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BKI’s 2012 Summer Concert Picks

Thursday, May 31st, 2012

After sending emails to each other almost every day around the office that read “Let’s go to this!” or “Check this out”, we’ve decided to compile a list of our favorite concerts coming up this summer in the city. For music lovers, there are few better places to be than NYC in the summer – the amount of great music, much of which is free is utter insanity. Now if only winter never comes…

Azealia Banks

June 3rd, Bowery Ballroom - $25

Jimmy Cliff

June 5th, Prospect Park Bandshell (Celebrate Brooklyn) – Free

GZA performing Liquid Swords w/Grupo Fantasma

June 14th, Music Hall of Williamsburg (Northside Festival) – $33.50

Jens Lekman, of Montreal, The Thermals, Beach Fossils

June 15th,Williamsburg Park (Northside Festival)- $33.50

Asobi Seksu, Exitmusic, Ape School, Field Mouse

June 16th, Brooklyn Bowl (Northside Festival) – $10

Das Racist

June 19th, Red Hook Park – Free

Deer Tick, Johnny Corndawg

June 21st, Red Hook Park – Free

Small Black, Lemonade

June 21st, Brooklyn Museum – Free w/ admission

Alabama Shakes, Diamond Rugs, Robert Ellis

June 24th, Central Park Summerstage – Free

Childish Gambino, Danny Brown, Schoolboy Q

June 26th, Prospect Park Bandshell (Celebrate Brooklyn) – $35

Guided by Voices, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Cloud Nothings

July 7th, Central Park Summerstage – Free

Dan Deacon, John Maus

July 12th, Hudson River Park’s RiverRocks – Free

Archers of Loaf, The Drums, Crocodiles, Hospitality, Bleached, Nick Waterhouse, more…

July 14th, South Street Seaport – Free

Chromatics, Blondes

July 22nd, Fulton Street Market – Free

Sigur Ros

July 31st, Prospect Park Bandshell (Celebrate Brooklyn) -Sold out

M83

August 8th, Summerstage – Sold out

Wild Nothing, Grimes, DIIV

August 9th, Hudson River Park’s River Rocks – Free

Janes Addiction, Die Antwoord

August 17th, Williamsburg Waterfront – $49.50

Holograms

September 8th, 285 Kent Avenue

Austra

September 19th, Music Hall of Williamsburg – $15

Posted in Around Town, Cool Stuff, Music | No Comments »

Meet the DJ

Monday, February 6th, 2012

We’re thrilled to have L.A. native, and current NYC resident SOSUPERSAM DJ our Crash Into Spring event on Friday, February 10th at our Union Square location. She was gracious enough to talk with us about what she loves about her new adopted city and what she likes to jam out to when she’s at home.

When did music first start to interest you? Music has always been a huge part of my life since I can remember. I started dancing when I was three, playing the piano when I was five, and singing and doing musical theatre when I was 11. I evolved into a DJ in the last few years, and now I’m starting to get into music production. You truly start to understand music after you’ve experienced it in so many different ways.

You’re originally from Los Angeles. Why did you relocate to New York City, and what are your favorite things about living here? I’ve always loved New York, and made it a point to live here at some point in my life. I feel that the city speaks to my sensibilities and my pace. So when the opportunity presented itself to me, I took it, and I love it! Whereas LA is very spread out, I love how compact New York City is. Every neighborhood has a small town feel. You really get to know your corner deli, your UPS guy, your coffee shop. That’s rad.

You’ve DJ’ed both coasts – what other places have you played and where are your favorites? I DJ’ed in Singapore last year, which was super awesome. There is an underground nu-disco and glitch hop scene I was pleased to discover. I always have a good time when I DJ in San Francisco, but it’s been awhile since I’ve been back there. I hope to DJ in SF again soon.

Your sets consists of an eclectic mix of 80′s, 90′s, dance, electronic, hip hop, indie, R&B, and soul. What’s your favorite genre to spin, and what do you listen to at home? My favorite genre to play is 90′s hip hop and R&B – it was such a great time in music. The R&B was so full of emotion back then – extremely happy, or extremely sad. There was nothing muted or understated about it. At home, I’m usually listening to something mellow. I love the old soul greats, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Otis Redding, Etta James. Adele, Amy Winehouse, M83, and James Blake are also in heavy rotation – really, really mellow at home.

What is your top 5 for 2011?
M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming
Jay-Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne
Adele – 21
James Blake – James Blake
Childish Gambino – Camp

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
I want to be able to be in two places at once. Or even better to be able to live two lives at the same time. But ONLY if I can wear a cape.

Besides music, how else do you Live, Work, Create?
I also do freelance fashion PR! And I’m learning how to cook.

DJ SoSuperSam will be spinning at our Crash Into Spring Fashion Event at BKI Union Square from 7-9:30pm on February 10th. To listen to some of her mixes, visit her website, or listen to the playlist she made for us on our Tumblr.

