Said the Whale teamed up with CBC Radio 3 to produce Winning America. It’s a documentary about their first U.S. tour in 2011, and it was directed by Brent Hodge and Thomas Buchan. The film shows intimate moments of life on the road, showcasing the challenges, the grind, and the emotional ups and downs that come along with touring as a band. It’s a raw, honest look at what it really takes to try and break into the U.S. market. If you’re a Canadian band hoping to make it big, having a solid following back home just isn’t enough. You’ve got to win over America, too. And that’s no easy feat.
The documentary starts with the band playing an intimate “goodbye” show in Vancouver before leaving British Columbia for their first big U.S. adventure, full of optimism and excitement. The journey takes them from intimate venues in California to the high-energy and high-profile South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas. Along the way, the band forms connections with fans, has entertaining behind-the-scenes moments, and faces the emotional toll that comes with chasing your dreams on the road.
Early on in the tour, the band’s trailer is broken into, and over $8,000 worth of gear and belongings are stolen. It’s a massive setback that could’ve easily derailed everything. But instead of giving up, the band presses on. That moment of hardship becomes a key turning point in the film, showing the band’s resilience and their determination to keep moving forward, no matter what.
As the documentary unfolds, we see the bond between the band members and the support they get from their fans is evident. Their performances at SXSW and interactions with American audiences add a sense of triumph and accomplishment to the story, contrasting with the tough behind-the-scenes moments. Ultimately, Winning America is about perseverance, teamwork, and the sacrifices artists have to make to chase their dreams.
The documentary ends on a high, with Said the Whale receiving the Juno Award for New Group of the Year. They are grateful to receive recognition. All their hard work and dedication have finally paid off.
It premiered on CBC Television on July 23, 2011. Winning America was later nominated for a Leo Award in 2012 for Best Short Documentary Program.
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca