What Is What Difference Does It Make? About?
The premise of What Difference Does It Make? in 282 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In May 2013, a fresh wave of musicians gathers under the electric glow of New York City’s Red Bull Music Academy, a temporary haven where emerging creators are invited to experiment, collaborate, and confront the unique pressures of a life devoted to sound. The film opens to bustling studio spaces, rooftop rehearsals, and candid hallway conversations, establishing a world that feels both intensely personal and universally resonant—a place where the ordinary cityscape pulses with the hidden rhythm of artistic ambition.
Guiding this generational chorus are a handful of legendary mentors whose names echo through music history. Brian Eno shares his philosophic musings on the purpose of artistic risk, while Lee “Scratch” Perry offers a seasoned perspective on improvisation and sonic alchemy. Echoes of Philip Glass and Giorgio Moroder weave through the backdrop, their brief insights framing the dialogue between tradition and innovation. The young participants, each carrying their own stories of hope, doubt, and relentless curiosity, become the film’s informal protagonists, their interactions illuminated by a cinematic‑verité lens that captures both the raw intensity of creation and the quiet moments of reflection.
The tone is unapologetically kinetic, matching the pulse of the city with a visual style that feels as rhythmic as a jam session. Light, shadow, and texture converge to mimic the layered textures of the music itself, while the soundtrack—drawn from the very artists on screen—acts as an ever‑present narrative voice. As the camera glides from studio consoles to bustling streets, it suggests that the journey of making music is inseparable from the broader quest for meaning, leaving the viewer with a lingering sense that every note played in this crucible could reverberate far beyond the walls of the Academy.
What Happens in What Difference Does It Make??
The complete story of What Difference Does It Make?, from the first scene to the last, in 437 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
What Difference Does It Make? A Film About Making Music follows a new generation of artists in May 2013 as they carve out their own paths in New York, guided by the voices of icons like Brian Eno and the enduring legacy of Lee Scratch Perry. This documentary, a full-length feature, surveys the heart of the Red Bull Music Academy as it marks fifteen years of bringing ground‑breaking musicians together to create, collaborate, and celebrate the live, evolving life of music.
Shot in the vibrant weave of New York City, the film captures the energy and atmosphere that define the Red Bull Music Academy. Directed by Ralf Schmerberg and produced with Berlin-based Mindpirates, it uses a cinema verité approach to place the viewer beside the creators as they work, teach, and perform. The narrative moves fluidly between intimate conversations, studio sessions, and public moments, all designed to illuminate what it takes to be a musician when creativity is both a discipline and a lifestyle.
The roster of voices and performances is a who’s who of contemporary music, including [Nile Rodgers], [Giorgio Moroder], [Erykah Badu], [Philip Glass], [Debbie Harry], [Q-Tip], [Richie Hawtin], [James Murphy], [Flying Lotus], and [Stephen O’Malley], among many others. Each figure brings a distinct perspective—whether it’s the rhythmic pulse of funk, the experimental edge of electronic composition, or the pop-forward genius that has defined decades. Through these interactions, the film explores not just technique but the philosophy of making art in a collaborative, global setting.
The filmmakers emphasize the universal drive that underpins all creative work. As the artists share their experiences and challenges, the film reveals how the Academy’s environment can spark breakthroughs, influence personal growth, and, in some cases, become life-changing. The exchanges are candid and sometimes exploratory, tracing how a moment in a studio, a lecture, or a shared stage can alter a musician’s trajectory forever. The work gestures toward larger questions about purpose, identity, and the responsibility that comes with a creative life.
The universality of the quest to create something meaningful.
What Difference Does It Make? A Film About Making Music is more than a documentary about making music; it’s a portrait of a community at the intersection of curiosity, collaboration, and culture. It demonstrates how a city, a program, and a cohort of artists can coalesce to push boundaries and redefine what is possible when people commit to their craft together. The film was released in conjunction with RBMA15, making its message freely accessible to a global audience as part of a broader celebration of the Red Bull Music Academy’s ongoing impact on the world of sound and beyond.
What Difference Does It Make? Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “May 2013: New generation seeks their own path in NYC” to “The film as a living document of RBMA”. 8 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
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
- 2
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)
- 3
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
- 4
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
- 5
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
- 6
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
- 7
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
- 8
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.
- 9
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)
- 10
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
- 11
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
- 12
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
Who Are the Main Characters in What Difference Does It Make??
11 characters, among them Brian Eno (Self), Nile Rodgers (Self) and Giorgio Moroder (Self): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- BE
Brian Eno (Self)
Played by Brian Eno
Brian Eno is a legendary musician and producer whose ideas frame the film's exploration of what difference making music entails. His presence signals mentorship and a philosophy of creativity, shaping younger artists' approaches to experimentation. The film presents him as a thoughtful guide who emphasizes process and curiosity over results.
- 🎵 Mentor
- 🧠 Visionary
- 🌐 Influencer
- NR
Nile Rodgers (Self)
Played by Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers is a guitarist and co-founder of Chic whose career spans disco to contemporary pop. In the film, he shares practical insights on groove, collaboration, and hitting the sweet spot between innovation and accessibility. His contributions highlight the craft behind enduring songs and live performance.
