WHAT IS SOUNDFACTORY?
For those uninitiated, unfamiliar, unable, unwilling or unknowing souls who
unaware of the rare phenomenon that is Soundfactory we offer the following:
Soundfactory is known simply as “The Legend”. It blessed the New York nightlife scene for over fifteen years, from 1989 to 2004, and in that time defined underground and afterhours for the youth of New York. Initially introduced as a strictly gay establishment, its popularity and reputation progressed so quickly that the heterosexual population of the city clamored at its doors for access.
Famed for its music, its devotion to dance and its consummate and incomparable sound, it could have thrived and prospered for many years on those qualities alone. Not content to simply provide a space with music and sound, Soundfactory re-invented itself week to week, establishing a reputation for entertainment unequalled in the nightlife scene anywhere in the world. Theme parties and elaborate productions, live performances and the uncommon events became common occurrences. These were the natural and consistent consequence of Soundfactory’s existence.
Underground lifestyles, house music and raw and unembellished space became popular and commonly accepted standards due to the Soundfactory influence. Soundfactory set the trends in all things. Music, fashion, dance and social awareness were re-born and popularized in this institution. Metro-sexuality had its birth in Soundfactory and thrived there for many years before it became socially acceptable. The impact of this nightclub on the lives of youth around the world is incalculable. A night at Soundfactory was not merely an experience; it was an immersion into the realm of sensory fulfillment, a passionate journey into a renewed perception and acceptance of oneself and others.
The structures, and there were two, that housed this legend were not unique. They were ordinary, isolated and non-descript warehouses on the farthest West side of New York. The conversion of these warehouses was minimal and compliance based.
The original character and individuality of the buildings and the characteristics that defined them as warehouses were treasured and preserved. These qualities were simply amplified and embellished, exposed and appreciated. The spaces were immaculate, raw, rugged, simplistic and the precursor of understatement in nightclub decor.
The music was essentially House in all its variations and forms and eventually supplanted disco. Deep and throbbing, base driven and underground, it was uniquely Soundfactory until its popularity resulted in its commercialization. The sound was custom and tweaked and nurtured and equalized each week. It was never offensive or overwhelming but it was pure and pristine and powerful.
The most redeeming and distinguishing qualities of “The Legend” were its affirmation of simple kindness and generosity, the giving and caring and sharing of its patrons and staff. When you entered its portals you were not permitted to be lonely or sad, disenfranchised or alienated. You crossed the threshold into sphere of goodness and acceptance and the music and the night and the people comforted and sustained you.
