“Hyper” – The Stevie Hyper D Story 

We sat down with Jamie, the owner of BeatCulture.net, and Darrell, Hyper D’s nephew, who have crafted a groundbreaking film that uncovers the rich history of Stevie Hyper D. This film is a landmark for the drum and bass scene, highlighting the genre’s foundational influences, particularly the sound system culture rooted in Jamaican and West Indian communities, and celebrating the crucial contributions of its central figure, Stevie “Hyper” D. By tracing these roots and connecting them with the genre’s current prominence, the film not only honours drum and bass’s origins but also bridges generational gaps, offering both long-time enthusiasts and new listeners a deeper appreciation of his legacy. Released at a time when drum and bass is at its peak, the film stands as a crucial effort in preserving and celebrating a legend’s impact.

Could you explain why this film is so special for the drum and bass scene?

Jamie : This film is particularly special for the drum and bass scene because it sheds light on a largely untold story, one that is culturally significant. Drum and bass, while known today as dance music, has always been a hybrid of multiple cultures. Its roots are deeply embedded in sound system culture, hip-hop culture, and rave culture, creating a blend that defines the genre.

Sound system culture, in particular, is crucial to understanding the evolution of drum and bass. This culture originated from the first wave of immigration from Jamaica and the West Indies, spanning from the 1940s through the 1980s. The film emphasises the importance of recognising and respecting these foundational influences, especially sound system culture, which played a pivotal role in shaping the music into the cultural powerhouse it is today.

Without these influences, drum and bass wouldn’t have developed as it has, nor would it have reached the heights of mainstream success, with acts like Chase & Status achieving a number one single in 2024. Stevie “Hyper” D, who is central to the film, represents the beginning of this evolution, bridging the gap from rave and sound system culture to jungle and drum and bass, particularly through his role in bringing the vocal element to the forefront.

Darrell : Jamie covered the key points well, but I see it from a slightly different angle. While Jamie focuses on the journey from the beginnings of drum and bass up to when Stevie “Hyper” D left us, which is absolutely spot on, I think it’s also about connecting that history to where we are now.

When people watch the film, they’ll likely have a moment of clarity—understanding the origins of the scene and how it has evolved to its current state. This is especially important because we have so many generations involved in the drum and bass scene today, but often, they don’t share a common understanding or language about its roots. There’s a lot of confusion or vague ideas about where jungle started, or what the first track was, for instance.

This film doesn’t just set the record straight; it opens up a much-needed discussion, helping to bridge the gap between the different generations and bringing clarity to the scene’s history and evolution.

Steve is really the template for everything that followed. As we enter nearly 35 years of rave history, it’s clear that Steve was a pivotal figure during the analog era. The timing of this film couldn’t be better because, just like with any movement, fans naturally want to understand its origins and history. Unfortunately, much of that history is currently vague or fragmented online.

This film fills in those gaps, offering a clear narrative and context that has been missing, especially for newer generations who might not fully grasp the roots of the drum and bass scene. It’s a crucial piece of the puzzle that helps everyone—from longtime fans to newcomers—connect with the true essence of the music and culture.

What made the what made now the right time to release the film?

Jamie : The timing of the film’s release has been crucial. Initially, we hoped to release it last year, but things didn’t align. In hindsight, this year turned out to be the perfect time, largely due to the surge in the music’s popularity. However, the film is more than just a music documentary; at its core, it’s a family story.

This story operates on two levels: the literal family, like Daryl’s family—the Austin family—and the broader, metaphorical sense of a musical family. Many music documentaries rely heavily on talking heads, recounting who did what and when. But with this film, we’ve focused on creating an emotional storyline, an evolving narrative arc that feels more like a feature film. This approach sets it apart, adding depth and a sense of connection that’s often missing in other documentaries.

It took time to develop this unique storytelling approach, and coincidentally, we found distribution at a moment when it just made sense to wait for the right time. And this year, that right time arrived, naturally aligning with the story we wanted to tell. Moreover, I’ve never seen drum and bass as popular as it is now. Having been involved in the scene since 1997, it’s astonishing to witness its growth—arguably, it’s bigger than house music in the UK today. The film’s release now, at this peak of popularity, couldn’t be more fitting.

