Teenage Superstars

Teenage Superstars is a captivating and engaging documentary film from 2017 journeying into the heart of the Scottish indie-pop and alternative rock scene of the late '80s and early '90s. Through stories documented and brought to life with expert finesse, it seeks to chronicle the rise and influence of a generation of extraordinary musicians on the global music scene. This includes Edwyn Collins, Kim Deal, and Sean Dickson who are just some of the many names featured in this grand narrative about teenage unity, rebellion, and the power of music.

The film begins its narrative in the mid-1980’s and focuses on the groups emerging from the fizzing underground scene in Scotland most famously, the bands of the city of Glasgow. The narrative takes a profound look into the innovative sound and spirit of the bands that came out of this period. The title of the film, Teenage Superstars, truly does justice to this collection of young musicians, who shook the music world with their new, fresh sound.

Edwyn Collins, a prominent figure in the film, is cast as the frontman of Orange Juice, a band at the heart of the Postcard Records scene. Collins’ charisma and musical creativity are vividly captured in the film, with many insights into his evolution as an artist.

Kim Deal is another major figure in the film. At the time, her band, The Pixies, was at the height of its popularity, influencing countless other groups with their unique mix of punk grunge and melodic pop. She later formed The Breeders, known for its alternative rock sound that took elements from indie and noise pop. Her contribution to the music scene remains immense and her story forms an integral part of the film's narrative.

Sean Dickson, known for leading The Soup Dragons and later as the electronic artist HiFi Sean, also has a central role. Viewers get an in-depth look at his rise from the Glasgow club scene and the creation of his unique sound that veers from rock to electronica.

What makes Teenage Superstars stand out is its attention to the cultural and social context surrounding this musical revolution. The film provides an extensive background to the environment these bands were born out of, meticulously dissecting the significant cultural shifts that were taking place during the late 80s and early 90s. It beautifully captures how these changes affected young musicians and shaped the music they produced.

Director Grant McPhee's vision is brought to life in this film, which follows up on his earlier Big Gold Dream - a feature-length exploration of the Scottish post-punk and indie music scene. In Teenage Superstars, he continues his examination of the Scottish music of that era, taking viewers on an untold journey of discovery that is both nostalgic and informative.

The film also features numerous interviews with many of the era's key players, including Norman Blake and Duglas T. Stewart, both of whom provide fascinating insights into the unique cauldron of creativity that existed during this time.

Beyond the documentary-style interviews and narration, Teenage Superstars includes a wealth of unseen footage of the bands in their heyday, delighting fans with rare glimpses into their favorite musicians' lives. The music features prominently, of course, with performance footage, music videos, and extensive conversations about the bands' creative processes and how they evolved.

Teenage Superstars acts not only as a tribute to an era of music, but also as a testament to the passion, rebellious spirit, and the sheer creative force of a group of young people that emerged from a small corner of Scotland, making their mark on the world.

In conclusion, Teenage Superstars is a stirring deep-dive into a revolutionary period in music and a homage to the luminous characters who emerged from this era. It takes its stand as a must-watch documentary for any self-confessing music lover, especially those interested in the influence of the Scottish music scene on indie and alternative rock worldwide.