MOVIE

Melomaniac

2023 · 70 min · Documentary

The archive that Chicago never expected, recorded by the guy who was always there.

For almost three decades, a passion and obsession drove "Chicago's Taping Guy" to record audio from thousands of live rock concerts. Melomaniac introduces Aadam Jacobs and his archive of recordings while exploring his impact as a Chicago music scene staple in the 80s and 90s. Interviews with the owners of longstanding Chicago venues including The Metro and the former Lounge Ax lend perspective to Aadam's character and the music scene. Conversations with Chicago artists give the 80s/90s scene a voice through interviews that include local music icon Jon Langford and comedian Fred Armisen. The film looks forward to the vital need to preserve the historically important music legacy Aadam will someday leave behind while highlighting its importance now.