6.7 A wknd w/ Emi Larraud
The artist on studs and latex, a Fire Marshall-feared amount of hairspray and his next show SUNDAY NIGHT at Arlene's Grocery
TWIDDLE THOSE FRIDAY THUMBS NO LONGER DEAR SUBSCRIBER, FOR YOUR WKND SETLIST HATH FINALLY ARRIVED—
Sun was a-shinin’. Wine was a-flowin’. Still before midnight though. Counts!!
So now, without extra ado, introducing this week’s SETLIST star… your weekend warrior…. the brains, the brawn, the NYC expertise and the (most importantly) music behind your weekend plans: Emi Larraud!
For those unfamiliar, Emi is a Brooklyn-based electronic artist and self-described “synthesizer nerd and 80s groupie at heart.”
For those uninitiated, Emi’s shows essentially feel like one long, rowdy, romantic flourish. Style and showmanship are built in while additions like background dancers are an official part of the program. It’s like if you took the most joyful and fun moment of every concert you’ve ever seen, but stretched it for an entire show. Like the concept of the cherry on top, but if the ice-cream sundae was … liiiike…. entirely made of cherries. Or something like that.
But beyond impression, let’s talk intention. With his shows, Emi’s goal has always been “to create a space where people could come and dance, party, be totally entertained, and feel completely free.” Which just so happen to.be our four favorite verbs/states! And you have the opp to experience them all at the artist’s show THIS SUNDAY at Arlene’s Grocery—
Before we bounce out for the weekend, a note on Emi’s latest release. “NEED U2NIGHT” is one track (presented three ways) and is described by the artist as “the epitome of synth driven, mirror ball flavored, dance-in-the-kitchen music.”
So on that note, we’ll meet you in the kitchen… or maybe just the Grocery. Have a great weekend <333333
[BUT FIRST: PRESS PLAY]
FRIDAY
Wake up, head on up to your and meditate in the sun for 10 minutes. Take in the sounds of the train, the buses and cars, the occasional seagull, and the ice cream truck that haunts the streets of Bushwick. Get dressed (minimally, it’s hot out, and if you’re like me, you’re in desperate need of a tan anyway).
Grab a coffee and breakfast burrito over at Santa Fe BK, then head on over to Greenpoint’s Dream Fishing Tackle for some vinyl hunting. Take a stroll through McCarren park, or just sit and people watch. Take a few moments to fall in love with all the hot strangers you see and relish in the heartbreak of realizing you’ll probably never see them again. By this point, the heartbreak will be replaced by hunger. Take the L train into Manhattan to refuel at Plado Tasting Bar, a delicious tapas style restaurant that will leave you satiated without feeling like you’ve chugged a loaf of bread. The brisket croquettes disintegrate in your mouth, and the gnocchi are like a warm hug coated in creamy goodness. If you wanna go out dancing to disco and house classics, you can then head on over to Joyface, or if you wanna get your nails in addition to getting a light workout in on the dance floor, Beauty Bar.
SATURDAY
Start the day with brunch or breakfast at Zatar in Bushwick. Grab a coffee for the road and walk on over to L Train or Trash and Vaudeville, find some cool leather, latex or studded denim to wear when you see Emi Larraud perform on Sunday (if you don’t already have any on hand). Now I may hate the summer heat more than I hate wet socks and MTA service on the weekend, but I’m a sucker for an evening summer sky. This is where we take the train up to Central Park and find a nice patch of green to lay on, listen to some music, and munch on a pretzel. Personally, I often find myself craving something sweet after the laborious task of lounging on the grass, so stop by Fortunato Brothers for some delicious Italian pastries on your way back home.
SUNDAY
The big day. Tonight is the greatest party in all of New York City (my show at Arlene’s grocery. Obviously). We’re gonna dance. We’re gonna sweat. We’re gonna scream and jump and feel all of the emotions only a sweaty dance floor and some good old fashioned drum machine and synth driven music can convey. I wake up. Chug a Celsius. Shower. Deck myself out in leather, studs, jewelry, glitter, makeup, all of the above. Today is the not the day for minimalism. I tease my hair, douse it in hairspray til the air in the room is flammable. Head on over to Arlene’s to warm up with my dancers before we hit the stage at 10 PM. We affectionately call our show the greatest party in NYC for a reason. It’s part burlesque, part soul train, part MTV’s golden era meets Studio 54. It’s a live show and a dance party all in one. It’s Emi Larraud live at Arlene’s Grocery.
Itinerary above written + submitted by Emi Larraud. Follow the artist at @emilarraud and add the songs to your Spotify playlists!
Feature image provided by the artist.
MORNING ANNOUNCEMENTS
‘Tis the season of punks on islands, and this weekend you’ve got TWO opportunities to see rad n rowdy bands whilst totally surrounded by water. Punk Island is a FREE fest taking place all day tomorrow on Randall’s Island (info for how to get there is here), while our pals at MakerPark Radio are throwing their second weekend (two nights!) of Punk Rock Mini Golf on Staten Island. Bus, boat or swim yo’ self over then get ready to get weird. Gilligan could never.
NEXT TUESDAY! It’s another round of STRONG LITTLE SONGS with Emily Jeanne Brown + Mitch Meyer + Evangeline Young + co-host Arlo Indigo at BdBK HQ (again, that’s just Sam’s apartment). This round we’re raising money for UNICEF, and BdBK is matching the first $150 in donations. Doors at 7:30 (note: 30 minutes later this time) & music at 8 — as always, BYOB and DM 4 address ❤️
Everyone’s favorite photographer, BdBK bff, true angel and bona fide queen of the scene Michelle LoBianco (@brooklynelitist 2 you) is giving back—even more than usual—this month. With every artist she photographs, she’s offered to donate 50% of her fee to the charity of the artist’s choice. DM her for booking and details. <3
RELEASE RADAR
New(ish) stuff from local (+ occasionally, once-local) artists we love, listed in no particular order whatsoever:
america’s boyfriend // sandile
You Could Stay In One Spot, and I’d Love You The Same // Sabrina Song
Savoir Adore // Savoir Adore
Big Wave // Razor Braids
“Homesick” // Glimmer
“Deliverance” // Komodos
+ ICYMI
Around the blog + on the radio + from the archives:
VIDEO PREMIERE: "DISLOCATED EYE" FROM SMOKE BREAK
THE SETLIST by Bands do BK is a reader-supported publication that’s freeeee. BUT! If you want to become a paid subscriber to show some love and support the work BdBK is doing… well, hey. That’d be pretty rad of you. <3