Lydia Loveless - Who Is Lydia Loveless?

"Lydia Loveless - Who Is Lydia Loveless?" is an intimate and immersive documentary that provides an in-depth look into the life, skill, and burgeoning career of the Columbus, Ohio-based musician, Lydia Loveless. Directed by Gorman Bechard and released in 2016, the film offers an insightful portrayal of the making of Loveless's fourth album "Real". Besides Loveless, the movie also features musicians Todd May and Ben Lamb. It's not just a music documentary; it's a compelling character study of a strong, independent artist navigating the music scene and her personal life simultaneously.

"Lydia Loveless - Who Is Lydia Loveless?" focuses on Loveless's creative process, her personal trials, the mechanics of recording an album, and the intense rehearsal sessions. It's a peek into the charismatic but not extravagantly publicised universe of Alt-Country music, spotlighting Loveless's eclectic fusion of punk rock, country, and pop, with her raw and powerful voice at the centre.

The film is honest and unfiltered, capturing Loveless's passionate dedication to her craft, her articulate lyrics, and a stirring voice that commands attention. Aptly titled, the documentary poses the question - who is Lydia Loveless? Everyone from Loveless herself to her bandmates, management, family, and friends try to answer this throughout the film. The film is a mixture of interviews, live performances, and scenes of Loveless writing and rehearsing, providing a genuine look at the struggles and triumphs of a young artist seeking to define her sound and identity in an industry that often fosters conformity.

Loveless's banter with her band, including former New Bomb Turks guitarist Todd May and bassist Ben Lamb, is a festivity of sarcastic wit and mutual respect. Their laughter is infectious, their kinship tangible. The film features a number of intimate studio scenes where Loveless, May, and Lamb work together, their synchronous rhythm showing their shared passion. May's influence on Loveless is evident in their collaboration, their musical connection portraying a picture of a cutting-edge band devoted to their craft while Lamb's foundation-shaking bass skills are invaluable space fillers.

Loveless's lyrics, often raw and empowering, help form the narrative of the documentary, and some of her best songs are featured. Singles like "Somewhere Else" and "Really Want to See You" are punchier live, with Loveless's voice, a weird but perfect blend of innocence and experience, strikes a balance between fiery and soulful. These performances highlight Loveless's control over her voice, her craft, and the stage, affirming her presence as a fearless female protagonist in the rock 'n' roll world.

"Lydia Loveless - Who Is Lydia Loveless?" marries music and reality in a unique chronicle of an artist's journey to find her space in the music industry while battling challenges both personal and professional. It encapsulates the eccentric compactness of journey that steers between the undefined and the known, the poetic, and the harsh truth. Director Bechard subtly unfolds Loveless's persona layer by layer, letting her music and the words of those around her do the talking.

While the movie lingers on her music, Loveless’s personal life and candid thoughts on love, heartbreak, and fame are equally given importance. It also depicts her place as a woman in the country-rock genre – a space often dominated by men – and in doing so, it puts forward Loveless as a resilient icon for women who see no border between genres or gender.

In the end, the audience is left with an overriding sense of understanding and respect for Loveless, her music, and her journey. "Lydia Loveless - Who Is Lydia Loveless?" is the portrait of a determined musician, a young woman exploring her identity, and a band carving out their place in their genre. It offers a comprehensive exploration of what it takes to follow your passion, an insight into the reality of being a musician, and an intimate, stripped-back look at an artist being unapologetically herself. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates unvarnished truth, unwavering determination, and unique music.