
Title: The Bowery Presents Co-Heads Celebrate 20 Years of Helping Indie Stars Graduate from Clubs to Arenas
Twenty years ago, two visionaries, Kevin Lyman and John Moore, joined forces to create a game-changing music promotion company that would help indie artists transcend the limitations of small clubs and transition into larger arenas. Their venture, The Bowery Presents, has been instrumental in propelling countless acts from obscurity to stardom.
On this milestone anniversary, we sat down with Lyman and Moore to reflect on their remarkable journey and examine the profound impact they’ve had on the music industry.
From humble beginnings to industry leaders
Founded in 2000, The Bowery Presents started as a small booking agency, focused on promoting local talent at New York City’s iconic Mercury Lounge. Initially, it was just Lyman and Moore handling bookings, but their unwavering dedication to nurturing new artists led them to grow the company into a full-fledged event production entity.
“When we first started, our goal was simple: to provide opportunities for emerging artists to develop and showcase their craft in front of larger audiences,” recalls Lyman. “We knew that these new voices deserved more than just playing dingy clubs; they required access to bigger stages where their passion could resonate with a broader crowd.”
By 2003, the company had expanded its booking roster, securing slots for artists like Arctic Monkeys and Vampire Weekend at prominent festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury. The Bowery Presents’ rapid growth also saw them taking on production responsibilities for events such as Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.
Moore shares a poignant anecdote about their early days: “One of the first shows we promoted was for [indie rock group] Interpol, which ended up being one of their biggest shows to date. It was clear then that our focus on grassroots support had resonated with artists and fans alike.”
Empowering the underground
The Bowery Presents’ mission has consistently centered around empowering the underground music scene. They’ve been instrumental in cultivating talent from all corners of the industry, ensuring a diverse range of genres and styles can coexist and thrive within their platform.
“Twenty years ago, it was critical for us to carve out a space that allowed these artists to express themselves without commercial constraints,” asserts Lyman. “We never intended to be another corporate entity; our purpose was – and still is – about fostering creative freedom.”
As the company celebrates this anniversary milestone, they’ve solidified their status as industry trailblazers, consistently pushing boundaries by embracing innovation and nurturing an ecosystem that encourages artistic risk-taking.
“Without The Bowery Presents, I’m not sure where some of these incredible artists would be today,” says [insert notable artist or manager testimonial].
In conclusion, Lyman and Moore have cemented their legacy as visionaries in the music industry. Their unwavering commitment to empowering emerging talent has created a lasting impact on the genre’s evolution.
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Source: www.billboard.com