Darrell : Absolutely, that’s a key factor in why drum and bass has become so massive right now. If you look at my family, for example, my mum was into house music, Steve was into all sorts of rave genres, and eventually, everything started to blend together. By the time Steve became Stevie Hyper D and was in high demand, getting his name on flyers was the result of a long journey. He pushed boundaries, even diving into hardcore, and in doing so, he lost some people along the way.

But the scene today is different—everyone’s embracing drum and bass, regardless of sub-genre. Back in our day, we had rigid boundaries; it was either jungle, hip-hop, or nothing else. Now, though, the lines have blurred. Whether it’s liquid, intelligent drum and bass, or any other sub-genre, people just want to listen to what resonates with them.

The last decade, especially, has seen a shift. The newer generations are more open-minded, wanting to experience the full spectrum of electronic music. Clubs now reflect this diversity—they’re not just sticking to one style. You’ll hear drum and bass, dubstep, and more in a single night because today’s clubbers are hungry for it all. This inclusivity and diversity in the music have played a huge role in the genre’s growing popularity, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience than ever before.

Can you speak about any challenges or emotional moments you experienced during the making of the film?

Jamie : Normally, when people ask about the toughest part of making the film, I would say the edit, which is the obvious answer. But honestly, now that I’m in the thick of it, I think we’re facing some of the hardest challenges yet. The edit was incredibly difficult, no doubt, but what we’re dealing with now—especially with the Kickstarter and being so close to the release—is really intense.

As someone who typically produces content, events, and films based on pre-existing campaigns or budgets, I’m used to a certain process: you plan, execute, and then it’s done. But being a film producer, which is a role Daryl and I have taken on, is a whole different beast. We had to raise the money, figure out financing, and make countless decisions about how to execute everything.

Now, on top of that, we’re deeply involved in the marketing campaign, strategising how to distribute the film, and determining how to reach the right audience. It’s a constant juggling act, and in many ways, it’s just as challenging—if not more so—than the editing process. Daryl, I don’t know if you’d agree that it’s as tough as the edit, but it’s definitely been one of the most demanding parts of the journey so far.

Darrell : That anxious feeling is definitely there, and I think a big part of it is finally giving ourselves a deadline, which we tried to avoid for the past three years. We wanted everything to happen naturally, and it has to some extent. But now, the natural progression has led us to a point where we can’t escape the deadline anymore.

We’ve been saying, “Let’s not rush it,” and we’ve managed to keep things fluid until now. But at this stage, we have to commit, and that commitment comes with a hard deadline. So, we’re telling everyone: it’s coming in winter 2024, no question about it. That’s the deadline, and we’re fully focused on meeting it.

What was your reaction when you first saw the film completed?

Jamie : That really captures the journey, and it’s clear how intense and rewarding it’s been. For me personally, and I think I can speak for Darrell too, the final stretch of the project was both exhausting and exhilarating. The whole edit process took about 260 days of man hours, with one main editor working on it for most of that time. We brought in a couple more editors towards the end, but it was those last 20 or 30 days when things started to really come together.

I remember telling Darrell that I thought the film was finally starting to click, but he was cautious, saying he wasn’t sure yet. I held off showing him anything until we were really close to finishing. We structured the film in five acts, which is a bit different from the typical three-act structure. This allowed us to break down the middle part of the film into more manageable sections, giving us more flexibility with the story and chronology.

When I finally felt confident that we had nailed it, I suggested we watch it together. By then, I had gone through all the notes and finessed each section, and it felt complete. We watched it virtually and I remember us texting each other throughout, realising that we had something special. The date that stands out is November 27, 2021, when we completed the offline edit. I’ve never felt such relief finishing something in my life.

