Industrial Accident: The Story of Wax Trax! Records

Industrial Accident: The Story of Wax Trax! Records is a riveting 2018 documentary that you don't want to miss, especially if you're a fan of music or are curious about the unique underbelly of indie music success. Directed by Julia Nash, the film features an impressive range of interviewees including Matt Adell, Steve Albini, and Paul Barker among other notable figures in the music industry.

Taking its place among the finest in music documentaries, Industrial Accident: The Story of Wax Trax! Records offers an intimate glimpse into a significant epoch in music history. The film shines a light on the niche Chicago record label, Wax Trax! Records, established in the late 1970s by Jim Nash and Dannie Flesher. Their label and record store of the same name became one of the most influential catalysts in the creation of electronic, punk, and industrial music. Incredibly, Jim Nash an unexpected music visionary and arguably the most unassuming music mogul in history, gets an in-depth look into his life and his work.

It unfolds the story of their iconic storefront in Denver—subsequently relocating to Chicago—and the fate of their label, which eventually crumbled due to financial differences with a larger corporation. Yet, it was no mere record store or run-of-the-mill music production house. Instead, it was a space that embraced a new wave of music, becoming a cultural hot spot that bred some of the most seminal acts in underground music. Wax Trax! Records was not just a symbol of creative expression but a testament to the power of ingenuity and independent thinking in a time of generic pop culture.

Dedicated fans of the label will revel in new insights and stories about beloved artists associated with Wax Trax! Records, such as Ministry, Front 242, and My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult who are heavily featured. However, this film isn’t just for fans. It also serves as a comprehensive guide to a defining era in music, which can educate and inspire music enthusiasts who may be unfamiliar with the label.

Much of the joy of Industrial Accident comes from the fantastic interviews with music bigwigs like Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor, controversial engineer Steve Albini, and legendary punk icon Jello Biafra of the band Dead Kennedys. Not only do these musicians reflect on their experiences with the label, but they also help communicate the unruly ethos of Wax Trax! The narrative and interviews skillfully intertwine to illuminate the creative industry whose main focus isn't on profit, but on music, originality, and above all, staying true to oneself. It's an inspiring note in an era of increasing commercialization in the music industry.

The documentary is also unafraid to approach sensitive subjects, addressing the losses that creators suffered during the heart-wrenching onset of the AIDS epidemic. It is an emotional tribute that honors those who have passed while also underscoring the power of their artistic legacies. A truly touching moment arrives when Julia Nash, the daughter of Jim Nash, reflects on her father and shares some of her most intimate memories. Her narrative provides a deeply personal dimension to an otherwise public-facing history.

Shot beautifully with a clear, informed perspective, the film tells an intimate, far-reaching, and risk-taking story of a collective memory of the '80s and '90s music scene. It matters not only because it’s transporting, but also because it’s part of a larger narrative about how the power of music can shape cultures, transform cities, and sculpt lives.

In brief, Industrial Accident: The Story of Wax Trax! Records is a compelling musical journey that captures the spirit and individuality of a pivotal time. Not only does it expose audiences to complexities, crossroads, and challenges faced by those at the helm of an independent music label, but it also serves as a tribute to the culture-changing legacy of Wax Trax! Records. For those who have a deep appreciation for genre-defining music and a curiosity for its history, this documentary will offer a deep sense of satisfaction. So, sit back and embark on this great tour of musical history that transcends the ordinary and ushers in the extraordinary.