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July 09, 2008 | 77°F Clear sky

Soundcheck

A Scene Grows in Brooklyn

Houses, galleries, restaurants, and other unusual spaces are moonlighting as the city's farm system for cutting-edge music. We talk with Time Out New York music editor Mike Wolf and longtime area DJ Jim "Small Change" Dier about the enduring appeal of off-the-radar venues. But what if you live next door to one? We hear from Arline Bronzaft, chair of the noise committee on the city's Council on the Environment.

Leave a comment: Tell us what you think about underground clubs. Why do you go? Are they an important part of the cultural landscape -- or a nuisance?

Mike Wolf's article on underground clubs in Brooklyn


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[1]
Posted by: Jessica
August 22, 2007 - 11:06AM
williamsburg

Underground Brooklyn venues are THE essential component of New York's music scene and are the cultural lifeblood of areas like williamsburg and bushwick (and one of the reasons I moved there.) It's in warehouse spaces, in churches, and even in an abandoned oil silo(!) that one can experience the true excitement of musical innovation in a raw and intimate context.

[2]
Posted by: Steve Rubell
August 22, 2007 - 02:19PM
Midtown West

We did it old school in my day... Velvet ropes, coke bribes, sleezy outfits. Good times.

[3]
Posted by: b
August 22, 2007 - 02:26PM
Midtown

Bring back FT AWESOME! Rob, wnyc engineer extraordinaire can tell you about that great dank old place.

[4]
Posted by: Robert
August 22, 2007 - 02:32PM
Manhattan

I am originally from Dallas. I can tell you that I was very disappointed when I first arrived in NYC 10 years ago to find the music scene somewhat lacking for the nations cultural and arts capital. That said, I can understand that in such tight spaces everyone needs a little respite from the constant noise of the City.

Is there a cost efficient way for these clubs to add acoustic insulation that will spare those not interested in the club scene? Also, what is the zoning like in these areas?

[5]
Posted by: Josh
August 22, 2007 - 05:31PM
Jersey City

I found this story a bit silly - making it sound as though there were some kind of elitist, secretive scene going on -- "How do you get on the list???"

Just Google Todd P and you can answer that question pretty easily. There's no velvet rope here.

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