music,
Services
Titus Andronicus at Death By Audio. They ain't done so bad. Photo via Flickr's Ryan Dombal.
“Indie band success” might sound to you like “gainfully employed journalism major,” but people smarter than we in this area say apparently there is a way to make fat stacks while staying true to your DIY roots. The L Magazine published a huge feature this week of 101 secrets to indie rock success, with tips culled from the three layers of the power sandwich: The Labels, The Experts (publicists, venue owners, mangers) and Us (aka the music media). It gives you a guide to tactics that annoy (Don’t call it a 7″ when it’s digital!), tricks to get noticed, like how to draft a booking email, and even how to act on stage. For even more tips, check Caroline’s post on how to get big-time buzz for your band.
Food & Drink,
music
"Open bar dude!"
We’ve got you covered with our post on all the free shows during this week’s CMJ music marathon. The good folks at Big Ass Lens provide you with the perfect compendium: a guide to all the free booze you can get all week long! They’ve arranged it in a handy Google Calendar, color-coded by the kind of booze, with the promise to send you updates if you subscribe via spacePhone. To quote BAL: “Most of these presenters are well aware of how average their particular bands are. They know the deal. How to convince someone to see a crappy band? Same way most of us get laid — alcohol!”
music,
Outings
Yellow Ostrich at Glasslands last year; they're back and playing a free show this time. Photo via Sarah Mulligan.
Happy CMJ week! If you think those impossible-to-get Radiohead tickets at Roseland a few weeks ago were the 1 percent, the CMJ Music Marathon is the 99 percent, with its cornucopia of music of the people and for the people. Much of it is open to you for free, even if you don’t have one of those $200 all-access badges. Check below to see a list of all the free shows taking place between now and the end of the fest on Saturday. If you’ve never been, CMJ is a great way to sample some established bands like DOM and Cloud Nothings, while discovering new up-and-comers, like Yellow Ostrich and Hollerado (if you can survive the hordes of eager college music journalists, that is). Plus, check out Caroline Shadood’s tips on how to maximize your swag earnings, networking and extra freebie potential of the goings on without getting lost in the city.
music,
Outings
We’ve missed mentioning this so here’s a post to make up for it: You would do well not to miss the Afro-Punk Festival at Commodore Barry Park this weekend because 1) it’s free and 2) the lineup is RIDONKULOUSLY GOOD. The two-day fest features Das Racist, Santigold, Fishbone, Gym Class Hereos, Toro Y Moi, Reggie Watts and, the big man at the top, CEE-LO! Plus, food trucks, local vendors, an art wall (including a mural made of 140 skateboards), skateboarding, BMXing and other groovy times. And if none of that piques your interest, Cee-Lo has got some news for you.
music,
Outings
Street artist Skewville's "Last Exit to Skewville," on display during Northside. Photo via Jaime Rojo.
It’s my favorite time of year again: Not only is summer bursting from every cracked hydrant and aromatic taco truck, but the L Magazine’s Northside Festival is here, which means I can stop hauling ass to Prospect Park and effortlessly lure all of my friends to Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Bushwick for a glorious four days of burgeoning culture. Badges for the fest would have run you $60-$200 (and are sold out anyway), and tickets to the bigger shows have their own big price tags. But there’s plenty to do that’s doesn’t involve opening your wallet. Check out Brokelyn’s guide to free Northside, plus some bonus tips to the festival’s associated deals and freebies to help you soak up loads of film, music, art and north Brooklyn pride, without breaking the bank.
music,
News
Dirty Projectors in 2009, clean streets in 2011. Photo by Flickr's Rezflicks
The demise of the Jelly parties ended the idyllic summer tradition of raucous, free concerts on the Williamsburg waterfront. But now instead of that unsustainable utopia of outdoor music, slip n’ slides and dodgeball, you have a chance to actually work for your music, like the responsible adult you hope to be. Get free admission to this year’s ticketed waterfront shows by volunteering to pick up litter on the streets after the concerts. It’s a partnership of the Open Space Alliance and BurnedGreen, a new site for one-off volunteering opportunities in north Brooklyn. Here’s how to litter-patrol your way into hearing free Sonic Youth, TV On the Radio, Fleet Foxes and more this summer:
music,
Pointless amusement
Photo via Aloe Blacc Myspace
Our shtick is straight-up Brooklyn here, but we took a field trip to Manhattan on Friday to watch Aloe Blacc‘s sold-out show at the Highline Ballroom. Why? Aside from the expected soul revival groupies and suited high rollers, we knew there’d be a fair share of like-minded, free-loving down-but-not-out folks like us there to hear Blacc’s lyrics of working class woes and beats catchy enough to make you forget about them. So in keeping with the theme of Blacc’s signature hit (and unofficial Brokelyn anthem) “I Need A Dollar” we found our Brooklyn brothers and sisters and asked them how they would spend their last precious George Washington.
music,
Outings
Crazy Feelies! Crazy free! July 23 at Prospect Park.
Our summer Google Calendar is getting slathered in digital ink real quick like: those nice folks at Celebrate Brooklyn! have just released their lineup of free shows at the Prospect Park bandshell that start June 10 with Andrew Bird and end Aug. 6 with Ailey II. The big shows get a little crowded, but the secret is to make a day at the park of it: you can show up early, set up your picnic, and spend a few lovely hours in the park waiting in line for the show. So who will you be lining up to see this summer? Full lineup below, via the Village Voice:
music,
News
C'mon, look how happy they are!
The music business is in the metaphorical toilet. And you, a super talented musician, can’t get a gig, while Gwyneth Paltrow just signed a $900,000 music contract. Like I said: toilet. What’s a talented, caring person like you to do with your skills? Put down your warm can of PBR and read this ad in search of a part-time musician with a “diverse musical repertoire, including: Caribbean, reggae, gospel and standards” to play at a Brooklyn nursing home to “help enhance the quality of life and therapeutic environment“ for residents.” So while Gwyneth is being paid money she doesn’t need to make music that no one likes, you can brighten up a large group of people by playing music you all enjoy.
Music for Misers,
Outings,
Uncategorized
The London Souls, Monday at Brooklyn Bowl
It’s that time of the week again. That’s right, you guessed it: cheap music in Brooklyn time. Power up your Monday with a set by The London Souls at the Brooklyn Bowl. Ease your way through the week with Ayumi Ishito at Coco 66 and Druthers at Bruar Falls. Conclude the almost end of your work week with some feral DJ action at Zebulon. You know the deal, nothing more than $5.
