School Night
Shadowed beneath the iconic Capitol Records Building in Hollywood, CA is the birthplace of the next wave in popular music: School Night, a launching pad for some of the most successful and compelling artists of the past decade. Almost every Monday night, the historic AVALON & BARDOT venue is transformed into an incubator for up-and-comers under a playful name that highlights the unusual yet intriguing opportunity to go to a concert, have a drink, and make potentially life-changing deals on a weeknight.
With a track record consisting of award-winners and superstars in almost every genre, ‘School Night’ has become a true novelty in the discovery space. Performers and audiences flock to this small, intimate club weekly to connect and potentially discover someone before the masses have heard their name.
Founded in 2010, School Night has showcased some of the most extraordinary local and international talents of our time. Current alumni range from mainstream Grammy winners like Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, and Lizzo, to decade-defining alternative artists including Two Door Cinema Club, HAIM, and Rüfüs Du Sol. While gaining initial traction, artists of all scopes have stopped at the small School Night venue at Hollywood and Vine to pilot their careers.
I had never heard of the event before a chance encounter at an internship dinner where School Night was a standout topic of conversation. It was the middle of summer, and I had no obligations, so I was intrigued to experience what seemed like an underground yet business-focused concert where I could potentially find my next favorite singer or artist.
In truth, I felt late to the party. Completely naive to the long-rooted history of the venue and the track record of SN, I walked down an ancient set of stairs and emerged into a herd of anxious music enthusiasts. The air was thick and buzzing with chatter and excitement from teenagers, photographers, radio hosts, label executives, and other bands and artists who had come to watch. While completely out of my element, it felt easy to become immediately invested in each band, stay attentive, and haphazardly meet the up-and-coming class of industry newbies.
The show opened with Japanese Rock band Okamoto’s, followed by Elvis-inspired, vintage-adjacent Brigitte Calls Me Baby, Toronto-based Boy Wonder, and finally, indie-alternative, New York City-based boy band, Rebounder. As I walked around the club, I listened to stories of past performances and historic moments that took place on the nearby stage. I couldn’t help but feel entranced by the possible history I could witness in the venue that very night.
Unknown to the wider audience is the behind-the-scenes operation to live stream the entire show and provide exclusive content with the class of early risers. Hidden behind a nondescript black curtain near the club’s bar was the backstage entrance to the larger conjoined theater, which was transformed into a live streaming hub. In post-game interview style, artists are met with live questions that tap into their performance and give an opportunity for fans to connect directly with performers.
The magic of School Night is in the ever-present possibility of being one of the first to discover a diamond in the rough of Hollywood hopefuls. Entertainment in Los Angeles lives and dies in cafe conversations, mid-city highrises, and underground venues, and School Night provides an outlet for engagement on a night that is otherwise wasted in the eyes of those hoping to achieve and experience stardom. There is something transcendental about live music, and it becomes more special when you get the chance to witness someone powerful in their early development.