With concert touring having become the foundation of the music industry in the digital age, it seems that everyone now wants a piece of the business. Though they may not have the sound systems, light shows and sightlines of more established arenas and halls, a growing number of DIY spaces are opening their doors—and often their kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms—to the music-loving public. Here are three new unconventional venues at which you can catch up-and-coming talent.
Envelope: New York City is no stranger to
apartments-cum-performance spaces—along the JMZ subway line alone you have Death By Audio, Silent Barn, Dead Herring, Market Hotel and the recently opened Pyramids, among others—but
Envelope is its most upscale. Think shabby chic instead of just plain shabby, locavore fare from purveyors like
Brooklyn Brewery and
Catania Bakery, and set ticket prices rather than a pay-as-you-wish sliding scale. It’s a far cry from its Bushwick brethren, which might have something to do with the fact that it doubles as home to musicians
Chris Garneau and
Caralee McElroy. Before you set out for one of Envelope’s monthly shows, however, you’ll need to secure a ticket online—the address is only given out to those who’ve clicked “buy.”
Glenn Danzig’s House: Given its name, it’s not a stretch to assume that you’ll be hearing the
Misfits between sets at this former police precinct-turned-apartment-turned-music venue. But is actually the home of
music blogger/all-ages show promoter Ben Todd, and its
living room has become Ground Zero for the burgeoning Nashville indie rock scene, with frequent appearances by bands like
Heavy Cream,
Pujol,
Useless Eaters and
Natural Child, many of whom live close by. But just because there’s a note on the refrigerator asking people not to raid it doesn’t mean that Glenn Danzig’s House can maintain its low profile. A recent show saw members of
The Dead Weather mingling with the moshing audience.
Bruise Cruise: Might cruise wear soon be defined by vintage tees rather than white dinner jackets? This February, 400 hipsters will board a ship for a four-day vacation that marries the tropics with lo-fi indie rock. Departing from Miami, the all-inclusive
Bruise Cruise to the Bahamas will feature nightly shows and dance parties. Landlubbers who aren’t able to board will be able to purchase commemorative 7” vinyl releases and attend the bon voyage concert. Of course, they’ll wish they had a cabin onboard once they get wind of the lineup, since many of the bands are hot DIY venue regulars, including
Vivian Girls,
Surfer Blood,
Turbo Fruits and
Ty Segall. So, everyone should feel right at home even while out on the high seas.