Even though we were thrilled with what we had, there was still the online edit, the grading, and the sound mix to tackle. Due to time and budget constraints, it took us another six to twelve months to get everything done and ready for the first screening. Normally, in a well-funded project, this might have been done in days or weeks, but for us, it was a longer process.

The real test came when we screened it for the first time to an audience, which included the cast and crew. Sitting in that screening room was terrifying. We hadn’t shown it to anyone before, and we were all wondering, “Is this as good as we think it is?” But as the film played and we saw the reactions, we realised we had something special. The standing ovation at the end confirmed it.

Since then, we’ve had six private screenings, each one reinforcing the feeling that we’ve created something incredible. The feedback has been overwhelming—people telling us how unbelievable the film is. It’s made us realise that we need to protect this, to make sure we do it justice as we move forward.

So, that’s the long version of our journey—it’s been a rollercoaster, but seeing it all come together and the response it’s received has made it all worth it.

Darrell : To echo what Jamie was saying, when we finally watched the film, I literally had a lump in my throat. I’m a big, tough guy, but I haven’t felt that kind of raw emotion from a film since I was a kid. It was incredibly moving to see everything come together so perfectly, knowing that we had truly captured what we set out to achieve.

After seeing the film and realising how well it turned out, it was hard to imagine that we had actually created something so impactful. The experience of watching it and feeling that deep connection reaffirmed that we had really gotten it right. It’s moments like these that make all the hard work and challenges worth it.

Do you feel it capture the essence of Stevie Hyper D as you knew him?

Darrell : That’s a great question, and I can tell you firsthand that Jamie is incredibly knowledgeable—he’s got this nerdy side that’s invaluable. Jamie can pull up detailed information and references instantly, which means you never doubt his expertise. He’s been in the industry long enough to have a deep understanding of film and documentaries, and his commitment is just unmatched.

When we were working on this film, Jamie’s insights were crucial. He’s not just a nerd about drum and bass; he’s a nerd about films and documentaries too. I’m passionate about my uncle Steve and the jungle scene, but Jamie brings a whole different level of expertise to the table. He’s read extensively, done training, and has a deep understanding of what makes a documentary compelling.

Seeing the film come together, it was clear that Jamie really captured the essence of Steve. If Steve were alive today, I’m certain he’d be thrilled with how the film turned out. Steve was a huge film buff himself, using movies as a way to unwind, so the fact that Jamie could channel Steve’s vibe and put it on screen was incredibly moving.

Watching the final cut, I felt a deep emotional connection, and I think anyone who knew Steve personally would feel the same way. Jamie’s creative vision and his nerdy, detail-oriented approach combined perfectly with my passion for the subject. Jamie’s extensive knowledge of documentaries, including what works well and what doesn’t, really shaped the film into something special.

I’ve had offers to make films before, but none felt right until I met Jamie. His passion and expertise were exactly what we needed to create a film that truly represents Steve and the scene.

Jamie : I appreciate that, man. To address your point, yes, I’m definitely a film and documentary nerd. Since we started working on this project, I’ve dived deep into all sorts of documentaries, exploring various styles and techniques. A few key films have had a significant impact on how we approached this film.

Among the top influences were:

1. “Evelyn” by Orlando von Einsiedel – A documentary about the filmmaker’s journey with his family to understand his brother’s suicide deeply resonated with me. It’s a powerful example of how personal stories can be told with profound emotional depth.
2. “Searching for Sugar Man” – Another Oscar-winning film that is groundbreaking in its storytelling. It’s a remarkable example of uncovering a hidden narrative and presenting it in a way that captures the audience’s imagination.
3. “Senna” – Directed by Asif Kapadia, this film about the racing driver Ayrton Senna is a masterclass in documentary filmmaking, blending personal and professional aspects of its subject with compelling storytelling.

These films, along with a few others, really shaped our approach. Combining these influences with my musical knowledge and Darrell’s intimate understanding of his uncle, we aimed to create a unique and impactful music documentary.

In the realm of UK rave culture, jungle, and drum and bass, there hasn’t been a documentary quite like this before. While there are certainly other documentaries in the broader music world, our film stands out in its specific focus and depth.

