That Thing | THAT SOUND Steel Guitar Documentary

[Nathan Emerson]

We have about a week left in our crowd sourcing so I figured I should post on the Pedal Steel section as that is the main focus of the film. There was a TON of discussion over at Savingcountrymusic.com

The pedal steel guitar is the most rewarding thing that still leaves me yearning for more. I will never be half as good as the masters but each new phrase or lick I learn over a periods of weeks leaves me feeling like I conquered a demon in my head. The challenge is the addiction that has healed self-confidence, built a sense of pride, and inspires to conquer new grounds in both music and life. My mentor Roger Miller pushed me hard, often the next day he would call to check in –making sure I wouldn’t give up. I often left his house hostile and confused only to arrive at the next lesson refreshed that he believed in me. I would love to have the patience he possesses to teach and pass on the gift of music. My way of giving back to the instrument has been through getting the instrument known and inspiring others to dedicate their lives to this addictive, hypnotizing, and a blessed curse of music addiction.

Another student of Roger’s was Kelsey Hammer-Parks. We continually challenged and push each other while giving hints and tips. Our styles have been completely different and remains the same now that we have begun working on our film together. Our differences in perspective make us a great team as our best ideas happen when we accidentally mind map and realize our initial vision. This process seems to flow yet cement like spiritual metaphysics. Make more people aware of the steel guitar and encourage the youth to try and learn it. Just like our mentors Roger Miller and Lefty Schrage had in mind when they started the Jumpstart Academy which taught us the foundation of pedal steel.

Kelsey is an amazing cinematographer and award winning film editor. As I envision a story or concept, she surprises me every time. The film continually becomes better than dreamed, and I only get more excited when thinking of the future. This film is bigger than us. It is about the steel guitar and asks the question, “Does the steel guitar have a future?” Spoiler alert, it does! But more people have to know about it, so we are showing our favorite players of today.

The project started when I did a pre-interview with Buddy Cage over the phone. It was a pre-interview simply because he called me unexpectedly and we “nerded out” about steel for a couple hours. One of the nicest guys I have ever talked to, we later hung out in Chicago and St. Louis. That is when the reality of making the film sunk in. Kelsey and I talked about a film a year prior but it was just over coffee and was never spoke of again. In a matter of a month I started lining up interviews and creating axioms for the questions. We have worked with several of my idols and a select few still contact me on a regular basis to “nerd out” about steel. This project’s continual support adds energy to the drive.


https://youtu.be/Y8Jrltpq9-Y

A short list of players include the younger honk tonk cats such as Brett Robinson of Whitey Morgan and Zachary Moulton of Mike & The Moonpies, legends like Buddy Cage, who recorded for Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and still plays with NRPS. Neil Flanz who toured for Gram Parsons, Merle Haggard, and backed countess names in Nashville! Cowboy Eddie Long gave us time on stage while on tour with Jamie Johnson. He also backed everyone from Hank Jr. to Kenny Chesney. The amazing Spencer Cullum Jr. who brought back the instrumental pedal steel concept album, and is now becoming one of the coolest bands today STEELISM. Spencer also tours with Miranda Lambert and first came on my radar when he played with Jonny Corndawg, now Jonny Fritz. We got a warm welcome and perspective from Jay Jackson who worked his way on stage with Jessica Simpson and now is part of Jason Aldean’s band. Paul Niehaus has been an inspiration before I even picked up a steel, he plays with Calexico, Justin Townes Earle., Iron & Wine, and played with the amazing Lambchop. It was a dream come true to step on stage with Bruce Bouton, he recorded on most the country songs I grew up with in the 80’s and 90’s from Brooks & Dunn to Reba and every single Garth Brooks album! The real treat was talking with Dave Easley who has taken the pedal steel guitar into the jazz world. Many pedal steel guitarists play jazz on the instrument, but few jazz guitarists play the pedal steel. I will say that bluntly, nobody plays jazz with intensity and skill like Dave Easley. It is unreal to see in person. The list continues with Ben Kitterman who went from bus driver to band leader for Aaron Lewis, Ben also inspired Ben Kweller to make a country album –that is the power of the pedal steel! Ben is also a great guy and one heck of a Dobro player. I reached out to Dobro players Anders Beck of Greensky Bluegrass and Andy Hall of The Infamous Stringdusters. These guys are the only strictly Dobro players, and I am excited to have my favorite jam grass idols in this project as well. Look all of these cats up –they are the best at what they do!

