Houston, Texas has always been a hotbed of leftfield musical talent. They have always done things their own way down south, and for that they should be applauded. But what was once the home of alternative country pioneers like Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark is now the centre of one of the most vibrant and exciting hip hop scenes in the land.
And that scene is captured brilliantly on the new DVD from talented filmmaker Ariel Santschi – Pitch Control Mixtape Volume 3.
The innovative format contains two hours of interviews, music videos, exclusive concert footage and behind the scenes material from the biggest names in Houston rap. The unique style of presentation of the Pitch Control series – a blend of video mixtape and documentary – has already made them essential viewing for rap aficionados across the south.
Santschi has already made a groundbreaking documentary about legendary Houston producer DJ Screw, two weeks before his untimely death in 2000. Following that, he shot and edited Screw-collaborator Pimp C's Pimpalation DVD as well as Z-Ro's Z-Ro Vision DVD. He has now turned his eye to some of the other rappers and DJs that Screw helped to promote.
Featured on the DVD are amost every artist who have contributed to Texas' unique take on hip hop music and culture.
On Pitch Control you will find the likes of Underground Kingz (UGK), Trae, ABN, Lil' Keke, Slim Thug, Bosshog Outlawz, Lil' Flip, Big Moe, Hawk, Mike D, Yung Redd and, of course, DJ Screw and the Screwed Up Click. Alongside such legends are many more up and coming stars who are all set to keep Houston's music at the cutting edge.
Santschi's skill on this DVD is to combine the traditional look and feel of rap music videos with more candid documentary footage. Having filmed underground music for 12 years, he is adept at bringing the best out of his subject. Whether that be by producing exceptional music videos or finding the most interesting angle for an interview, it makes for fantastic viewing for anyone with an interest in underground hip hop.
This DVD will be a testament to a musical scene on the up, made by one of the best chroniclers of music around today.
You can get a sneak preview of Santschi’s talents by going to http://www.pitchcontroltv.com/pctv3.