Teaches of Peaches, the documentary chronicling the life and career of the Canadian electroclash icon Merrill Nisker, AKA Peaches, offers a visceral, unapologetic exploration of an artist who has spent decades challenging norms and dismantling boundaries. The film profiles Peaches life and her tour in celebration of the 20th anniversary of her breakthrough album, The Teaches of Peaches. Directed by Philipp Fussenegger and Judy Landkammer, this film is not just a retrospective but a celebration of an artist who has continually redefined what it means to be bold and unapologetically oneself.
From the outset, Teaches of Peaches pulls no punches. The documentary is as raw and unfiltered as the artist herself, providing an intimate look at both the public persona and the private individual. Through a combination of archival footage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses, viewers are taken on a journey that spans Peaches’ entire career, from her early days in Toronto’s indie music scene to her rise as a global icon of gender fluidity and sexual empowerment. The film is anchored by Peaches’ own voice, with candid reflections on her journey, the struggles she’s faced, and the triumphs she’s celebrated. There’s a palpable authenticity in her narration, as she recounts the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated industry and the personal sacrifices she’s made along the way. The film also features interviews with Nisker’s boyfriend, Ellison Renee Glen, AKA Black Cracker, who discusses the ups and downs of their relationship; former collaborator Chilly Gonzales who recounts their formative time their experimental band, The Shit; and Leslie Feist, who was Nisker’s roommate as they both worked on their albums Monarch and The Teaches of Peaches. Feist also discusses how she was one of Peaches’ crew on stage as well as providing backing vocals on The Teaches of Peaches.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to convey the sheer force of Peaches’ artistry. The documentary showcases her legendary live performances, which are a mix of punk rock energy, theatricality, and unabashed sexuality. The documentary splices both archival footage of performances from twenty years ago and those performed on the anniversary tour. These performances are not merely concerts but statements—loud, brash, and impossible to ignore. The film captures the essence of what makes Peaches a trailblazer: her commitment to pushing boundaries, both sonically and socially.
In a time when the music industry often tries to box artists into marketable categories, Teaches of Peaches serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of artistic freedom. Peaches has never been one to conform, and this documentary stands as a testament to her refusal to be anything other than herself. The documentary also delves into Peaches’ influence beyond music. She has been a crucial figure in the discourse around gender and sexuality, often challenging traditional norms and encouraging others to embrace their identities fully. These themes are discussed with interviews with Shirley Manson of Garbage, who was also a trailblazer for women in the music industry.
Teaches of Peaches is not just a documentary; it’s a celebration of an artist who has never stopped teaching us how to embrace our true selves, unapologetically and without reservation. It’s a film that, much like Peaches herself, refuses to be boxed in or easily categorized. For fans of Peaches, this documentary is a must-watch, offering a deeper understanding of the woman behind the music. For those unfamiliar with her work, it serves as an eye-opening introduction to one of the most important and influential artists of our time. While the film is currently making its rounds in the film festival circuit with no concrete release date, fans can look forward to watching Teaches of Peaches sometime soon.
