Cotton On the Record: An In-Depth Exploration of the Iconic Music Venue

Cotton On the Record is an iconic music venue located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. It has been a hub for live music and musical discovery for over two decades, hosting a wide range of artists from indie rock to electronic music, hip hop to jazz, soul to world music. The venue is known for its intimate atmosphere and its commitment to showcasing emerging and established artists alike.

The Early Years

Cotton On the Record was founded in 1998 by Bobbito Garcia and Neil A. Levine. Garcia was a former DJ and music journalist who had a deep love for hip hop and soul music. Levine was a music producer and engineer who had worked with a wide range of artists, from jazz legend Gil Scott-Heron to indie rock band The National. The two men shared a vision for a music venue that would be a welcoming space for artists and music lovers alike.

The venue's original location was on Sixth Avenue in Brooklyn. It was a small, intimate space with a capacity of only 100 people. Garcia and Levine booked a diverse range of artists, from local up-and-comers to established stars. The venue quickly became a popular spot for music lovers in Brooklyn and beyond.

The Move to Williamsburg

In 2004, Cotton On the Record moved to its current location on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg. The new space was larger than the previous location, with a capacity of 250 people. The venue also had a larger stage and a more sophisticated sound system. The move to Williamsburg allowed Cotton On the Record to expand its programming and host even more artists and events.

The Music

Cotton On the Record is known for its eclectic programming. The venue hosts a wide range of musical genres, from indie rock to electronic music, hip hop to jazz, soul to world music. The venue has a strong commitment to showcasing emerging artists, but it also hosts established stars. Some of the artists who have performed at Cotton On the Record include David Byrne, Iggy Pop, The Roots, Björk, Sonic Youth, and LCD Soundsystem.

The venue's music policy is simple: "If it's good, we'll play it." This open-minded approach has led to a diverse and eclectic lineup of artists. Cotton On the Record has become a place where music lovers can discover new music and experience the joy of live performance.

The Atmosphere

Cotton On the Record is a warm and inviting space. The venue has a casual atmosphere and a friendly staff. The venue is also known for its excellent food and drink selection. The menu features a variety of small plates, salads, and sandwiches, as well as a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.

The venue's intimate atmosphere makes it a great place to see a live show. The stage is close to the audience, and the acoustics are excellent. The venue also has a balcony, which provides a great view of the stage.

The Impact

Cotton On the Record has had a major impact on the music scene in Brooklyn and beyond. The venue has helped to launch the careers of countless artists and has been a hub for musical discovery for over two decades. The venue has also been a catalyst for the revitalization of Williamsburg, which is now one of the most vibrant music scenes in the world.

Cotton On the Record is a truly unique music venue. It is a place where music lovers can experience the joy of live performance and discover new music. The venue is a testament to the power of music and its ability to bring people together.

Cotton On the Record is an iconic music venue that has been a hub for live music and musical discovery for over two decades. The venue is known for its eclectic programming, intimate atmosphere, and excellent food and drink selection. Cotton On the Record is a place where music lovers can experience the joy of live performance and discover new music. The venue is a truly unique and special place that has had a major impact on the music scene in Brooklyn and beyond.

Cotton On the Record is located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York.

The venue has a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The venue has a close-knit stage and excellent acoustics.

The venue is a popular spot for music lovers of all ages.