This Film Documents Gentrification's Hold On DIY Spaces

Death By Audio was one of those legendary DIY spaces in a city, New York, that was at one time full of DIY spaces.

Deerhoof, A Place To Bury Strangers, James Ferraro, These Are Powers, Foot village, Dan Deacon and Dirty Projectors played there, as well as pretty much every independent musical act in the city—many of whom have gone on to really big things. An enduring irony of DBA’s closure is that it came on the back of Vice Media moving into their space; a magazine that attempts to be a leading barometer of cool culture. Well, there was nothing more cool than Death By Audio at the time, and this documentary now proves it.

Armed with a camera team, space organiser Matt Conboy filmed the last few days of the space, splicing in band interviews, archival footage and attendee Q&As. It’s an essential reminder of the ongoing cultural relevance of DIY spaces, and the struggles they are up against.

Read about the building of Leipzig’s best DIY club here, and Lena Willikens’ guide to the best DIY music in Düsseldorf.