BOOM: A Film About the Sonics

Bionic Buzz got to interview filmmaker Jordan Albertsen about the film.

(Bionic Buzz) First off, congratulations on the film’s success. Talk about the long process of putting this documentary. It’s never easy getting all the members of the band to be apart of it. Was it hard to get the music writes to use in the film?

(Jordan Albertsen )Thanks so much! Well, this whole thing took the better part of 10 years to make. And pretty much every step of the process was difficult. Like all films, lack of financing was the biggest obstacle. Originally, the plan was to get a big chunk of money, hire a crew, and do a cinematic retelling of the band’s history, but that just never happened. The last big push was an Indiegogo campaign that we put together. When that bombed, I just didn’t know what to do. It felt like the film was dead. Also, during that time my personal life was a mess. Work dried up. I was totally broke and really was about to give up on the movie thing entirely. So, I ended up moving to Bozeman, Montana from LA and started working at a sushi restaurant. I had basically given up completely. Then one day while at work, Mike McCready from Pearl Jam came walking into the restaurant. I told him about the film and he jumped on board. That changed everything. His involvement totally re-energized the whole film and really re-energized me too. I owe a lot to Mike.

As a huge music lover, I can say I have heard of The Sonics but really don’t know much about them. It was really cool to see their journey in your film. Are you hoping this film will inspire a new generation of music lovers to check them out?

That’s so great to hear. Yeah, I hope this film will introduce this band to a whole new audience and maybe show people a new hidden corner of rock history.

Nirvana will always be my favorite band of all time. I was 11 years old in 1991 when I saw the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video and that’s where my passion for music came from. My favorite part of your film is when you got to interview members of Pearl Jam, Mudhoney & Presidents of the USA. Krist Novoselic got to perform with The Sonics in Seattle and said, “What a great ground breaking band. It’s a honor for to be here tonight” What was it like talking to Krist that night?

All of these guys were heroes to me growing up. I’m from the northwest so having the opportunity to sit and talk with these incredible musicians was completely crazy. I mean, I got to sit and talk about rock and roll with Nancy fucking Wilson!!  And if you would have told me when I was 13 that I would be talking with members of not only The Sonics, but Mudhoney and Pearl Jam, I would have probably lost my mind.  That part of this experience was incredibly special.

The film would never had happened if your Dad hadn’t let you check out The Sonics after hearing you blasting Nirvana in your room. So how did your Dad find out about The Sonics?

Well my Dad used to go and see the Sonics when he was in college, they were his favorite local band, so when I was growing up and he introduced me to them, and I was instantly blown away.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects in the works that we can except? Where can we stay update to date with you and the film? Social Media? Website?

Well, I’m working closely with my buddy Taylor Handley on a film called Bastards of Young, that hopefully will get shot this year. Fingers crossed. And anyone wanting to follow the journey of Boom, keep a close eye on its Facebook page. Facebook.com/sonicsfilm