Must Be the Music (1996)

Must Be the Music Poster

Four gay men on a Friday night out in Los Angeles.

Introduction
"Must Be the Music" is a comedic, music-centered, and poignant indie film directed by Claudia Hehr that premiered in 1996. The motion picture focuses around the lives, struggles, passions, and pursuits of a group of young, having a hard time musicians in New York City, trying to break into the cutthroat music market while handling personal obstacles, insecurity, and changing relationships.

Plot and Characters
The story revolves around a group of buddies, with the primary characters being Patty, Tracy, Dana, and Max. Patty is a gifted and enthusiastic keyboard player and songwriter, while Tracy manages her goal to end up being a well-known vocalist with her day task as a waitress. Dana, an out-and-remembered lesbian, offers comic relief through her failed romantic liaisons and intriguing side gigs. Max is the eccentric and capitivating drummer of the group who needs to handle pent-up feelings.

Main Conflict and Resolution
The film unfolds with each character facing their own set of conflicts portraying their distinct journeys. Patty struggles to showcase her skill however constantly gets ignored at record business. Tracy is stuck in between the enjoyment of fame and the grim truth of emerging as a musician. Dana, in efforts to discover love, comically stumbles upon lots of undeserving suitors and Max faces a conflict in between suppressing his real feelings for Patty and the fear of jeopardizing their relationship.

Must Be the Music's Unique Approach
What sets the film apart is its authentic representation of the battle in attaining a music profession. It does not sugarcoat the strength and effort it entails to shine in the New York music scene. It provides light not just to the glamour and glitz of the journey, but likewise the numerous rejections, disappointments, heartbreak, desperation, and monetary constraints dealt with by candidates. The excellent rock/pop soundtrack of the film heightens its realism and makes the audience feel more involved in the characters' challenges and victories.

As the film progresses, all characters challenge their high hopes, hitting the rock bottom, and confidently stand back up. Patty finally gets noticed for her music, Tracy lands a breakthrough after conquering a discouraging stage, Dana finds happiness, and Max admits his feelings for Patty.

Conclusion and Reception
"Must Be the Music" is a feel-good indie film. Regardless of its low-budget production, it had a powerful narrative resonating with musicians, aspiring artists, and music enthusiasts. It evoked the truth of the music industry magnificently, intertwined with the appeal of all its characters and their biologist efficiencies. Sadly, it did not receive mainstream attention and remained quite the sleeper indie movie.

The movie's strength depends on successfully stabilizing humor with the harsh truths of life and the unforgiving nature of the music industry. In conclusion, "Must Be the Music" is as much a narrative about aspiration, rejection, and strength as it has to do with relationship, love, and self-discovery, all set to an interesting rock/pop soundtrack.

Top Cast

  • Milo Ventimiglia (small)
    Milo Ventimiglia
    Jason
  • Michael Saucedo (small)
    Michael Saucedo
    Eric
  • Justin Urich (small)
    Justin Urich
    Kevin
  • Travis Sher
    David
  • Jermaine Montell (small)
    Jermaine Montell
    Eric’s friend
  • Eddie Mui (small)
    Eddie Mui
    Gregg
  • Gabriel Fuller
    Kissing Boy #1
  • Ryan Vernotico
    Kissing Boy #2
  • Grant Swanson
    Matt
  • Jason Adelman
    Michael
  • David Ko
    Michael's Friend