The Music Matters NYC VHS Compilation Immortalizes Three Unforgettable Nights at Arlene’s Grocery

Bands do BK, in collaboration with an all-star lineup of artists and producers, proudly announces the release of The Music Matters NYC—a groundbreaking VHS compilation that captures the electrifying energy, camaraderie, and creative spirit of NYC’s thriving indie music community. This retro-inspired collection immortalizes 67 minutes of unforgettable live performances from a three-day event at the iconic Arlene’s Grocery, held from May 5-7, 2024, and features 14 emerging bands from the local scene, along with heartfelt interviews and intimate moments.

Driven by a desire to document the close-knit NYC music scene where artists are more than performers—they are friends, collaborators, and champions of one another’s success—Executive Producer Marc Seligman and Production Coordinator & Bands do BK Curator Sam Sumpter envisioned this project as a love letter to the community. What began as a documentary transformed into a VHS compilation that nods to the nostalgic charm of analog recordings while showcasing a vibrant, evolving music culture.

Sumpter, who has immersed herself in NYC’s music world for over six years, says, “The sheer volume of great music, made by genuinely good people, in this city continues to awe me. While it’s often unforgiving to musicians, indie venues, and DIY spaces, the art endures because of the relentless creativity and drive of those who make it happen. This project is a testament to that.”

Recorded by an expert team including Paste Magazine veterans Brad Wagner and Juan Soria, with video production and editing by Jason Toledo, The Music Matters NYC serves as a snapshot of the scene’s vibrancy. The lineup spanned from rockers Big Girl and TVOD to genre-defying acts like AVATAREDEN and Mary Shelley, with every performance brimming with raw energy and authenticity.

To celebrate, a Watch Party will be hosted at Arlene’s Grocery (date TBD), inviting fans and friends to relive the magic of these performances. The VHS, available through Bands do BK, Arlene’s Grocery, Village Revival Records, and the featured bands, offers a timeless keepsake for music lovers and a window into a community that proves NYC’s creative pulse is alive and well.

“Each band brought something unique, but the genuine friendships and support among them were undeniable,” notes Seligman. “It’s not just music; it’s a family rooted in mutual respect and passion.”