Bandwagon Summer Series: Underground System

“Whether political philosopher Emma Goldman actually said, “If I can’t dance, I don’t want to be part of your revolution,” or not is still up for debate, there’s no doubt that New York City’s Underground System wholly embodies that vibe” – Remezcla 

If you’ve crossed paths with Underground System, then you’ve witnessed the group’s larger than life presence. 

One of the most dynamic bands to emerge from New York City in recent years, Underground System continuously innovates a brand of global dance music that is uniquely their own. Frontwoman Domenica Fossati cites “A true New York eclecticism” running through the band’s core. Whether in recorded form, selecting records, or on stage at one of their acclaimed live shows, they are a group that is happiest at play, as Rolling Stone put it, “making exuberant dance music that blooms out into countless directions.”

The group’s co-leader, Peter Matson, describes “a natural synthesis of styles” born out of a journey from humble beginnings performing rare grooves and DJing bars around Brooklyn, to the development of an authentically original, internationally touring indie-dance band with a story just beginning to be told. The production and release of 2018’s debut LP ‘What Are You’ (Soul Clap Records) proved to be the springboard that set the group in motion. Re-contextualizing and breathing fresh life into elements of afrobeat, dance punk, disco and electronic music, the album was received with international acclaim. KCRW’s most underrated album of the year lauded its ‘David Byrne meets Soulwax’ sensibilities. Features from Billboard, NPR/PRI, and a US tour with labelmates Soul Clap and Midnight Magic, alongside the growing word of mouth enthusiasm within their local Brooklyn community kickstarted the band’s journey abroad. 

In December 2018, as ‘What Are You’ began catching the ears of discerning listeners overseas, Underground System’s featured performance at French tastemaking festival Transmusicales launched the band into an 18-show European tour in 2019. Appearances included Eurockeennes de Belfort, Fusion Festival in Germany, and a headlining slot at Laurent Garnier’s Festival Yeah!. Heavy EU radio play, press, and remixes from dance music legends Gerd Janson and Greg Wilson continued to affirm this group’s Brooklyn-bred sound was meant for the global stage. 

Much in the way the band has been able to take a unique locally developed sound further abroad, a partnership between Underground System, Brooklyn based label Razor-n-Tape, and French label Heavenly Sweetness in the EU has led the group into their next era. Their ‘Into The Fire’ EP, the first in a series of two, was released in Spring 2022. Featuring 3 originals and accompanying remixes from French Touch maestro Yuksek and Detroit’s own Andres, it served as a lively return to recorded form and international touring. The 2nd EP, ‘Looking In’ will release in spring of 2023, with an additional offering of originals and club ready remixes further cementing the bands penchant for clever songwriting that meets the listener on their way to the dancefloor.

Co-presented with the Stone Church.

The Bandwagon Summer Series is a family-friendly outdoor cultural performance series running from early May through mid-October. More than 20 performances ranging from a diverse group of musical styles, circus arts, dance, and theater will take place at ballfields, farms, and parks throughout Windham County. Kids under 12 always get in for free, and a dedicated play area will be available at all shows. Refreshments are sold onsite, including the return of the hugely popular Barr Hill cocktails. Bring a picnic and a blanket or fold-up chair to enjoy our concerts.

Support for the Bandwagon Summer Series is provided by Brattleboro Reformer, Landmark College, Oak Meadow, Barr Hill, Vermont Public, The Porch, and Southern Vermont Solar.