Fiery Furnaces & Dave Longstreth at ‘Us v. Them’ book events in Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s indie music scene has always been a vibrant tapestry of raw talent and innovative sound, and now that memory is being brought into sharp focus. A retrospective look at this era is launching soon, blending historical reflection with a spectacular live event designed to celebrate the decade of creativity that defined the borough between 2004 and 2014.

This celebratory moment is anchored by the release of Us V. Them, a book by Wordless Music founder Ronen Givony. The book serves as a fascinating journey through the sounds and spirit of New York’s indie landscape during those formative years, offering an intimate look at the artists who shaped that decade.

To mark this occasion, the community is gearing up for a two-day festival collaboration with Roulette and Wordless Music. The events are set for October 1 and October 2, promising an evening packed with legendary musicians and literary insight.

Night one, titled Celebrating Silent Barn, promises a confluence of classical and indie energy. Attendees will be treated to performances from some of the scene’s most respected figures, including Dirty Projectors’ David Longstreth, Circuit des Yeux’s Haley Fohr, and the Wordless Music String Quartet. The evening will culminate with a special discussion and reading drawn directly from Givony’s Us v. Them.

The celebration continues on the second night, offering another dose of musical history. This show features a dynamic lineup including The Fiery Furnaces, a rare performance by Skeletons Big Band, and other special guests who are yet to be announced, ensuring an evening brimming with unexpected sonic surprises.

Beyond the stage, the artistic spirit of the decade is also on display. Ahead of the festival dates, a visual exploration of the era is taking place at Bushwick’s Selva. This photo show, running from August 20 to 27, invites viewers to explore the visual legacy of the time through the lens of independent photographers.

The exhibition features the work of active, independent professionals who captured the essence of Brooklyn music between 2004 and 2014. Notable participants include Ryan Muir (who also organized the show), Edwina Hay, Laura June Kirsch, Keith Marlowe, Richard Gin, Nick Rhodes, Jackie Roman, Tod Seelie, Rebecca Smeyne, and Ebru Yildiz.

For those looking to delve deeper into the soundscape of this era, the book Us v. Them is available for purchase.