Independent Artist on DVD

A realistic review.

Y. Jossa | NJ | 05/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There seems to be a lot of misunderstandings about this Video / DVD.
First, part of the movie's title is "How to Survive as an independent artist" and i place an emphasis on the word SURVIVE. This video is not a guide for artists to get rich and famous in 15 minutes or less. If you are looking for hot tips on how to strike it golden, this ain't it.
This DVD is not a substitute for business school, it won't tell you how to start a record label or how to magically promote your art to make you famous.

What this video provides is an insightful and inspirational guide to artists looking for viable ways to make a living of what they love the most: their art.
Are you looking to get your music heard? why not find inspiration on Ian Mackaye, one of the fathers of hardcore rock music and the quintessential independent record company owner that has launched the career of countless punk and hardcore artists and paved the way for other independent punk labels such as Epitaph Records.
The artists interviewed on this DVD are not some of of Michael Dean's "completely unknown buddies", as some *completely* clueless reviewer put it, but well known artists such a Dave Brockie of metal shockcore GWAR, Jim Rose who's performed with his shock circus for hundreds of thousands of people on Lolapallooza festivals across the country. Photographer and filmmaker Richard Kern and performance artist / writer Lydia Lunch are fairly well known NYC underground artists around the world. Or how about producer / musician J. G. Thirlwell who at some point managed to get a record contract with Sony records and has released over seventeen full length albums including remixing artists like NIN and Marilyn Manson?

This DVD is a masterfully edited and conceived piece of work; low on slick Hollywood production effects but high on content and inspiration.

Quoting Ian Mackaye from the DVD, "you can't fail doing what you love", so any true artist will find a piece of this DVD in their artists' heart."

Burn This Video

BaldheadedWeirdo | 12/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Pleasure is the ultimate revenge, and I love revenge..." chortles Lydia Lunch on the D.I.Y. or DIE DVD, a video handbook for the independent artist. Created in the spirit of Abbie Hoffman's Steal This Book, D.I.Y. or DIE isn't just the artist's DVD guide to doing it yourself and surviving-it's more like a sermon as to why D.I.Y. and following your own happiness without selling out is the better route. And to prove they put their money where their mouth is, the DVD has no region restrictions or even copyright protection and buyers are encouraged to burn non-commercial copies for friends. D.I.Y. or DIE is a labor of love, by indies, for the indies. Discussing important survival subjects such as Inspiration, Publicity, Dealing with Adversity and Commerce, the film sidesteps things like tools and technique, giving the audience more of a pep-talk to put some fire under their own creative asses. Creator/director Michael Wareham Dean says in the film, "If you need an Independent Artist for Dummies book, then being an independent artist is not for you." Read more from this review on www.nighttimes.com."

Every artist should see this film!

BaldheadedWeirdo | 01/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great movie! It deals with artists who do their art just because it's what they do. The film maker interviews artists of all types from painters to musicians to dancers. It's not a "How To" guide as some other reviewers mistakenly thought, but it does give you a look into the lives of artists who are really doing it. People who do their own thing on their own terms. For those of us that believe that is how it should be, this is an extremely well done movie, and definitely worth watching."

Inspiring, Practical, and Entertaining

R. Rebold | NOVA | 05/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Dean taps into the core of the punk rock DIY ethic by interviewing independent musicians, photographers, performance, print, film, and graphic artists. These artists are both entertaining and have profound things to say about independence, integrity and working outside of the "culture industry." The message is solid and inspiring while it isn't sugar-coated. A solid film and one to copy and share with your friends. (Its encouraged!)"