LOS ANGELES — ABC News Studios has released a new documentary titled “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story,” which explores the origins and significance of the pioneering all-female music festival, Lilith Fair.
Founded by Sarah McLachlan, Lilith Fair took place between the summers of 1997 and 1999, featuring some of the biggest artists of the time.
“Promoters would say, ‘Putting two women on the same lineup won’t attract audiences.’ That was utter nonsense, and it fueled my determination to prove them wrong,” McLachlan states in the trailer.
The documentary showcases artists who performed at the festival, such as Bonnie Raitt, Sheryl Crow, Erykah Badu, Paula Cole, Jewel, Ma, Natalie Merchant, Indigo Girls, and Emmylou Harris. It also features a newer wave of musicians, including Olivia Rodrigo and Brandi Carlile.
“I was in disbelief that I’d never heard of it before,” says Rodrigo about the festival.
“Lilith Fair” includes interviews with artists, fans, and festival organizers, and incorporates over 600 hours of rare archival footage, celebrating its impact and addressing the challenges it faced.
In an interview with the Associated Press, McLachlan shared her sentiments about Lilith Fair’s impact.
Sarah McLachlan discusses the influence of Lilith Fair in shaping the music industry for female artists in “Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story.”
“Now I see artists like Brandi Carlile, who are constantly promoting women. Taylor Swift features women opening for her, like Phoebe Bridgers and Boygenius. There are so many bands supporting each other, and I love that. I believe we had a small role in making this happen,” McLachlan comments.
“Lilith Fair: Building a Mystery – The Untold Story” begins streaming September 21 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.
It is inspired by the 2019 article “Building a Mystery: An Oral History of Lilith Fair” from Vanity Fair and Epic Magazine, written by Jessica Hopper with Sasha Geffen and Jenn Pelly. It’s directed by Ally Pankiw and produced by Dan Levy’s Not A Real Production Company and Elevation Pictures for ABC News Studios.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of ABC News Studios, Hulu, Disney+ and this ABC station.
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