Grace Potter-Produced Film «Resynator» Premieres at SXSW, Expands Availability Nationwide

At the 2024 South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, the music documentary «Resynator» garnered significant attention by winning the Audience Award. This accolade, based on audience votes following the film’s screenings, indicates the documentary’s appeal beyond its celebrity associations. Although the film was produced by musician Grace Potter and features several well-known personalities, it captured the audience with its storytelling and cinematic prowess.

The «Resynator» documentary will become accessible to a broader audience starting December 13, 2024. Audiences across the United States can watch it by renting or purchasing through platforms such as AppleTV, Prime Video, Google Play, and Fandango At Home. It will also be screened in select theaters nationwide, although Austin, Texas, is not among them.

The film chronicles the story of an early synthesizer invention named «The Resynator» and the family tensions surrounding it. Directed by Alison Tavel, whose personal connection to the project stems from her father, Don Tavel—the original developer of the synthesizer—the narrative dives into her journey of reconnecting with her father’s legacy. Tavel’s father passed away when she was only 10 weeks old, leaving behind the synthesizer that he had once described as «the precursor to MIDI.»

The film includes appearances by prominent figures within the music industry such as Peter Gabriel, Fred Armisen, Gotye, Jon Anderson, and Mike Gordon. Potter’s husband, Eric Valentine, a producer, also features in the documentary alongside other music industry stalwarts. Grace Potter, though her screen presence in the film is limited, plays a significant role in supporting Tavel through her explorative endeavor, both emotionally and professionally.

Addressing the challenges faced during the film’s production, Grace Potter commented, «There were moments all along the way where [Alison] wanted to quit. Basically my job as EP was to get her in front of as many musicians as possible.» Potter’s involvement underscored the intersection of personal narrative and musical history that «Resynator» explores, providing resonance both emotionally and creatively.

As Grace Potter reflects on her musical journey and the art of storytelling, she emphasizes the significance of familial stories and nostalgia as driving forces in creativity. With projects that marry musical and emotional complexity, Potter continues to contribute vibrant narratives to the fields of both music and film. Her other works, including albums such as «Mother Road,» draw inspiration from personal experiences and historical muses.

«I love this,» Potter said about the connections between family influences and creative inspiration. «And [we] have the shepherds of our family to bring us to influences and inspiration that allow our creativity to flow.»

South by Southwest has been a recurring venue for Potter, allowing her to engage with diverse creative communities since 2005. The festival remains a convergence point for music and film, facilitating interactions and collaborations. Potter’s involvement in «Resynator» exemplifies her dual aspirations in film and music, reflecting her ongoing journey to bridge these artistic realms.