There’s no shortage of great clubs in NYC, but a few stand out as unique in the scene. Elsewhere’s inclusive mission makes it a top contender.
NYC is a fantastic city for electronic music scene venues in all five boroughs, but Brooklyn is arguably the epicenter of club culture in the US. From huge, well-known venues like Brooklyn Mirage to the smaller, more intimate and focused SILO to the unique and indescribable House of Yes, Brooklyn has it all.
As it enters it’s sixth year, Elsewhere continues to stand out and stand up among the best. Last year we spoke to the founder about its five-year anniversary, the club’s evolution, and its unique membership program — perhaps the key to Elsewhere’s success.
Before we explain why that system is so successful, let’s take a broader look at Elsewhere — a club that has always wanted to be as inclusive as possible. A cornerstone of doing so successfully is creating a safer space for anyone and everyone.
Elsewhere isn’t the only Brooklyn club doing this, but they have woven it into the fabric of their operations and staff. I’ve heard patrons describe the staff as, “the friendliest queerdos I’ve ever met,” and I couldn’t agree more. At every level, including the barracks and security, the staff is always warm and friendly. I cannot state the importance of simply seeing smiling faces on the staff. It goes a really long way.
The next level of inclusivity is how Elsewhere programs its four spaces. There’s an outdoor rooftop open in warmer months, a super intimate lounge space called The Loft, and two full indoor stages: The Hall and Zone One.
At any given time, at least two of these spaces are operating. Sometimes, all four are. The programing in each space tends to be incredibly diverse, and patrons are invited to wander between the very different sounds. One night last summer, I was there for some chill deep house on the roof, while the two main indoor stages had hard techno and a live punk band. It was so joyful to mix and mingle with not just these diverse styles, but each one’s audience as well!
Here’s where the membership program completes the picture.
All that I described above is no accident. It’s a very intentional effort by the owners to bring people together, creating new and diverse communities. Cap this off with a membership program that, for very reasonable monthly rates, gives members access to nearly every event at the club as part of a single, monthly fee. This means that a percentage of patrons at every show are regulars, and that, too, creates a more inviting and welcoming space overall.
I most recently popped into Elsewhere for Dusky, a duo I’d seen three times before, but always in open air settings. At those shows, Dusky played more downtempo, ethereal, chill vibes that often took the crowd into space.
I was excited to see how this would compare to seeing them in a warehouse style club, and, I have to say, I was completely blown away. While they certainly included some of the classics that might fit into their outdoor sets, they also mixed it up in ways that were just perfect for the space and the crowd. Notably, the set was darker, faster, and included departures such as drum and bass and breakbeats, both of which sent the crowd into a tizzy.
Elsewhere is one of the few local clubs with a younger yet quite respectful audience.
Time and time again I’m impressed that Elsewhere draws a younger crowd, and they are consistently respectful and enjoyable. Not to sound like the elder in the club (which I am), but most younger audiences are sloppy — either too drunk, or simply unaware of the unwritten rules of clubbing.
But the younger crowd at Elsewhere strike me as old souls, and part of this is the membership. Those willing to pay for and use a membership take pride in their club, and that pride shows. No one is perfect, and some outliers always exist, but overall, the Elsewhere crowd really raises the bar.
On this particular night, I came for Dusky, but also the local supporter, BRUX. I’d seen her name on lineups around the city and heard her on local radio shows, but this was my first time seeing her live. As excited as I was to see her in this context, I also thought I’d wander into the other room to take advantage of the far-flung styles being hosted that night.
Between BRUX and Dusky, however, my crew only left the main stage twice and returned rather quickly — not that the other artists weren’t great, but because we’d been so drawn in by these two acts. Sometimes, being fully immersed in the journey an artist lays out is simply the way to go.
All in all, I continue to tell anyone that will listen that they should get out to Elsewhere more often. Whether you know the headliner, the full lineup, or no one on the marquee that night, you are sure to have a great time. The Elsewhere community will take you where you need to go every night!
