James Johnson is the co-founder of Brooklyn DIY venue and gallery HECK. You can find him writing about music subcultures across the internet, and on his site activecultur.es.
New York’s new Office of Nightlife intends to support and legalize smaller DIY venues, making it easier for those that are up to code to flourish. But many underground spaces have no intentions of becoming legitimate spaces.
maskmag.com is an online repository of youth and internet culture packed with interviews, editorials, news, and style in the age of unrest. To contribute, visit our writer’s guide.