Graphics by Olivia Angst/Photos by Karp
It seems like every major city is trying to host the next SXSW. Little tech/music/film conferences are popping up all over the US, and while we tend to roll our eyes when someone proclaims themselves to be the next big thing, it’s worth taking a look at when that “new SXSW” is in
your backyard. This is the third year in a row that we’ve spent our evenings out wandering the streets of north Brooklyn, popping into already frequented clubs for Northside. This year, we’re ready to admit a few things: Northside is chill, easy and really only great for the amazing outdoor shows. About every night of the summer you can see the same caliber of talent at the bars and venues of north Brooklyn, and while there are sometimes some pretty great benefits to Northside (seeing Perfect Pussy at the tiny Saint Vitus for instance), most of the time it just feels like a particularly busy weekend. That said, the outdoor shows are truly spectacular. They bring top name bands to lovely outdoor Brooklyn stages, and in the process set the tone for a fantastic Williamsburg summer.
The Setup: Like SXSW or CMJ, these shows take place in venues and bars all around North Brooklyn — so Greenpoint and Williamsburg — which range from the smallest dives to Music Hall of Williamsburg and Rough Trade. Along with the clubs, the festival has two outdoor areas: one at McCarren Park and one at the new 50 Kent space. While both are lovely little outdoor stages, only McCarren has the city views. Blame the yuppies infiltrating the area for the crack down on outdoor shows and the noise complaints that have moved them to more secluded locals.
The Weather: Friday saw one of the most incredible downpours I’ve witnessed in a long while — a downpour which forced the outdoor shows to be rescheduled. The other days, however, were the picture of June loveliness.
The Food: It’s Williamsburg — there’s a good burger place on every corner.
Not Your Festival If: You dislike moving from venue to venue and prefer a day party to a night party.
Most Awful Scheduling: Sure, there are bands that have commitments, but WHY was everything that I wanted to see scheduled on Thursday night!? Nearly 3/4 of the ten artists we picked to see at the festival were not only playing on Thursday, but were playing at the same time, so popping around from one set to another wasn’t even an option. It was choose and hope you didn’t regret your choice. – Hannah Angst
Most Bro-y:EagullsandTitus Andronicusare definitely bands that appeal to a certain person, but there were precious few women at the punk-and-sweat-fueled show at Warsaw on Thursday night. There were, however, lots of dudes rocking tees from early 2000 emo bands I almost forgot existed. – Hannah Angst
Best Pre-Show Pep Talk/Rules:Patrick Stickles ofTitus Andronicusis well-known for his sometimes ranty onstage antics, but they were never more welcome than when he started his headline set Thursday with a long talk about how punk is all-encompassing and we have to be aware of our personal space as we rock out because punk is not about hurting other people but making them feel safe. It was one of the most heartwarming declarations of rock ‘n’ roll sweetness that could come before a two hour long rock out. – Erica Carpiniello
Show I’m Sorriest to Have Missed:Tie! When I got toPerfect Pussy’sset at Saint Vitus on Friday night, I could tell a block away that there was no getting in, which was a shamebecause as that band continues to get buzzier for their unique, distorted punk, these small shows will become more rare.Sharon Van Ettenplayed (along with basically everyone else it seemed) on Thursday night at Music Hall of Williamsburg, which was a show I would have loved to see but lost out to the punk and perogies over at Warsaw. I was even more sorry when our photographer, who made the choice to see her instead, ended up getting a singed vinyl out of the deal.– Hannah Angst
Best Dance Party:Another Tie! BothBody Languageand MisterWivesput on crazy, groove-filled sets at the Beehive at Brooklyn Bowl on Saturday night. However, MisterWivestook home the cake when they closed out their energetic set with a crowd-demanded encore of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. The entire packed Brooklyn Bowl jumped, danced and sang-a-long with great glee. -- Hannah Angst
Best Banshee Scream:Holy hell can Shilpa Raygrowl-yell her way through a great song!Watching her perform is like a creepy yet immensely enjoyable window into the soul of the great female rockers of the late 60s and 70s. The pure gritty emotion she brings over the beautiful bellows of her harmonium never disappoints. –Erica Carpiniello
Best Tattoo/Best All Female Lineup:Points to Philadelphia’sAmanda Xfor bringing a tight, hard-hitting set before the vivaciousTWEENSand infallibleMarnie Stern. Also bass player Kat Bean’s simple outline of a fawn on her thigh is the most wonderful thing I have ever seen. – Erica Carpiniello
Best Solo Show:Granted it was the only solo performance I saw, but come on!Marnie Stern’srare solo performance was like watching magic happen for the first time. Front and center at Rough Trade,Sterndominated the empty stage with her gracious guitar licks (you get dizzywatching her fingers) and bad ass vibe. She’s also hilarious. – Erica Carpiniello
Best Courtney Barnett:Courtney Barnett wins this hands down. The love affair is no secret after stalking all of her CMJ shows last year, and her fringe is ridiculous. – Erica Carpiniello
Best, Just Wow:War on Drugsalready has one of the best albums of the year out, now they have one of the best sets of the year. With crystal clear guitar and a sound that perfectly closed out Sunday night due to the loveliness of the weather and sunset paired with the warmest, most incredible set I’ve seen from anyone in a long time. It was enough to make the entire weekend 100% worth it.– Hannah Angst
