Waiting For The Drop: Rise Of The Superstar DJs is the first directorial outing of Alexei Barrionuevo. The documentary is about exactly what it sounds like: the beginnings of and rise of electronic dance music and the rave scene. From gaining a foothold to its takeover in the U.K., the EDM scene has been seen as an outsider movement. But that is part of the appeal to those within it. Eventually, DJ fees priced out many people, and the popularity of raves declined. This, coupled with rampant drug use that the government wanted to crack down on, made many believe it was all over. However, the likes of Paul Oakenfold took the United States by storm, and EDM experienced a level of success previously unimaginable. But the U.S. deals in excess, including DJ fees. Is EDM in danger, or are raves, techno, and driving beats here to stay?
The director has assembled a plethora of DJs to give the history of their art and provide much-needed context to some of its more troubling aspects throughout the 92 minutes of Waiting For The Drop: Rise Of The Superstar DJs. From Paul Oakenfold to Tiësto, and Kaskade to child prodigy DJ Kai Song, the past, present, and future are all accounted for. Hearing their stories is very inspiring, especially when it comes to Kai Song, who is around 9 years old. Additionally, a few business owners are present to defend the extravagances on display. Some DJs are lonely, others are basking in their success, and some are waiting for it all to drop out from under them. But the one thing everyone has in common is the sheer fun and excitement they get from playing in front of a crowd.
“…chronicle of electronic dance music’s history, successes, and failures.”
However, the truly inspired thing Barrionuevo does here is talk to many fans of raves/EDM. Two friends share a story of how a DJ messed up during a set and apologized. Rather than being mad about it, they thought it was cool and that it proved he was playing live. A different person discusses how they are the odd one in their friend group but feel accepted and happy within the EDM scene. This just underscores why and how this music has taken off.
But Waiting For The Drop: Rise Of The Superstar DJs centers on festivals, raves, and the like. This means that the film is awash in neon lights, colors, and all manner of glitter. Director of photography Darko Nikolich captures all the vibrancy of festival attendees with matching wild energy. The editing keeps up the pace as well. And obviously, the music is fantastic and driving from start to finish, if you’re into EDM.
Waiting For The Drop: Rise Of The Superstar DJs probably won’t convince anyone who doesn’t like this style of music to change their mind. However, it is a fantastic chronicle of electronic dance music’s history, successes, and failures. That so many DJs opened themselves up to discuss their livelihood and love of music makes this a very personal film as well. Barrionuevo understands the scene and captures its energy in an engaging way.
For more information, visit the official Waiting For The Drop: Rise Of The Superstar DJs site.
"…awash in neon lights, colors, and all manner of glitter."
