We invited five young creatives based in New York to speak with us about their work and and the best music scenes in NYC. Finishing off with a photograph that encapsulates the city, read on to find out what they had to say:
AXL VALENTINE
Introduce yourself:
Eddy Mondely AKA AXL VALENTINE.
What’s your profession?
Great Frog Sales Man, Bartender At Home Sweet Home, and Punk Rock Musician (Bad Vacation).
What’s your favourite hang out in NYC?
Home Sweet Home, Nublu, Fig 19, Clockwork, Tompkins Sq Park, Orchard St.
What’s the best place to see live music in NYC?
Bowery Ballroom, Tv Eye, Our Wicked Lady.
Any emerging artists or bands you’re into?
TDA, Killer Hearts, RMBLR, Trash Bags and Mel Machete … There’s way more but I’ll keep it short.
Who’s the greatest band or artist to come out of NYC?
The Ramones – without a doubt.
Which one photograph of NYC encapsulates the spirit of the city?
SYD
Introduce yourself:
I’m Syd.
What’s your profession?
Whatever pays my bills – a lot of art department work in production, I bartend, play shows, some dj gigs, random shit – always hustling.
What’s your favourite hang out in NYC?
Nazar and Drew’s apartment.
What’s the best place to see live music in NYC?
Wherever there is a good band playing. TV Eye is my go to.
Any emerging artists or bands you’re into?
On All Fours 😛
Who’s the greatest band or artist to come out of NYC?
I mean plenty of people, including talented musicians, come in and out of the city. Many New Yorkers are not born in New York, and still identify as so. Being in NY comes with what can sometimes feel as unlimited inspiration [unless plagued with a depressive episode], whether it be through music, art, friends, wild nights out, etc. Masses of artists have lived here and therefore influenced by it so really, a hell of a lot of great music has come out of NYC. If we’re getting technical, and just talking incidentally being popped out of the womb in NYC, then maybe the Ramones or Lou Reed, more recently Show Me The Body. I don’t know, I’ve never been a fan of these kinds of questions.
Which one photograph of NYC encapsulates the spirit of the city?
JACK JAMES BUSA
Introduce yourself:
Jack James Busa.
What’s your profession?
I’m part of a DJ duo: The Muses alongside my boyfriend Daniel Walters. I’m also the lead singer in the band UNI and The Urchins with Charlotte Kemp Muhl and David Strange. I went to school for drama at Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
What’s your favourite hang out in NYC?
There’s this great new spot on the lower east side called VICTORIA! You can probably find me at the Georgia Room, Joyface, or Butterfly.
What’s the best place to see live music in NYC?
I’ve been enjoying small shows at Spring Place. They have this room where the floor is sunken and it’s covered in red carpet; vaguely Playboy After Dark vibes.
Any emerging artists or bands you’re into?
I mean, I guess it’s tacky to say myself but when have I ever steered away from being tacky?! I’d say Vlad Holiday, my friend Francelle Daly has an incredible new makeup line called Love Craft Beauty, this great new grunge band called Long. As far as DJs go: Angel Macklin Schwartz aka Vibeiana, Angel Star, Samantha Michelle. My friend Brasko is blowing up in the song writing realm. Nicole Galinson and Ariel Sadok are two of New York’s brightest up and coming photographers.
Who’s the greatest band or artist to come out of NYC?
Warhol Monday-Wednesday and Madonna Thursday-Sunday.
Which one photograph of NYC encapsulates the spirit of the city?
RILEY PINKERTON
Introduce yourself:
Riley Pinkerton.
What’s your profession?
Musician for The Rat Queen/Frontwoman of medieval fantasy doom metal band Castle Rat & Sales Associate for The Great Frog NYC.
What’s your favourite hang out in NYC?
‘TV Eye’ in Ridgewood is the best hang on the scene as far as I’m concerned; great venue consistently hosting excellent bands, great bar, sprawling layout, all the best people, and, not to mention, some of the best food I’ve ever had by Barker & Sons.
What’s the best place to see live music in NYC?
‘Our Wicked Lady’ in Bushwick is the best spot to catch bands, especially come summertime when New York Night Train Sunday Soul Scream parties are in full swing on their rooftop. Two bands are featured every Sunday, followed by dancing ‘til late with DJ Jonathan Toubin.
Any emerging artists or bands you’re into?
Top five favorite bands in NYC right now (in no particular order) are Reverend Mother, Joudy, Bad Vacation, Evolfo & Certain Death.
Who’s the greatest band or artist to come out of NYC?
As a creator/member of a fully costumed heavy metal band, I am contractually obligated to pay my respects to KISS. However, Velvet Underground and Blondie are some of my favs.
Which one photograph of NYC encapsulates the spirit of the city?
ALEXANDER THOMPSON
Introduce yourself:
I’m Alexander Michael Thompson.
What’s your profession?
Freelance photographer from NYC, co-founder/editor of Ponyboy magazine, photo/music editor for Reserved magazine.
What’s your favourite hang out in NYC?
Definitely TV EYE in Ridgewood by my DJ buddy Jonathan Toubin. Lots of fun, cute rock ’n’ roll people with the best underground bands/djs & delicious drinks/food.
What’s the best place to see live music in NYC?
TV EYE. Also, Sunday Soul Scream at Our Wicked Lady in Bushwick.
Any emerging artists or bands you’re into?
So many great new bands coming out of NYC, including Uni and The Urchins, Daddy Long Legs, Bad Vacation, Castle Rat, Baby Shakes, Trash Bags, Girl Skin, Beechwood. Also Killer Hearts from Texas!
Who’s the greatest band or artist to come out of NYC?
Ramones, Blondie, Velvet Underground, Warhol.
Which one photograph of NYC encapsulates the spirit of the city?