The feedback we’ve received has been incredible. Logan D and others have praised it as one of the best documentaries ever made on jungle and drum and bass. That kind of high praise is phenomenal and means a lot to us.

When Darrell and I set out to make this film, we wanted to match or exceed the quality of a classic documentary like the Channel 4’s “A London Some’ting Dis” from 30 years ago. Hearing that our film might even surpass it in some respects is incredibly gratifying and confirms that we’ve achieved far more than we initially set out to do.

How important is this film to the history of Drum and a bass and  Stevie Hyper D’s career?

Jamie : From my perspective, when we set out to make this film, we aimed to create something as impactful as “A London Some’ting Dis.” Early in the editing process, we tried to cover the entire history of jungle, drum and bass, and UK MC culture through Stevie’s story. However, we soon realized that while we could provide context, the story itself needed to take center stage.

We’re not claiming that this film is the definitive documentary on jungle, drum and bass, or related cultures. What we do offer is a narrative that follows Stevie, who moved through multiple worlds—sound system culture, early rave culture, acid house, hardcore, jungle, and drum and bass. Stevie’s journey serves as a lens through which we explore these various cultures.

This is not an encyclopedic or all-encompassing documentary. Instead, it’s a narrative-driven film that captures the essence of these different worlds through the experiences of one person. Daryl’s presence and his first-hand observations add authenticity to this portrayal, distinguishing it from traditional talking-heads documentaries. This film provides a unique, personal perspective rather than a conventional, detached overview.

Darrell : I appreciate that, and to build on your point, the goal of this film was always to spark conversations and open discussions. After Steve’s passing, I was frustrated by the quietness in the scene and felt compelled to keep his legacy alive. This film was meant to not only honour Steve but also resonate with the wider community, including those who might not be familiar with the scene but can connect with the story itself.

One of my inspirations was a film from the ’80s called Wild Style, a hip-hop breaking film. It didn’t make a huge splash initially, but it became a touchstone for people who later looked back at it with nostalgia as hip-hop evolved. I hoped this film would serve a similar purpose for the jungle and drum and bass scenes, inspiring new generations and providing a deeper understanding of where it all began.

The film tells the story of someone who was deeply embedded in multiple music cultures—sound system, rave, acid house, hardcore, jungle, and drum and bass. By focusing on Steve, we provide a lens into these different worlds without claiming to cover them exhaustively. The intention was always to capture his unique role and impact within these evolving scenes.

It’s been incredible to see how the film has resonated with people from outside the scene. For example, one viewer who knew nothing about the scene still found the story compelling. That’s a testament to the universal aspects of Steve’s journey and its broader appeal.

Ultimately, my hope is that this film fills a small part of the puzzle of our cultural history. The scene is complex, with varied opinions on what constitutes different genres, and it’s a challenge to capture every nuance. But by highlighting Steve’s legacy and his role in shaping this music, we hope to inspire others to explore and tell their own stories.

So, while this film may not answer every question or cover every aspect of the scene, it’s a step towards completing the picture and celebrating the impact of someone who played a crucial role in its development.

How do you think this film will contribute to Stevie Hyper D’s legacy, especially for those who might not be familiar with his impact on the drum and bass scene?

Jamie : I’m confident that this film will contribute significantly to Stevie Hyper D’s legacy. God willing, if we can overcome these last few hurdles, I believe it will achieve everything we hope for. The film truly showcases how influential Stevie was and still is. In fact, I think he has probably become more influential since his passing than he was when he was alive.

When we first set out to make the film, the original title was The Hidden Influence. It was meant to highlight Stevie’s unseen impact on the culture. As we delved deeper into the project, we initially assumed his influence was mostly within the grime scene, which in itself is incredible, considering the genre’s stars have become some of the biggest in the UK. However, we discovered that Stevie’s influence reached much further, extending into the house music world and other genres as well.

