It’s ‘Unlike any Other:’ A Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse Into the World of NYC Indie Music
From Long Island birthing a distinct hardcore sound, to the fresh hip-hop coming out of the Bronx from the turntables of DJ Kool Herc and the buskers in the train stations and parks — New York City thrives on independent music.
A lesser-known aspect of the scene is the work that goes into organizing the artists and venues. Alex Carroll, a self-described community organizer of various shows, protests and raves, is one of the many people who works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the indie space alive.
“I’m the guy you don’t see,” Carroll said. “I’m the guy who keeps the shit together.”
Carroll, who has been in NYC’s indie music scene for the past three years, first started gaining experience as an organizer by volunteering to organize protests and DIY shows in his area. In the past six months he has taken on a more official role in the community by finding venues, creating lineups, and managing bands. He currently manages Crotos, an NYC based emo-grind band. Their recently released single “Memories” can be found on most streaming services.
“If you don’t look for it, it’s hard to find,” Carroll said, admitting that NYC’s indie scene is hard to get into, but “once you find your way in, it [becomes] like family.”
“Everyone deserves a place to share their art with people,” Caroll said. “The NYC scene is unlike any other music scene, the community here is really special. When you go to a concert, it’s not just a show.”
The indie scene brings in cash flow to the small businesses that host shows and events. Trans Pecos and Bridge and Tunnel Brewery are two venues he frequents. Carroll said that he’s had some of the best experiences working with the brewery, as Rich Castagna, the owner of the bar, “really wants to see the scene thrive” and is “really enthusiastic to work with small artists.”
In addition to his many contributions to the indie scene in NYC, Carroll is also the founder and leader of NYC Youth 4 Trans Rights, a grassroots organization established in 2023 that focuses on creating events and protests advocating for transgender rights. He has organized a few raves in partnership with other groups, like Trans4Techno, which hosts fundraisers for various social justice causes.
While there is a lot to love about the community and the scene, there are many shortcomings related to the safety of show attendees. “There are a lot spaces where there is little to nothing done about sexual assault,” Carroll said. “Some organizers prioritize drawing a crowd over ethics.”
Carroll prides himself on making sure that the shows he organizes are a safe space for everybody, especially femme, LGBTQ and disabled attendees. “I only work with people I trust,” he said. “Unless I really trust a band, I won’t book them for shows.” Carroll said he also does his part in preventing underage drinking and smoking at his shows.
He believes his work is especially important now with declines in governmental protections against minorities. “A lot of people take sanctuary at events like the ones I host,” he said. “Helping marginalized people and creating community is very vital in this space.”
Regions: New York City