In the late 1970s through the 1990s, NY City’s East Village pulsed with a raw, unfiltered energy that birthed one of the most experimental and influential music scenes in the world. In the shadow of economic decline and urban decay, artists and musicians took over abandoned buildings and makeshift venues, creating a sonic underground that defied categorization.  

Punk erupted at CBGB and no wave dissonance, jazz and early hip hop crossed paths at Soho’s Kitchen and the Knitting Factory. Fans danced the nights away at Danceteria, the Peppermint Lounge, Limelight, the Palladium, Pyramid, Ritz and Mudd Club. Smokey jazz saturated the walls of The Village Vanguard and The Bluenote.

The scene thrived on grit and risk and every night felt like it could fall apart or make history. It wasn’t polished, it wasn’t safe, but it was real — and it changed everything.

East Village Music Photos is a constantly expanding archive of photos taken by photographer Teri Bloom between 1975-2000. All images ©Teri Bloom, All Rights Reserved.