Posted in BKI Music, Events, Music | 1 Comment »

Mega Band Night Recap

Monday, January 9th, 2012

(Right: Tayisha Busay)

Last Friday night, our SoHo location packed in a full house for a night of music, merriment, dancing… and leotards. Hostess Zoe Wilder kicked off the evening, with the crowd already animated thanks to the free-flowing libations from our friends over at Sixpoint Craft Ales. By the time Tayisha Busay took the stage decked in eclectic garb, playing their unique brand of synth dance pop, the after work crowd were well into their weekend, dancing and singing along with the band.

(Left: Twitter contest winner Lisa Marie Phoenix with Zoe Wilder. Right: Jonathon Antoshka, Lauren Thomas, Lakesh Abreu)

Posted in BKI Music, Events, Music | 1 Comment »

Book Review: Just Kids, Patti Smith

Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Before I first listened to Patti Smith, I saw this album cover for the first time when I was 16, and was immediately enamored with her. I was amazed at how such a simple pose could evoke both power and elegance. It still remains one of the most anti-establishment images I’ve seen – unconventional beauty expressed in a graceful and defiant pose. Punk rock, through a patchwork of cuticles. Years later, after so many bands and fads get popular, then fade into obscurity, Patti Smith’s music still resonates, and sounds equally as urgent now as it did in the 70’s. And while I may be the last person on the L train to pick up a copy of Just Kids, reading her memoir is a great reminder that the passionate pursuit of art is a timeless endeavor.

Just Kids primarily chronicles the period of struggle before Patti Smith managed to achieve stardom. After just moving to Brooklyn, Smith has a couple of chance encounters with another struggling artist, Robert Mapplethorpe, and the two end up devoting their lives to creative pursuits and pushing each other to produce work. On a number of occasions, the starving artists are forced to choose between marshmallow cookies or buying art supplies. Despite bouts of hunger and at times, homelessness, Smith and Mapplethorpe are driven by a passionate devotion to the arts, the discipline to constantly produce, and studious examinations of contemporary and historical art/music/literature figures from Rimbaud to Warhol to Bob Dylan. Their struggles dispel the myth of the artist as inherent, creative geniuses, but instead presents the successful artist as a culmination of rigorous study and practice. Eventually, the two bohemians move from their humble apartment in Brooklyn at 45 Hall St. (one block over from Brooklyn Industries’ former offices), to the Chelsea Hotel, to a residency at CBGB’s on the Bowery, an area that was at the time littered with flaming trashcans, and a colorful cast of users, transvestites, and musicians, among others. But despite the uncertainty of success amongst the impoverished and societal castoffs decorating downtown, it’s difficult to ignore Smith and Mapplethorp’s palpable excitement from being on the cusp of a movement. It’s that feeling that still compels young people all around the world to move to New York City to this day. – Teddy, Multimedia and Graphic Designer

Posted in Art, bki listens to, BKI Music, Book Review, Music | No Comments »

The National and Wye Oak at the Beacon Theater

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

We made it up to the venerable Beacon Theater on the Upper West Side last Thursday to catch The National on their final set of shows after a year and half of touring in support of 2010’s release, High Violet, an album still on heavy rotation here in the office. The venue’s impeccable acoustics were ideal for lead singer Matt Beringer’s unique brand of indie-croon, supplemented by a string quartet, a trio of horns, and at times, Jenn Wasner, from openers Wye Oak. For a band with humble beginnings playing small clubs, it was apparent that they were thrilled at the opportunity to fully realize their artistic vision in an exceptional venue. At one point, Beringer shared a story of the band trying to make it big during a 2002 South by Southwest show, only to all accidentally play different songs at the same time.

With a giant projection screen behind them playing videos of abstract designs, snowstorms and Night of the Living Dead, the band ran through most of High Violet, a couple of songs from their two previous releases, Boxer and Alligator, and the beautiful piano ballad, Exile Villify. At the end of the encore, the band put their instruments down and beckoned the crowd to join in on a hushed sing-along to the song Vanderlyle Cry Geeks. The National have always served as a pleasant reminder that when everything around you is so loud, a subtle murmur can be the most alluring song.

Posted in Around Town, bki listens to, BKI Music, Music | No Comments »

WANNA MAKE IT BIG?

Wednesday, August 17th, 2011

Attention New York City area independent musicians and bands! Brooklyn Industries, SESAC, The MuseBox and Reverb Nation have teamed up to present the NYC RISING Musician Scholarship Program. What does this mean? Five winning bands will receive a comprehensive prize package to help them make it big, including publicity and promotion services, a CMJ Showcase, a Brooklyn Industries store performance and much more. NYC bands can enter for a chance to win here. But hurry! Entries are due August 24, 2011.

