Amoeba Music

The new documentary Desolation Center tells the story of guerrilla art & music performances happening in the SoCal desert in the early '80s. Use our special discount codes to stream the film and part of the proceeds will benefit Amoeba!

Use promo code AMOEBA20 for 20% off when you purchase the film. Use promo code AMOEBA10 for 10% off the rental. [Discount codes are valid through July 9, 2020.]

Stream the film here.

The feature documentary splices interviews and rare performance footage of Sonic Youth, Minutemen, Meat Puppets, Swans, Redd Kross, Einstürzende Neubauten, Survival Research Laboratories, Savage Republic and more, documenting a time when pushing the boundaries of music, art, and performance felt almost like an unspoken obligation.

Directed by Stuart Swezey, the creator and principal organizer of these unique events, Desolation Center demonstrates how the risky, and at times even reckless, actions of a few outsiders can unintentionally lead to seismic cultural shifts. Combining Swezey’s exclusive access to never-before-seen archival video, live audio recordings, and stills woven together with new cinematically shot interviews, verité footage and animated sequences, Desolation Center captures the spirit of the turbulent times from which these events emerged.

Desolation Center from Passion River Films on Vimeo.