- 🎸 Music Legend
- 🤝 Collaborator
- 🌟 Influencer
- GM
Giorgio Moroder (Self)
Played by Giorgio Moroder
Giorgio Moroder is a pioneer of electronic music and disco known for synth-forward productions. The film features his stories of experimentation with sound design and rhythm, illustrating a fearless approach to invention.
- 🎚️ Pioneer
- 🧠 Innovator
- 🎵 Producer
- JM
James Murphy (Self)
Played by James Murphy
James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) is a songwriter-producer who emphasizes craft, timing, and audience connection. He offers perspectives on balancing art and party energy, improvisation, and the importance of longevity in music careers.
- 🎛️ Producer
- 🎶 Innovator
- 🕺 Performer
- FL
Flying Lotus (Self)
Played by Flying Lotus
Flying Lotus is a boundary-pushing producer known for hip-hop, electronic, and experimental work. The film captures his philosophy of cross-genre experimentation and a forward-thinking approach to rhythm and texture.
- 🧪 Experimental
- 🎵 Producer
- 🚀 Innovator
- EB
Erykah Badu (Self)
Played by Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu is a renowned soulful vocalist whose poetic approach to song emphasizes authenticity and spiritual resonance. In the film she speaks to the intuition behind creativity and longevity in the music industry.
- 🎤 Vocalist
- 🌿 Spiritual
- 💫 Influencer
- PG
Philip Glass (Self)
Played by Philip Glass
Philip Glass is a legendary minimalist composer whose lectures on structure and repetition inform younger musicians. He presents a methodical, almost spiritual, approach to composing that shapes the film's discussion of craft.
- 🎼 Composer
- 📚 Theorist
- 🧭 Mentor
- DH
Debbie Harry (Self)
Played by Debbie Harry
Debbie Harry brings a punk/new wave lineage and a candid, independent perspective. She discusses performance, style, and resilience in making music that remains influential across generations.
- 🎤 Icon
- 🕺 Performer
- 👩🎤 Pioneer
- Q(
Q-Tip (Self)
Played by Q-Tip
Q-Tip is a rapper and producer whose rhythmic sensibility and production ideas enrich the dialogue about flow and groove. He shares stories of collaboration, experimentation, and cross-genre influence.
- 🎤 MC
- 🎚️ Producer
- 🌍 Influencer
- RH
Richie Hawtin (Self)
Played by Richie Hawtin
Richie Hawtin is a techno innovator whose precise, minimal aesthetic informs discussions on sound design and performance.
- 🎛️ Techno Pioneer
- 🧠 Innovator
- 🌓 Minimalist
- SO
Stephen O'Malley (Self)
Played by Stephen O'Malley
Stephen O'Malley is an experimental guitarist and artist known for avant-garde approaches. His presence in the RBMA context highlights fearless experimentation and boundary-pushing creativity.
- 🎸 Experimentalist
- 🧭 Visionary
- 🖤 Influencer
Where and When Is What Difference Does It Make? Set?
What Difference Does It Make? is set in New York City and Red Bull Music Academy (New York) (May 2013). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
May 2013
Set during May 2013, the film follows a week of lectures, studio sessions, and performances at the Red Bull Music Academy in New York. It captures the rhythm of the event—late-night sessions, informal jams, and conversations about craft. The time period anchors the documentary in a pivotal moment when a new generation of artists sought to redefine music-making.
Where
New York City, Red Bull Music Academy (New York)
New York City provides the dynamic backdrop for the Red Bull Music Academy sessions captured in May 2013. The venue in New York embodies a vibrant urban music scene that nurtures experimentation and collaboration. The city’s diverse cultural landscape and prolific studios and clubs make it a natural home for a gathering of artists exploring new directions in sound.
- 🎵 Music hub
- 🗽 Urban culture hub
- 🏙️ Studio & performance space
What Are the Themes of What Difference Does It Make??
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Creativity, Collaboration and Meaning.
-
01
Creativity
The film centers on the creative process, showing how ideas emerge through dialogue, experimentation, and hands-on sessions. It highlights mentors and peers shaping techniques, from improvisation to structured composition. The atmosphere of the Red Bull Music Academy acts as a catalyst that helps artists push boundaries and discover their own voice.
-
02
Collaboration
Across generations and genres, the film emphasizes collaboration as a core engine of music-making. Sharing ideas, feedback, and jams leads to new hybrids and cross-pollination. The academy's environment fosters a sense of community where artists learn from each other as much as from formal lectures.
-
03
Meaning
Beyond technique, the documentary probes why artists pursue music at all, asking about purpose, identity, and life choices. It depicts musicians reflecting on their aims, doubts, and the impact of their work on others. The narrative suggests that making music can be a path to personal growth and a broader search for meaning.
What Kind of Film Is What Difference Does It Make??
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
An inspirational and rhythmic documentary that captures the creative energy of musicians and explores the universal quest for meaningful artistic expression.
- inspirational
- creative
- energetic
- reflective
- aspirational
- rhythmic
- music making
- creative process
- artistic journey
- musician life
Quiz
How well do you remember What Difference Does It Make?? Test yourself on the story.
