Muslim Punk Movement in New York

Only in New York...or have you heard of the Hasidic reggae star?

How interesting! Certainly an eye-opening and a stereotype-breaker. Thanks for sharing.

That's kind of how I feel about steampunk, though I'm not sure it is actually an NYC-centric aesthetic. It just seems like it should be. @Uraniumfish This guy? http://www.matisyahuworld.com/ Actually had to look it up, but kind of awesome.

@NeverSleeps Yes, I think him. Amazing how commercial his website looks! I thought he was an indie-type loner with only a tiny niche following. Or maybe there's even a couple of them? I seem to recall a whole movement of sorts.

@DBlack have you read any of that guy's books? Have to admit I'm intrigued.

@Uraniumfish It's all news to me, really... But I think even indie artists have spiffy websites these days.

@ NeverSleeps Well that website isn't spiffy so much as it is....commercial. They've got way too much merchandising for my taste.

@Neversleeps @Uraniumfish I actually do some writing for a few indie bands... and they are being marketed just like the big commercial guys. Everyone is out to make a buck on any talent that gets signed, and a lot of the indie kids are backed/distributed by major labels. Could be what is going on with this guy.

Thanks for the link. I'll read it over when I get a chance. Looks interesting from first glance.

@BroadwayBK DO you write songs or reviews?

@Neversleeps - I agree about steampunk. I really like the style, but I think it's getting a bit overdone/cliche at this point.

@Hey, BroadwayBK: Are you a songwriter on a part time basis, or do you just do it on occasion for fun.

@hhusted Not a songwriter at all, just write some content for artists' websites. @Uraniumfish I have written a lot of reviews and music news for various websites, usually based in the UK... stuff like that.

@BroadwayBK That explains the knowledge and interest in music events. Do you have favorite music venues?

Ooh, B@Broadway? Which sites?

@BroadwayBK: Oh, I see. Have you ever attempted to write songs. I was able to years ago and got it published. Haven't written anything since. Been to busy with other projects to do it. Anyone else write songs or attempted to?

@BroadwayBk Wow! that's so cool.. I tend to be much more familiar with Brit music rather than US bands..but mainly the mainstream stuff...

Anybody like the Dirty Projectors? Are they still in?

Oh, I like the Dirty Projectors. I actually saw them perform in Europe, before they had started completely ruling NY. But I don't know if they're still considered "in." I'm guessing yes?

Ha, I feel really weird posting my resume for all to see. Suffice to say I interned at an indie magazine, which is what led me to get a lot of writing gigs that have to do with music. I've contributed to a lot of blogs and most recently wrote some film score reviews for a budding website somewhere. I helped launch a couple of music news sites by adding a ton of content, and I contribute to UK pop artists' websites via a marketing company that helps them get more hits or something. When I start writing for each artist it's usually because they're new and haven't released a single yet, and some go on to be big but most go on into oblivion - it's sad, most people don't know that a lot of young artists get signed to major labels and nothing ever comes of it. @uptowngirl I am madly in love with Florence and the Machine right now, and have been for about a year or so. What mainstream stuff are you listening to? I think I am more attuned with Brit music news than the one over here... @DBlack Yeah, they released a great album last summer. @everyone If you want to hear some good new tunes, gorillavsbear.net has been one of my go-to blogs for forever.

I suppose this is a bit of a plug, but I do music reviewing and writing for Hayward Media at MyMusicSuccess.com, which profiles indie artists. I've run into some great finds, so if you're looking for new indie stuff, do check it out!music re

@BroadwayBK Do you go to concerts much, or just follow the scene from online?

I've been to more shows that I can even remember, but not lately as, well, it's cold outside.

Wow, interesting what writers do to get exposure, get paid, and make a living. We all had to start somewhere. I started writing back in the '70s as a stringer for my local paper. I did that for 3 years on a part time basis. Today, I mainly focus on books, e-books, and sales copy for websites. I am happy to be a part of this forum because I get to share in your experiences and how other writers live.

@BroadwayBK oh I dont follow anyone in particular but do listen to the London radio station Capital online off and on .. I discovered Leona Lewis there long before she came Stateside.. and also bands like Kaiser Chiefs,Freemasons, Faithless who are not really popular here..

@everyone my two bit.. I too write e-books, web copy and sales materials though most of my clients tend to be travel agencies or travel related companies.

@uptowngirl: As long as you do what you love and get paid for it, that's what's important, right?

@uptowngirl I think that's pretty cool, how'd you end up writing for so many travel-related projects?

@NeverSleeps I guess because I tend to travel a fair bit and have opinions on anything and everything. I love to be in the know and almost always try to find out as much as I can about a destination though not the tourist haunts but places like markets and local eats and people seem to be interested in that kind of stuff hence...

@hhusted youre right .. but right now I am groaning under the weight of my projects .. as I want to wind down for a bit before I have to pack and leave my beloved NYC :(.

@uptowngirl I can't really think of a better gig than being a travel writer... Guess I just need to get my hands on some frequent flyer miles or something?

@NeverSleeps I havent really got any free stays or free flights yet but do get paid for my work.. my traveling expenses currently tend to come out of my own pocket .

@Uptowngirl: You can always pass on work to me. :) :)