Gentrification, and the End of Death by Audio

[3mhenry]

Artists of all kinds all share a common goal; to exist in an artistic community independent from the "real" world. Because we tend to be poorer than those with conventional jobs, we gravitate towards cities and neighborhoods that are out of the public eye, and cheaper, allowing them to focus on their craft, whether it be music, art, writing, or acting. But slowly, as word gets out of this new community, it becomes what it was created to avoid. Big name chains set up shop and forcibly push out the creative people that brought the area to their attention. For example, the former warehouse space of South Second Street and Kent Avenue, or anywhere else in Williamsburg Brooklyn was not on the map for any businesses 10 years ago. About 10 years ago is when several DIY, Independent Punk venues began opening up in the area. Rent was cheap, and it was not overcrowded like Manhattan. You could play as loud as you want, because no one as around to hear it. These clubs included 285 Kent, Glasslands, and most importantly Death By Audio. By the end of 2014, all three will be gone. These are not clubs in the traditional sense. There are no major booking agencies such as Bowery Presents signing contracts with bands to exclusively play their clubs. These clubs were, and are safe havens for the outcasts, the freaks, the punks, and the artists. They were able to coexist with each other without competition because they were all achieving a common goal. Many of the formative moments of my life have occurred in these rooms, and ones like them. Tickets are sold at the door, usually for no more than $6, and the majority of the money goes to the bands. Death by Audio not only gave local bands a chance to gain exposure, but was also a home away from home for touring bands from all over the country such as Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, Jeff the Brotherhood, Ed Schrader's Music Beat and more.

The reason for the expulsion of these spaces is not a failure to pay rent, is not a lack of ticket sales, and is not the owners' decision to move to a new neighborhood. The reason for the closure of three of the most important and original spaces in the city is Vice Magazine. Yes, Vice, which claims to appeal to the same kind of "Brooklyn hipster" that would frequent these venues, Vice, whose music website Noisey.com regularly reviews and advertises shows at the aforementioned venues, Vice, the self-proclaimed "definitive guide to enlightening information", has decided to buy the building on South 2nd, and use it as their new headquarters. They are kicking out any and all current tenants of the space. While I was never a regular reader, any credibility Vice had as a voice for the independent is now lost. The city of New York gave Vice "an alleged $6.5 million tax break from the New York City government to stay in the borough."
Rumors have been spreading for months, but the cause is now official.


www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/legal-and-management/6289384/vice-media-the-driving-force-behind-underground-venue

Here are some videos of the insanity that went on behind the doors of 49 S. 2nd st

[3fkabakci]

Communties sheltered from the outside world are often the birthplace of purely unadulterated art. It's places like these that set forth the gears that fuel the creative process. Unfortunately, these places never last long, even though they often leave a lasting mark on society. Places like CBGB, where punk was born, and Club 57, where artists such as Keith Haring, Basquiat, and many more found their flow. Max's Kansas City, Fillmore East, Mudd Club... All these spaces acted as motherland for music and art. All taken over by commercial industries. These iconic locations now serve as sandwich shops, office space and parking locations for Verizon. Gentrification has become a major issue in New York. Jeremiah Moss, author of blog "Vanishing New York" wrote "This led to the eviction of countless residents and small businesses, destroying the fabric of our streets and putting the city’s soul on life support."