Meet Elsewhere

Elsewhere in a perfect scale model of NYC located inside of NYC. This is starting to sound very Charlie Kaufmanesque. Jokes aside Elsewhere is unparalleled in its ability to showcase such a high volume of different genres and ideas within art and music. Their ambition is driven by a true understanding and appreciation for art and culture and a desire to see it affect people in a positive way. We chatted with Luis Nieto Dickens, a stellar photographer, about the legendary venue in our latest venue spotlight.

Exterior of Elsewhere by, Luis Nieto Dickens

What's it all about

From the beginning, it has always been about inclusivity, the space would be open and offered for everyone. I remember one of the most fulfilling shows (fulfilling for me) I worked was Educated Little Monsters, it really felt like the community was taking advantage of the space, actual teenagers living in Bushwick, having a platform to perform. 

The venue evolved a lot, it got better and better every day, and that’s one of the best things about it. Also, it was always a different night, different genre and vibe. The interior was a maze, at some shows and club nights, I would have to direct people or take them where they were supposed to go because it was massive and they would get lost. 

Some questions with Luis Nieto Dickens

What was the most memorable performance you saw at Elsewhere? Why?

There are so many, I was there every night for almost three years! I think one of the first ones that comes to mind is John Maus, in the hall, it was awesome! I’m a big fan so I’m biased. He’s so wild and energetic on stage, it was also Valentine’s day so I guess there was something strange in the air!

Also, I think a lot about the Jungle Pussy show. I've been a big fan of her for almost a decade, I used to follow her around everywhere she would be on a bill in NYC. She had a show in the hall, and it was amazing, people went nuts, and she's such an amazing performer, she definitely took over the stage and ruled. This show is now even more important to me since Chynna (who passed summer 2020) performed as one of the openers, and she was amazing. I had seen her at Elsewhere once before, I think in Zone One. I also saw a mesmerizing performance by Oyinda, she was opening for Shabazz Palaces, and she just killed it, I was in awe, look her up she's amazing!

As for club nights, I would always get excited when Papi Juice would happen, the energy was incomparable to any other party, everyone was so nice and considerate, playful, positive, open, the smiles, seriously everything about that party is amazing. I always had a positive experience there and I worked every single one of them!

Why does NYC need Elsewhere?

Hmmm, I think it might be more of a mutual thing, they need each other. Elsewhere is nothing without the amazing talent NYC has to offer, from security personnel, performers, bookers, etc.

Which artist matches the vibe at Elsewhere best? Worst?

I particularly didn’t enjoy low energy music shows, or super “broey” club nights, but I’m talking from the perspective of photographing shows. I think the worst vibe was the negative vibe :P

If you could tell the staff at Elsewhere one thing what would it be?

I MISS YOU! Also, hang in there, and I love you. We all got really close since we would see each other everyday, I would talk a lot to bartenders and security, in between taking photos, we would joke around about the music or the vibe, it was a nice bond.

Can you describe Elsewhere using only three words?

“See you tomorrow!” Seriously, I can’t believe there would be shows almost every day but Monday. It was a non-stop thing, my respect for the bookers and barbacks and managers that put all the pieces together to make it all happen, multiple shows a day everyday!

What was the first show you ever saw at Elsewhere?

First show at Elsewhere was Halloween 2017, opening night, and it was Cakes da Killa in Zone One + Battles in the Hall. It was super cute, The Wants also performed, and Combo Chimbita, the energy was good, I was a bit nervous since it was the first night.

What is the lighting like at Elsewhere?

I have to give credit to Scott Hadley who would do most of the club nights, and that’s when the lighting would be at its best, especially in a packed foggy sweaty room. The first year and a half we could not do fog for safety regulations, but it was still amazing. There were a few months where we had a very special lighting rig, I forgot the name of it, but it looks like a small UFO, it’s heavy as hell, and it looked like it was gonna fall, but also looked like it was flying, pretty dope. 

As for music shows, I think the best lighting setup I’ve seen was for SOPHIE, god damn that was EPIC! There was a giant screen in the back of the stage and the sound was also amazing. Not sure if I can describe the feeling but one of those times that the bass makes you feel like you want to pee. I also have to mention live shows on the rooftop, in which the lighting was not as great as in the hall, but the backdrop of the city and being outside in the summer was a great feeling. I remember the Parquet Courts show, it was so energetic and wild!

Also, props to the people that were in charge of decorating the place, it was amazing, there was always a new prop, especially for Halloween and pride, and the LANDSCAPE program, that would bring artwork by local artists into the space!

Any final comments about Elsewhere?

Well, you know, we are in for an even more difficult time for small businesses and venues right now. A lot of them have already shut down forever, who knows how many will survive, so it’s important that we show support for local businesses that are struggling!