Bushwick Grand, the brand and movement that began in Bushwick, Brooklyn, NYC back in 2014 is all thanks to five inspiring creatives. Bushwick Grand is a collective organization set in place to represent underground Brooklyn in it’s entirety. They bring together an audience of both creatives and consumer to vibe within one wavelength. The collective stated to TUC Magazine, “We wanted to put out something representative of the underground Brooklyn that we know; as the city around us changes”. As the city evolves like they said, Bushwick Grand only gets bigger and bigger.
Bushwick Grand organizes events and puts together a lifestyle that focuses on inclusiveness and good vibes. It also hits home for many of those who have grown up in Brooklyn and religiously support and attend every event. The collective is composed of five members and each play an important role in Bushwick Grand. We had a chance to interview Josh (Co- Founder/ Operations Manager), Taahir (Co-Founder/Co- Creative Director), Nick (Co-Creative Director, Branding and Lead Animator), Drew (Chief Financial Operator), Zeko (Event Coordinator, VIP Specialist and Go-To Studio Photographer). The reason for their success all stands behind everyone’s ability to prosper and work together efficiently. While Josh and Drew are the business minds, Taahir and Nick manifest and create the overall aesthetic and Zeko caters to our A list guests and attendee’s. The atmosphere they have brought on to each event and the passion they put behind their work has got them the recognition they have obtained today.
Without further due, TUC Magazine had the pleasure to interview the collective behind Bushwick Grand. They spoke to us about their success in the industry, advice and their further plans in expansion for the company into other branches.
Paulette: How did the Bushwick Grand come about and where is the origin of the collective?
BG: Bushwick Grand was originated in Bushwick, Brooklyn NYC. Tired of going out in to the unknown, “We wanted to put out something representative of the underground Brooklyn that we know; as the city around us changes.”
Paulette: What is the central idea of this collective?
BG: To curate an environment where creators and consumers can come together to experience the same vibe and atmosphere. “If you had a bad day, join us and have a great night.”
Paulette: Is that the motto you guys stand behind?
BG: That is our motto, but to elaborate on that, we do day events as well. The motto is ultimately just a representation of the getaway that we gear our events to mean to our guests.
Paulette: How long has Bushwick Grand been around?
BG: Bushwick Grand started in 2014 as an idea between Josh and Taahir and expanded in to a collective with Nick, Drew and Zeko in 2016.
Paulette: How many events has Bushwick Grand created or been a part of? Which event do you believe has been the most successful and why?
BG: Bushwick Grand has created or been a part of upwards of to 30 events. Success depends on what you define it as. In our opinion, it’s a toss up between our Double Vision event and our Requests and Blends concept (with MMIJ the DJ, both at Café Erzulie in Brooklyn.) Where each concept is catered to interactive experiences with the guests.
Paulette: What is Bushwick Grand’s main audience target?
BG: Our main target audience is 50% creatives and 50% consumers.
Paulette:What are some goals the collective inspires with Bushwick Grand?
BG: Expansion out of New York is a major goal for us, as well as a central location(office or creative space) without having to utilize outside vendors. [Also having 5 Porches back to back to enjoy all the fruits of our labor would be a plus, Ha.]
Paulette: Understanding Bushwick originated in the state of New York, is it a possibility it will expand to other parts of the United States?
BG: As stated in question 8, we will be expanding into outside markets, starting with our House guests concert series in collaboration with Airbnb, stay tuned. Follow our webpage for those concerts here: http://bushwickgrand.com/index.php/events/
Paulette: What has been the cities response to the events and the movement Bushwick Grand promotes?
BG: Our city has been here for us with extremely positive energy from the beginning. Luckily we’ve been also been able to attract guests from around the world and look forward to expanding even further.
Paulette: If you could describe the vibe of these events in one word what would it be?
BG: Inclusive
Paulette: Who or what inspired the creation behind Bushwick Grand?
BG: The music of Kaytranda and Soulection to be honest, the energy we felt from listening to them pushed our need to curate our own environment. Ultimately of course, the people.
Paulette: What other industries do you see the collective branching in to?”
BG: We are about to release our first run of merchandise, which is geared towards being street wear and not just a novelty item for promotion. In addition, Our brother company, Project Heiven, is a non-profit organization focused towards expanding the minds and reach of the creative youth.
Paulette: How has the experience been to all work together, bring upon ideas and create such successful events in the process?
BG: Having multiple members in our collective allows for a thriving environment because each individual is free to give their input and suggestions while we all sit together and analyze and dissect each and every idea.
Paulette: What would be the collective’s advice in starting something as Bushwick Grand as a collective rather than doing everything solo?
BG: Most importantly is having clearly defined roles. One of our biggest strengths is that we each know our areas of expertise and strength and we completely have faith in one another to do so.
Paulette: How does the collective go about picking artists, djs or anyone to be a part of these events?
BG: We share each and every talent so that, as a collective, we can give our personal thoughts and opinions. We mostly analyze the live performances to ensure that each act is able to provide to feel and vibe we aim to present. Before we book anything, whether it’s the venue, DJ, Host or Artist(s), we must come to a unanimous decision.
Paulette: Overall, where will Bushwick Grand be in five years?
BG: Expansion as a creative curating company, while being a juggernaut and staple of NYC culture.
“As a closing statement, we plan to push the creative envelope and shift the paradigm of NYC event and lifestyle culture. Follow Bushwick Grand on all social media @_bushwickgrand.”
