RIP Monster Island (And Brooklyn DIY?)
by Lauren BeckPage 4 of 8
Do you have a favorite memory of playing Monster Island Basement?
We actually played the first show there, before it was called Monster Island Basement. The whole basement was one big, unfinished room. Todd P was still in the process of building two makeshift bathrooms when we got there, and the bands played on top of a pile of sheetrock, later used to build the practice spaces. The bands were Parts & Labor, Big Bear, Aa, 16 Bitch Pileup (canceled) and Dirty Projectors. I've played Monster Island Basement a few times since, but that show wins.
How about of another band you've seen play there? Anyone in particular stand out?
Lots of them, but I will say that the Oneida record release/pancake breakfast at dawn was particularly awesome.
With Market Hotel and Monster Island now closed, not to mention the recent troubles Silent Barn has faced, there's been some talk about the death of Brooklyn's DIY scene. Do you feel as though it's as vibrant as it once was?
I don't see it as being less active than any time in the 12 years I've lived here. A lot of the people involved in the spaces that closed this year are already hard at work on new ones, and there are other DIY venues still doing great things that have been lucky enough to avoid getting shut down.
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