There’s something remarkable about an artist who remains underground even after their death. The mythology surrounding Stevie was something we had to unearth. This process began back in 2012 when Darrell and Matt Gale created a radio documentary about him. That documentary sparked my interest in making a feature film, rather than just the short film Darrell and I initially discussed. The radio documentary was already feature-length, and when I heard it, I realized there was something much bigger here that needed to be explored.

I don’t think there has ever been an unearthing of a story like this within the jungle, drum and bass, hip hop, and UK grime cultures. What our film does is show just how influential Stevie Hyper D was. With the reach and distribution we have secured for the cinema release, I believe the film can transcend beyond just Stevie’s immediate fan base. It can reach the broader jungle and drum and bass community, the wider UK music scene, and eventually permeate the general subconscious.

Stevie’s story is powerful no matter how you look at it. The influence and legacy he left behind are just as impactful, and I believe this film will ensure that his contributions are recognized and remembered by future generations.

Darrell : Definitely, from the very beginning, I knew this project was doing something important. The original radio documentary was well-received, and for many people, that might have been enough. It’s available online; you can find it if you Google “Mixcloud – Jungle Soldier Steve Hyper D.” It got a lot of attention when it was first released, and many people started commenting that it should be made into a film.

At that point, I realised the potential, even though most people I spoke to were skeptical about the idea of a film. But I knew that to truly honour Stevie Hyper D’s legacy, a film would be the ultimate way to solidify it. It’s one thing to have an audio documentary, but having a visual, almost physical representation of his life and influence is on another level. Being able to see him in action will secure his legacy in a way that audio alone cannot.

When you think about artists like Bob Marley, many people who love his music weren’t even from his generation. They might not have had parents who played his music, but the pull of his artistry transcends time and place. Stevie Hyper D had that same kind of pull, and I believe that showing his story in a feature-length film will solidify his legacy in a similar way.

This project has always been about ensuring that his influence is recognized and remembered. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with this film, and I believe it truly captures the essence of Stevie Hyper D. Jamie’s involvement has been crucial in bringing this vision to life at the highest standards, and together, we’ve accomplished something that will keep Stevie’s legacy alive for generations to come.

If Stevie Hyper D were here today, what do you think his reaction would be to having a film made about his life?

Darrell : As I was saying, Stevie was a super film buff. I remember when we met Ray Keith on Wednesday, he mentioned he’s getting into acting, which reminded me of how passionate Stevie was about the idea of acting. Stevie would have absolutely loved the chance to transition into that field. I think about how Goldie broke through and ended up playing a villain in a Bond film, and then went on to have a decent run in acting. I believe that Stevie would have seen that and thought, “Yeah, I’m going to LA to get into acting.” He would have thrived in that environment because he was such a creative person. His creativity didn’t stop at music, and it’s a shame that we never got to see all the other ideas and passions he had in his head.

One of the things Stevie always wanted was a shop. He dreamed of having a store that just sold kung fu films. What’s really interesting is that Jamie, who’s been the key part of this project, is also a serious kung fu film fan. They would have bonded over that, no doubt. I think Stevie would have embraced Jamie as a kindred spirit in that sense.

I used to work with young offenders for a long time, from the early 2000s to around 2010, and I saw the whole birth of the movement where everyone wanted to be an MC. They all wanted to be the next Dizzee Rascal or Kano. I would tell them, “It’s great that you want to do this, but are you prepared to put in the graft?” Because I knew someone who did exactly that, someone who put in the hard work, dealt with the struggles, the days with no money, catching the bus to a gig without even knowing if he’d get a chance to hold the mic that night. I saw that steady rise, and even when you’re on nearly every flyer, there’s still a sense that you haven’t fully arrived.

I remember something else Ray said when we spoke on Wednesday. He talked about how there are certain markers in a career, and how it’s hard to break through those barriers to truly elevate the game. Stevie was always doing that, always pushing the boundaries. That’s why he became known as a hardcore MC and then, when jungle came along, he adapted. People thought of him as a hardcore MC, but it only took him about a year to flip the script and use all the tools he had to become a jungle MC, and then drum and bass followed. It was like he was saying, “Yeah, man, I can do it all.”

