Bands do Bk Presents: The Music Matters NYC Live at Arlene’s Grocery
Compilation VHS Release – Celebrating the Heartbeat of Brooklyn’s Music Scene
Preview the Comp Reel Here
New York, NY – Bands do BK, in collaboration with an all-star team of artists and producers, is proud to announce the release of The Music Matters NYC, a one-of-a-kind VHS compilation that captures the electrifying energy and camaraderie of NYC’s thriving music community. This retro-inspired collection immortalizes the live performances from an unforgettable three-day event held at Arlene’s Grocery on May 5-7, 2024, featuring 15 emerging bands from the local indie scene (14 of whom appear on the compilation).
The project was born out of a desire to document the tightly knit NYC music scene, where bands are more than just performers—they are friends, collaborators, and champions of each other’s success. Spearheaded by Executive Producer Marc Seligman as well as Production Coordinator & Bands do BK Curator Sam Sumpter, The Music Matters NYC aims to showcase not only the music but the genuine connections that fuel the community.
As much as this project plays with nostalgia, it’s also about showing that NYC’s music scene is far from dead. The Lower East Side, where Arlene’s Grocery is located, has always been a historic hub for music, with legendary acts like The Strokes, Lana Del Rey and Arcade Fire cutting their teeth in venues just like this one. While many bands now live and play in Brooklyn, The Music Matters NYC returned to a space that has held decades of musical history—proving that while one era may have passed, the creative pulse of the city remains as strong as ever.
Inspired by the authentic spirit of these artists and a vision to preserve the essence of their performances, Marc pitched the idea of recording the entire event. Initially conceived as a documentary, the project evolved into something truly unique—a VHS compilation including 67 minutes of live music plus short interviews from the entire three-day event. The VHS release pays homage to the vintage era of analog recordings, offering fans a nostalgic experience that mirrors the timelessness of New York City’s indie music scene.
“I’ve lived and breathed this scene for the last six years — I quite literally wrote a book on it — and I can’t express how continuously awed and energized I am by the insane talent in New York City right now. The sheer volume of great music that, best of all, is being made by really good people. While this city is unforgiving in so many ways—it’s hard to be a musician here, it’s hard to run an indie venue or a DIY space—the art endures. The music prevails. And that is 100% because of the people on the ground who are constantly creating and fighting all the time to make it work.” – Bands do BK Curator, Sam Sumpter.
Sam goes onto say “I love and believe in each of these bands so much, and it was both an awesome privilege and a big, big thrill to bring 15 of them together at a legendary spot like Arlene’s to try to capture just a fraction of the magic and energy that define and differentiate our little corner of the universe. My hope is that this doc serves as a window into our community—what’s happening in venues, parks, bars, backyards and basements across the city on any given day or night. I hope it inspires you to fall in love with these artists like I have and to buy music and merch, go to local shows and support this sweet, sweet scene that we, as New Yorkers, are unbelievably lucky to have access to. NYC isn’t even close to dead, and I’m beyond stoked to showcase some of the incredible bands who are out there proving it.”
The performances were recorded by a top-tier crew including Paste Magazine veterans Brad Wagner and Juan Soria, who handled audio and video production, assisted by Charlie Peterson and photographed by Jeff Schaer-Moses. Co-production and video editing were helmed by Jason Toledo, ensuring that every moment on stage was captured with precision and heart.
Featured Bands:
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May 5th: Big Girl, Tilden, A Very Special Episode, Tetchy, TVOD
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May 6th: O. Wake, NEVVA, Two-Man Giant Squid, Mary Shelley
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May 7th: AVATAREDEN, Jelly Kelly, Go Home, Night Spins, SKORTS
In addition to the VHS release, there will be an upcoming Watch Party at Arlene’s Grocery (date TBD), bringing together fans, friends, and artists to relive the magic of these live performances. The VHS will be available through Bands do BK, Arlene’s Grocery, Village Revival Records, plus all the bands featured at their shows.
“I would go to the shows and notice there was a genuine companionship. They were rooting for each other, hugging each other. These people are all really close friends. It’s not just about the music, although the music brought them together.” – Marc Seligman
