Cross-Pollination, which has been heralded by the New York Times as “an impressive feat of indie gumption,” will celebrate 5 years of supporting the best up and coming musicians with their 237th show on May 12th. The weekly concert series are offering the second volume in their free, commemorative mixtape series featuring exclusive tracks from artists who have played Cross-Pollination throughout the years (download link below). Countless artists have broken since playing the series – My Brightest Diamond, Cloud Cult, Kimya Dawson, Frightened Rabbit, Jaymay, Jukebox the Ghost, Nicole Atkins and Kevin Devine just to name a few.
Cross-Pollination was created by Jay Goettelmann and Wesley Verhoeve, the founders of creative collective Liberated Matter, with the hope of bringing artists together in a unique way. They came up with the concept of pairing two artists together, with each playing a 45-minute set, followed by a collaborative set in which both performers share the stage. These special sets are ‘one time art’ and have included everything from bands joining in on each others songs, collaborating on covers, and co-writing new songs for the event.
Cross-Pollination not only offers audiences exposure to new music that is easy on their wallets (all shows are free!), but it fosters a community among artists. After Cross-Pollination collaborations artists have formed bands, gone on tour together, and even started dating!
NYC rockers The Bloodsugars and Dinosaur Feathers will play Cross-Pollination’s 5th Anniversary show on May 12th on Piano’s main stage.
In July 2008 Liberated Matter and independent digital retailer Amie Street teamed up to spread the word about Cross-Pollination and provide an outlet for Cross-Pollination artists to sell their music.
Cover design is a different color scheme of the original Vol. 1 illustration that was designed by the wonderfully talented Arianna Stolt.