I am so proud of how far the film has taken me as it is becoming a beast of its own! The excitement now is in finishing the film and making it the best it possibly can. Initially I was against crowd sourcing but it became apparent that funding was needed after we traveled a few times. We need to finish the film and crowd funding is the only way to speed it up while building what it deserves. I encourage you to watch the videos and think about what the steel guitar means to you. As I have committed to this project and furthering the steel guitar, I would love for you to join me on this mission. If you feel so moved please consider funding the film.

Please share, start conversation. I am open to all dialogue -THANKS!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/that ... tary--10#/

Please visit the campaign and share on social media or to your friends and family. I would love for you to express the passion I have in the instrument and this project –but also why you feel this film is important in furthering the steel guitar!

https://youtu.be/SWrukyBTENI

Here is a teaser along with our Campaign video, which has some great shots in it also!

https://youtu.be/1uL7OUirv4U

[Nathan Emerson]

We quickly made a video for the campaign that shows how many people still don't know what the pedal steel is... scary or sad - WE HOPE YOU GET A GOOD LAUGH!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpjXb7-osWE

[Jonathan Shacklock]

I'm looking forward to seeing this film so I put a few bucks down on my copy and a t-shirt. There are a few players involved I know about and some that I'm interested in discovering. Anything steel guitar excites me, I want more steel guitar books, websites, t-shirts, products and movies! Six stringers get this stuff all the time - we deserve more, so I'm happy to support this.

[Nathan Emerson]

Thanks Jonathan! We believe the steel guitar deserves more attention too! That is the whole essence of the film. Entertain and inspire for more steel guitar and steel guitar players.

[Nathan Emerson]

Not a lot of discussion on here, but here is a blog that had some great dialogue I enjoyed reading

http://www.savingcountrymusic.com/that- ... el-guitar/

[Roger Miller]

I guess I need to say this about Nathan and Kelsey. These two wonderful young adults have only one thing in mind and that is to make awareness to the Pedal Steel Guitar. I could not have had better students in those two and to this day they still call me for a lesson now and then. Please feel comfortable with donating to the documentary, they are hooked on this instrument as you are. They have expenses to meet to complete the task and will give you something back for donating. This will look professional and be presented as a pro product. I support them fully and hope you do also. Thanks everyone,
Roger Miller

[Tim Herman]

Donation sent. Looking forward to the release!

[Josh Killian]

Nathan, did you get the email I sent you yesterday?

It looks like a great project. I can't wait to see the finished result.

[Frank Freniere]

It will be very interesting to see what the "next generation" of steelers has to say about the instrument. Good luck with the project!

[Josh Killian]

nm

[Nathan Emerson]

Josh, I'm so thankful of your contribution and our conversation today!

Tim, thank your for you donation!

Frank I'm so glad you are excited!

Roger, I hope you read my entire post or at least the part about you. I am often reminded of our lessons.

So thankful.

[Josh Killian]

Nathan, it is my pleasure and it was great talking to you and Kelsey yesterday. Your passion for the steel guitar and its future is palpable.

To those on the forum worried about the demise of the steel (and from the discussion on here I know there are plenty), here is an opportunity to do something about it. If you haven't seen the promo videos yet, do yourself a favor and watch. This documentary will be a great tool to getting young people familiar with and excited about the steel. Know that your donation, whatever it is, would be going to a very worthwhile cause.

[Jarek Anderson]

This looks great! I'm in!

[Jonathan Shacklock]

18 hrs left for this. Giving it a bump. I think everyone on this forum should be rooting for this project regardless of the audience it's aimed at, maybe more people would create stuff for us if we got behind their efforts...? Call me crazy!

[Damir Besic]

sooo, is the movie out yet or what?

[Joe Hensley]

Not yet...I check in once a year or so when I remember about it.

[Damir Besic]

Not yet...I check in once a year or so when I remember about it.

hmmmm… Thanks Joe

[Craig Stock]

I looked on their website, still looking for donation, but no updates or news as to progress.

[Karl Paulsen]

There's some information on their facebook. They say they have a rough cut done.
https://www.facebook.com/thatthingthatsound/

[Dave Campbell]

the t shirt i got for donating is worn right out!

[Paul Pederson]

Facebook page indicates this is releasing in 2022!

[Andrew Frost]

Really looking forward to this, and excited for Nathan and Kelsey to be nearing completion on what looks like a very interesting and dignified film. Donation sent!