Blue Suitcase Productions is proud to announce the official SXSW 2024 premiere of celebratory documentary “Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience” on Sunday, March 10 at the Paramount Theatre. Directed by Sam Wainwright Douglas and David Hartstein, and produced in association with Dox, the film features exclusive archival footage, stylized recreations and heartfelt accolades to a beautifully eccentric and often surreal radio legend—there will never be another like him. With a career spanning over 50 years on air, the documentary shares the life of the “Eklektikos” host both in and out of the studio, using a collage format that reflects Aielli’s eclectic style. The official premiere will take place on March 10 at 2:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701) with red carpet details to be announced. Additional SXSW screenings will take place on March 13 from 11 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. and again from 11:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar (1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704).
“Faders Up: The John Aielli Experience” serves as a touching tribute to a true radio legend, honoring his lasting mark on both Austin at-large and the medium of radio. Some listeners loved Aielli’s show, some hated it, but all were captivated by his programming. Spending up to six hours a day on air, Aielli would keep audiences on their toes with interviews, music he was interested in that day, live performances, offbeat observations and sometimes dead air. His soothing, calm voice was almost melodic at times, and was one of his most recognizable traits.
“We loved his unique stream of conscious approach to radio, and John was such a window into the local culture,” said co-director Sam Wainwright Douglas. “Not being Austin natives, John was very much an entry point to life here. The people here are curious, and that makes the culture vibrant and fosters creativity and collaboration. With a combination like that, I hope we’re always weird here in Austin.”
“We’ve been in love and obsessed with John since first hearing his unique voice almost 25 years ago. By that point he’d already played such an important role in the artistic landscape of this city,” said co-director David Hartstein. “To be able to bring that to light in the movie and demonstrate John’s contribution to the open, tolerant Austin of today feels like a fitting tribute.”
The film has received unwavering support from KUT and KUTX. The documentary is also a pointed reminder of the consistency of Austin’s creative community and ever-growing landscape.
“John Aielli was such a part of the fabric of Austin that we felt like his story needed to be told,” said KUT/KUTX Programming Director Matt Reilly. “Over his 50 year career, John did his part to shape Austin’s personality without intentionally doing so. It’s such an amazing story. I’ve known Sam and David for several years and always been a big fan of their work. Not only are they great storytellers but have a great visual sensibility. It seemed natural that they should tell John’s story. I think we’re all in for a treat.” “During his tenure with KUT and KUTX — more than half a century — the classically trained baritone and his ‘Eklektikos’ show eased the city into a new day, with everything from classical to classic rock,” said the Austin American Statesman about Aielli. “A beloved Austin character, he was a top fundraiser for the public radio station, as well as a connective force between listeners and community arts organizations.”