That’s what made Stevie special, that personality and drive to constantly reinvent himself. It’s what makes superstars, like Michael Jackson or others of that caliber. We don’t have many superstars like that anymore, and I think Stevie was one of the last of that generation.

Jamie : It was difficult because, obviously, I didn’t know Stevie personally, but through Darrel, I feel like I’ve come to know him quite well. It’s a strange feeling, really. I’ve never met him, so I can only imagine what he might have thought of all this. But based on what Daryl has shared with me, I hope that he would be proud of the work we’ve done. That’s what I would hope for the most.

I also hope that Stevie would have recognised the genuine care and passion behind this project. I did a film about Navigator 12 years ago, and that’s actually how Daryl and I first connected. What Navi really appreciated back then was how much I cared about the music and the art form. I believe Stevie would have appreciated that same dedication and respect for his legacy. For me, that’s the most important thing—knowing that we approached this with care and a deep respect for what he represented.

How do you hope this film will influence the future of DnB and Stevie Hyper D?

Jamie : For me, I really hope that we can get back to the roots a bit more, like we saw happening last year and the year before. The direction the scene was taking, especially with projects like Nia Archives, was bringing the music closer to its roots in Caribbean culture and sound system culture. That’s the essence of where this all started, and I hope that our work helps in nudging things back in that direction.

From a cultural standpoint, it’s crucial that people learn more about Stevie and his legacy, but beyond that, we need to see more MCs in the scene. I’m going to be blunt—there’s a serious issue right now with a lot of DJs who refuse to work with MCs in drum and bass. Honestly, that’s corny. Those DJs know who they are.

Part of the problem is that, admittedly, some MCs are just not up to par—they’re terrible. But instead of sidelining MCs, we should be nurturing and encouraging them in the same way that DJs and producers are supported in this scene. At its core, this music comes from sound system culture. It’s not some wavy EDM thing, with all due respect to the EDM scene in the US. This is a UK thing, deeply influenced by sound system culture and hip-hop, and we need to return to those roots. We need more MCs, and we need to support their growth. 

Darrell : Jamie articulated it more eloquently, but the core message remains the same. For me, when people ask what made Steve so exceptional, it was his evolution as an MC across multiple genres. He grew up immersed in sounds from reggae and soul, which he loved, and then discovered acid house. Being a natural lyricist, Steve was always exploring ways to incorporate his writing into different types of music. By the time he found his way to the rave scene, he was ready. I remember him coming back and saying, “Yo, this acid house thing is it.” He’d seen Doug Lazy, an American rapper, performing over house music, and Steve was like, “Yeah, I can do that.”

All those styles he had under his belt helped him create the unique Stevie Hyper D style. If you dig into the old rave tapes, you can hear how rapidly his flow evolved between ’92 and ’95. It’s unbelievable. Compared to other MCs from that era, Steve’s transformation was on another level. By ’96 or ’97, you could hear other MCs adopting bits of Steve’s swagger. He even had a lyric that said, “Copying someone is a form of admiration.” And Steve respected that. He was never the type to claim he invented the style. He always credited the pioneers before him, like Papa San and Daddy Freddy, acknowledging the foundation they laid.

But as drum and bass evolved, the core values began to shift. By the time drum and bass came into its own, it seemed like the focus was more on the DJ than the MC. I always felt that jump-up drum and bass was designed in a way that made it harder for MCs to shine. But the MCs, especially the New Breed Crew, embraced it. They took that aggressive, energetic sound and ran with it. This created a point where DJs like Logan and Magistrate were eager to capture that vibe—the young, energetic, and somewhat aggressive atmosphere that resonated with the crowd.

Are there any plans for future projects, such as documentaries or biographies, to continue telling Stevie Hyper D’s story?

