Watch I Am What I Play

I Am What I Play is a documentary film that explores the lives of four influential radio disc jockeys during the golden age of rock and roll in the 1960s and 1970s. These larger-than-life personalities were the voices that shaped a generation and made the music they played an indelible part of the cultural landscape. The film features interviews with Meg Griffin, Charles Laquidara, David Marsden and Jerry Blavat, all of whom were at the forefront of the radio revolution that transformed the airwaves during this era. The film is directed by Roger King, who also serves as the co-writer and co-producer along with Jeff Suess.

The film opens with a montage of vintage footage of radio stations and DJs from the 1960s and 1970s. The viewer is immediately transported back to a time when radio was king and the DJs ruled the airwaves. Then we meet Meg Griffin, who takes us on a journey through her early days as a DJ in New York City. She talks about how she got her start in radio and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She also shares some of her favorite stories from her time on the air, including her infamous interview with punk icon Iggy Pop.

Next up is Charles Laquidara, who was the morning DJ at Boston's WBCN-FM during the 1970s. Laquidara was a countercultural figure who embraced the hippie movement and brought a unique sensibility to his show. He talks about his love of music and how he used his platform to promote social activism.

David Marsden is up next, and we learn about his time as a DJ at Toronto's CFNY-FM. Marsden was known for his eclectic taste in music and his willingness to take risks with his programming. He talks about the challenges he faced as an independent DJ and the joy he felt when he discovered a new artist that he believed in.

Finally, we meet Jerry Blavat, who was a flamboyant DJ in Philadelphia during the 1960s. Blavat was a charismatic figure who was known for his dance parties and his connection to the local community. He talks about his early beginnings in radio and how he used his platform to help promote the music of African American artists during a time of segregation.

Throughout the film, we hear stories from each DJ about their favorite moments on the air, their struggles to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry, and their connections to the music that they loved. We also see archival footage of them on the air, as well as interviews with some of the musicians whose music they helped to popularize.

In addition to the four main DJs, there are also interviews with several other industry experts, including radio executives and music journalists. These experts help to contextualize the role that radio played during this era and how it shaped the music that we still listen to today.

Overall, I Am What I Play is a fascinating look at a bygone era of radio and the larger-than-life personalities that made it so special. The film is a testament to the power of music and the impact that DJs can have on their listeners. Whether you're a music lover or just a fan of great storytelling, this film is definitely worth checking out.

I Am What I Play is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.