3 Dollar Bill Brooklyn, NY
Web: notdeadyetmedia.com/sadgirlhours
Contact: heather@hdamgmt.com
Players: HDA x Kerosene Management (Heather de Armas), rlyblonde, Breaker, Beau
For the second year in a row, Sad Girl Hours welcomed New York’s indie community back to the iconic 3 Dollar Bill. Created by HDA x Kerosene Management, the event has grown from a local showcase into what they now call the “Not-Conference Conference.” Starting with “Educational Hours,” industry experts provided valuable insights on topics including collaboration, breaking through the noise, finding your team, branding, deal-making, and entrepreneurial endeavors. Attendees basked in advice from real-world professionals like managers, A&Rs, lawyers, and publicists before chatting with them in a happy hour mixer.
The after-hours showcase spotlighted local New York talents rlyblonde, Breaker, Beau, and DJ Rodney Hazard. Guests tried to sneak in during happy hour for soundcheck to catch a peek. Once doors opened, the audience poured in from the bar. Rlyblonde opened the show, setting the stage for the night with their signature rock-pop sound. Vocalist Carina Allen belted over improvised guitar solos and dancing drums, electrifying the crowd before giving way to Breaker. Led by N.Y.C. native Breaker Novogratz, their set maintained the momentum with soulful vocals and textured guitar work, all bathed in warm red and orange lights. Breaker has yet to release an official EP, but the band’s vibe is already infectious.
Headliner Beau followed. Lead Heather Goldin captivated the crowd with her smooth vocal tone and well-crafted harmonies. Beau’s music is rich with emotion, but they never let the energy drop. Instead, pop-rock guitar riffs and syncopated drums provided a perfect transition between the stage sets and the closing dance party with Rodney Hazard. A multi-hyphenate musician and artist, Hazard’s set brought a blend of Latin, R&B, and Afro beats to 3 Dollar Bill. He created the perfect chilled, immersive soundscape for the crowd to dance the night away. From start to finish, Sad Girl Hours provided their attendees with education, entertainment, and community.
HDA x Kerosene Management is looking to expand on Sad Girl Hours in the coming years, bringing more meetups, showcases, and virtual panels to the New York indie scene. Their goal is to provide resources and community for up-and-coming artists and professionals in an industry that can feel impossible to break into. They will be announcing more events this summer, so be sure to check out their website for more information.
Full disclosure: The author is a member of the Sad Girl Hours team.
