SXSW Film Review: Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience

Austin’s local community showed up in droves to celebrate the extraordinary life and career of a (mostly) cherished hometown hero, John Aielli, through documentary Faders Up – named for his chaotic operation of the radio soundboard. (When in doubt, turn ’em all up.)

A who’s who of Austin music peppered the audience at the world premiere, many of whom were interviewed in the film, which offers an intimate look at Aielli’s 50-plus years as radio host and lifetime as a lovely culture-building goofball. Koozies with his silhouette went quickly and many folks stopped to snap selfies with an almost lifesize cut-out. The new doc by local filmmakers David Hartstein and Sam Wainwright Douglas inspired tons of laughter and plenty of tears.

As an avid KUTX fan, I loved Eklektikos for its unpredictable but excellent playlist and, as the film notes, his voice provided the soundtrack for years of memories and commutes. John’s daily presence at Cherrywood Coffeehouse – complete with book and personal banker’s lamp – was a comfort to me, a former regular as well, and this part of his storied life was highlighted in the film because of the friendships he built there. I also had the great fortune of being a guest on John’s show several times to promote various Austin Chronicle events. Faders Up confirmed my membership in the club of countless individuals who also received an accidental nickname because John totally botched their name on air. It still warms my heart when someone calls me Josie Camp.

And so went the entire film for those of us who worked and lived in industries and communities connected to John Aielli. It’s full of familiar faces and voices, footage of behind-the-scenes radio production and old Austin, and intimate interviews with friends and family and the man himself. I imagine viewers who popped in unaware were similarly charmed by our beloved weirdo and likely perplexed about how in the world he ever became a famous deejay. Growing up in Killeen, John diligently carved his path and made space along the way for fellow oddballs.

Faders Up shares stories of John as an accomplished vocalist with a deep knowledge and abiding curiosity of music, classical in particular. He was also known for dead airtime and, as the wild Twitter account “Shit John Aielli Says” shared evidence of, absolutely bonkers stream-of-consciousness thoughts shared live. If the film’s pacing and construction meanders a bit, it’s fitting given its subject. Local composing wizard Graham Reynolds composed a special score that anchors the film, and the additions of artistic animations and such gives it even more character.

Perhaps the film’s greatest accomplishment is serving as a love letter to John Aielli and local radio. And it’s a permanent reminder of one strange and brilliant man who channeled his passion and soothing baritone voice into a lifetime of promoting good work and expanding Austin’s music scene. We’re lucky to have had him – and to now have this film.

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Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience

24 Beats Per Second, World Premiere

Wednesday, March 13, 11am & 11:30am, Alamo South Lamar

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