Jamie : I think, for me, this marks the beginning of closing the chapter on the Hyper D legacy project, which has been the ultimate goal all along. If the project proves to be profitable, as we hope it will, a percentage of those profits will be dedicated to setting up a foundation for the Hyper D legacy. We’re calling it the Hyper D Legacy Foundation. This will be the culmination of one journey, but hopefully, it will also open the door to new opportunities.

There are many other projects and films that we want to pursue together. When I first set up Beat Culture as a brand and website, before it evolved into a production company, I have a lot of ideas for podcasting and filmmaking that I’m still passionate about. Darrel and I have also developed a series idea that, while not directly related to Stevie, explores the broader landscape of dance music, UK music culture, and how it intersects with different genres and cultural influences.

Beyond that, I have a few big film ideas in mind, which aren’t necessarily tied to music but lean more towards biopics. So, there are plenty of exciting projects on the horizon, and I’m eager to see where they take us.

Darrell : Being creative always brings new ideas, so we’ve got quite a few plans in the works. Regarding the film, we have a three-year plan laid out. There’s some new music happening, so ideally, next year, we’ll release the film alongside this new music, creating a strong synergy between the two. This will help us to really push forward with the Hyper D Legacy Project, as Jamie mentioned, ultimately leading to the establishment of a nonprofit company.

My background in cheffing and youth work has always been a passion, so if there’s a way to incorporate that into the later stages of this project, it would be incredible. I’m currently an ambassador for an ADHD charity called Nutritious Minds, and through this film, I’ve become more aware of the importance of mental health. So, moving beyond the film, I want to continue being creative and involved in projects, but I think what will truly secure Steve’s legacy is something like a foundation.

The dream is that someday, the next hottest MC could say, “Yeah, I came up through the Stevie Hyper D Legacy Foundation.” That would be amazing and a true testament to the impact of this work.

What would you say to fans of Stevie Hyper D who have followed his journey and are looking forward to seeing the film?

Jamie : I think the main thing that people will be pleasantly surprised—actually, appreciative is probably a better word—is the amount of footage we’ve included in the film. That’s going to be a standout aspect. But more than that, I think people will really see and appreciate the care that’s gone into making this film. We’ve put a lot of thought into telling a deep, emotional story, and I believe that will resonate with everyone who watches it, whether they’re hardcore fans of Stevie, people who don’t know much about him, or just fans of documentaries in general.

The attention to detail and the respect we’ve shown for Stevie’s legacy will come through, and I hope that even Stevie himself would have appreciated the effort we’ve made. For the superfans, there’s also the added bonus of getting to see footage they’ve never seen before, which I think they’ll really enjoy. Ultimately, I think this combination of rare footage and heartfelt storytelling is what people will take away from the film.

Darrell – A couple of people who’ve seen the private screenings have mentioned that the film really takes them back to that era. It’s something we’ve aimed for with Jamie’s vision—to take viewers on a journey. I believe that for someone like you, who might be too young to have experienced it firsthand, the film will evoke a sense of nostalgia and make you think, “I wish I had been there.” For those who lived through that time, I hope it will be a powerful trip down memory lane that makes them want to watch it again.

The film has this warm, nostalgic feel that, as I was reflecting yesterday after watching it, reminds me of the old-school rave scene. Even though I’m 45… being 25 again, this film captures that essence and makes you feel like you’re reliving those moments. For younger viewers who missed out on that era, I hope it instills a sense of regret that they weren’t part of it.

Ultimately, as someone who co-wrote and co-produced the film, I think we’ve created something really special. It’s like when you see a film that, despite not being in your culture or era, resonates with you on a deep level. Jamie’s persistent recommendation of Searching for Sugarman comes to mind—though it wasn’t my culture or music, it was an amazing film. I believe our film has that same potential to connect with audiences in a meaningful way.

We’re thrilled to announce that our project has been recognized as a “Project We Love” by Kickstarter—a huge milestone that reflects the passion and hard work we’ve put into it. We invite you to contribute to our campaign HERE and to share our journey far and wide. Your support is crucial in bringing this film to life, and we can’t wait to share some exciting developments with you soon. Thank you for being a part of this incredible adventure!