Independence is the hallmark of all groundbreaking rock 'n' roll. It's not a pose, or a sound, nor a type of record label. Rather, it's a principle. Independent acts are as unique and uncompromising as they are pioneering. Nowhere is this spirit more palpable than when captured on film. The success of early music documentary landmarks like D.A. Pennebaker's Don't Look Back and the Maysles brothers' Gimmie Shelter proved both the market for the form and their ability to illuminate the private side of an artist's public persona. To the delight of die-hard fans, musicians have been baring their souls for the camera ever since.

The twelve Rockumentaries featured in this guide deftly explore the fascination that extends beyond an artist's recorded material. We already know that they rock, captivate, or even bite the heads off of bats onstage. What we want is intimacy—a privileged, close-up look at a person or group whose music has made a statement to us and to the world.

How do they stay true to themselves? What inspires them? Do their amps go to eleven? The filmmaker's job is basically one of patient invasion, to try to capture the telling, unscripted, happenstance moments that—much more than a dramatic guitar windmill—can reveal an artist's genuine character.

On this website, you will not only be able to stream audio tracks, but also view film clips and read up about independent performers' exceptional stories of fame, failure and all the noise that accompanies the music. Without question, a great Rockumentary deserves a great soundtrack. So tune in, turn on, and press play.