What Difference Does It Make? (2014) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

May 2013: New generation seeks their own path in NYC

In May 2013, a new generation of artists gathered in New York to carve out their own path in the music world. They draw inspiration from iconic figures like Brian Eno and Lee Scratch Perry, signaling a shift toward creative independence. The narrative centers on the energy of the Red Bull Music Academy and its mission to empower artists through collaboration and discovery.

When

May 2013

Where

New York

RBMA's fifteen-year tradition

What Difference Does It Make? captures the spirit of the Red Bull Music Academy, an initiative that has brought pioneering musicians together for 15 years. The film highlights how the Academy creates opportunities to collaborate, learn, and celebrate musical life. It frames RBMA as a long-running catalyst for creativity across cities worldwide.

When

Over 15 years

Where

Global (cities around the world)

A lineup of influential artists

The film features a broad roster of artists who lectured or tutored at RBMA, including Lee Scratch Perry, Brian Eno, Philip Glass, Giorgio Moroder, Erykah Badu, Nile Rodgers, Rakim, Skream, Q-Tip, Bernie Worrell, Egyptian Lover, Ken Scott, Thundercat, Richie Hawtin, James Murphy, Debbie Harry and Stephen O'Malley. Their presence marks the film as a record of mentorship and creative exchange. The interplay between their experiences and the Academy setting reveals how influence travels across generations.

When

May 2013 shoot / RBMA era

Filmmaking approach and style

Ralf Schmerberg collaborates with Berlin-based Mindpirates to craft arresting visuals. The film uses a rhythmic, musical flow and a cinema verité style to capture real moments. This approach foregrounds the energy and spontaneity of studio and performance spaces.

When

May 2013

Where

New York

New York City as a living backdrop

Scenes from New York City are woven into the film, providing a kinetic backdrop to interviews and studio sessions. The visual tapestry reinforces the universal quest to create something meaningful. The city becomes a character in the process of making music.

When

During May 2013 shoot

Where

New York City

Interviews with makers at different stages

The film includes interviews with music makers who are at the beginning of their journeys or at the apex of their careers. These conversations illuminate their development and approach to creativity. The exchange emphasizes how the Academy environment can sharpen their craft and direction.

When

May 2013

Development through the creative process

We see how artists develop through the creative process within the RBMA setting. The film documents how collaboration and environment stimulate ideas and sometimes life-changing experiences. It highlights that making music is as much about growth as about sound.

When

15-year RBMA timeline

Where

RBMA environment / cities worldwide

More than music: life questions

The film is not only a study of music-making but also engages with basic questions of life. It explores meaning, purpose, and personal identity through artists' perspectives. This framing elevates the documentary beyond technical craft to human experience.

The film's release and accessibility

What Difference Does It Make? is presented for free viewing and download on rbma15.com, extending access to audiences beyond the cinema. The online availability reflects RBMA's commitment to sharing creative knowledge. The film invites ongoing dialogue about music and creativity.

When

Post-release / available online

Where

Online (rbma15.com)

The lens and collaboration

The Berlin-based Mindpirates' lens and direction shape the film's distinctive rhythm. Their collaboration with Schmerberg creates a visual language that mirrors the flow of a studio session. The result is a documentary that feels as improvisational as live music.

When

May 2013

Where

New York / Berlin

What the film seeks to uncover

The film aims to capture the heart of what it takes to be a musician and emphasizes the universal quest to create something meaningful. It invites viewers to reflect on dedication, craft, and the pursuit of art. This purpose frames the entire documentary from start to finish.

When

May 2013

The film as a living document of RBMA

Ultimately, the movie stands as a living document of the RBMA experience. It records a moment in time when artists came together to explore, collaborate, and celebrate music. Its style and scope suggest a larger conversation about art and life.

When

May 2013 / RBMA years

Where

New York / RBMA venues