A panel of judges will assess all entries and choose 25 artists to compete in the finals, where fans and friends can vote for their favorites. Stay tuned for instructions on how you can vote for your favorite artist later this month!

Posted in BKI Music, Music | No Comments »

SIPPIN’ ON LEMONADE

Friday, July 15th, 2011

Brooklyn Industries DUMBO store was packed last Thursday, July 7, with fans excited to see THE MOUTH band perform live. The band certainly did not disappoint! Nor did our friends at Brooklyn Gin, who provided refreshing “Brooklyn Lemonade” cocktails on the warm summer’s night.

Photo Credit: Kenny Janosick

Posted in DUMBO, Events, Music, Uncategorized | No Comments »

THE MOUTH: FROM ST. JAMES TO DUMBO

Thursday, July 7th, 2011

Tonight, Brooklyn Industries’ DUMBO store will be hosting an exclusive in-store performance by new band, The Mouth.

The Mouth got its start – just nine months ago – from a longtime passion for making music. Lead singer Joey Puleio wrote and recorded the first five demos in his basement, later contacting his old friends John Cirrone and Nick Comito. With Joey singing and playing bass, John playing guitar and Nick playing drums, the trio chose their 10 best songs for their first CD – “Feel Free.” After practicing hours on end in an empty church in St. James, Long Island, they recorded the album in their friend Cole Verderber’s basement, and soon after Cole joined the group as the bassist. The band was finally complete with the addition of Gina Tomitz, who joined full-time after singing on the CD.

Here is The Mouth’s take on music, inspiration and stage fright.

BKI: How would you describe your music?

The Mouth: Our music is fun, feel-good and groovy. You can dance to it, sing along and have a great time.

BKI: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics behind most of your songs?

The Mouth: Joey writes all of the lyrics but we bring the band together for everyone to give their input. Themes of our songs vary from lust and betrayal to love and happiness. There are not any set themes – it’s all about what we’re feeling.

BKI: Do you ever get stage fright? What’s your favorite thing about performing?

The Mouth: Never! Playing shows is one of our favorite things to do! We also love when the audience sings along. It’s the best feeling in the world to know someone enjoys what we do.

BKI: If you could direct people to one of your songs, which one would it be and why?

The Mouth: We are opening our set at the DUMBO show with our song “I Wanna Feel.” It’s a good look into the direction that our band is heading.

Check out www.themouth.me to hear two songs on The Mouth’s new album!

Posted in DUMBO, Events, Music | No Comments »

THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

From June 16th – June 19th, more than 150 bands, musicians, artists, filmmakers and more will take Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn, by storm during the Northside Festival. Northside is a four-day showcase “at the center of the universe,” as the Northside Festival’s organizers (our friends at L Magazine) describe it, of the local and national indie music & creative scene. Bands are being added to the lineup every day, but so far we know you can see Guided by Voices, Wavves, Surfer Blood and The Babies play at McCarren Park on June 18; Atlas Sound, White Rainbow and the Lichens play at St. Cecilia’s Church on June 16; and so much more: just click here for full festival details.

Tickets can be purchased to individual shows, or limited access all-event badges (giving you first come, first served admission to all events, plus dozens of other perks) are available as well. OR you can enter for a chance to win two badges here or in any Brooklyn or Union Square Brooklyn Industries store location through June 12. BKI has also co-designed the Northside Festival’s official t-shirt! Stay tuned for more details on how you can get the shirt later this week.

Posted in Around Town, Collaborations, Contests, Music, Williamsburg | 1 Comment »

WHAT A SUMMER OF MUSIC IT WAS

Friday, September 3rd, 2010

Summer unofficially ends this weekend. And with it, so ends the first annual Brooklyn Industries Summer of Music.

Earlier this year, we here at BKI put our brains together and asked “What do our customers love?” Well, one thing they love is music. And so do we. So we decided to give our people what they love - and so happened the BKI Summer of Music. With the help of our amazing partners (ABSOLUT® BROOKLYN, The Brooklyn Salsa Company, Warner Brothers Music, MuseBox, SESAC, some ad hoc bartenders, “sound guys” on the fly, and talented bands & musicians) we were able to host a series of stellar shows. In June, we packed our Union Square store basement for Indie Music Nights with Savoir Adore and Dead Phones. And we did it again in July with Living Days and The Rassle. We watched ATHLETE do a chill Saturday afternoon set at our SoHo store. We sipped “ABSOLUT Stoop Party” cocktails to the tunes of DJ Spin Diesel at the Smith St. ABSOLUT BROOKLYN Happy Hour. DJs Frank White in Boston and DJ Isaac & DJ Bizz in Philly rocked out our DJ Saturday events. And Zach Williams brought a café vibe to Chelsea during the “Zach Williams Live” event. And despite the heat, The Orion Experience had the crowd jumping at our SoHo store.