Bertis Downs

The students behind the mic and the bands they made famous tell the story of the youth and music culture that originated, and later flourished, on the airwaves of American colleges and universities, establishing a new generational voice and a new path to success for many alumni and artists.

In 1987, Bill Cody and Tony Gayton filmed the seminal music doc Athens, GA - Inside/Out featuring R.E.M., the B-52's and Pylon, among many other bands. Thirty years later, Bill returns on a new journey that uncovers a Southern city that is leading the way in progressive politics and the beginnings of true racial equity. Once again featuring members of R.E.M., the B-52's and Pylon, only now bolstered by a new generation of artists and activists including Mariah Parker aka Linqua Franqa, Kishi Bashi, Patterson Hood and the Drive-By Truckers. Follow along the journey through the social changes that have come to the forefront of our American dialogue.

A look at how the music industry has been affected by the Internet, and how independent labels and musicians are using it to reach more listeners.