From George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, and Billie Holiday to Jay-Z, Tupac Shakur, and Biggie, Brooklyn is a hot spot for music genres that infuse everything Brooklyn has to offer. During the early part of the 20th century, jazz could be heard from every corner bar. Hip hop may have been born in the Bronx, but it grew up in Brooklyn.
Even music that didn’t originate in The States found a place here. With one of the largest Caribbean populations in the U.S., Brooklyn became a second home to the reggae genre. At the other end of the spectrum, heavy metal developed its sound in Brooklyn. At the other end of a completely different spectrum, Barbra Streisand was born in the borough.
That’s a lot of music, a lot of artists, and a whole lot of rich history in Brooklyn as one of the meccas of American music. But the scene is ever-evolving. The indie scene began growing at the turn of the century, spawning such groups as LCD Soundsystem, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and the Hold Steady.
With so much music being learned, loved, and lived, there better be somewhere to listen to it all. From Williamsburg to Greenpoint to Bushwick, Brooklyn has that spades. Every weekend, warehouses, rooftops, and bombed out basements are bouncing to both local and touring acts. One venue, The Brooklyn Bowl, even features bowling alleys. Don’t laugh – Guns N’ Roses, The Roots, and Elvis Costello have all played there.
Elsewhere has three stages for indie and electronic music, St. Vitus is a great place to get temporary tinnitus, and The Prospect Park Bandshell has been the site of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! for the last 40 years. In the past, the series has featured Common, Aimee Mann, The Breeders, and other assorted jazz, country, and indie groups.
Brooklyn. Distinctly American sounds were born here, international flavor thrives here, and up-and-comers cut their teeth here. Want to be part of it all? At the Brooklyn Recording Connection, your mentor is a recording industry professional and rather than sitting in a classroom, you’re learning inside a fully-functioning studio.
We feel this hands-on approach to learning the business of music is a huge advantage over traditional college or trade school. Of course, there are study materials, there are quizzes, and you need to come to class on time and ready to work. Think you have what it takes? Apply today and find out.
