Subterra Sounds has partnered up with different cafes to open up a performing space for emerging artists through improvisational jams. Horatio, the creator of Subterra Sounds, aims to bring together a community of creativity and diversity on a mission of peace and love.
The Subterra Sounds music production studio values the voices of diverse musicians. Their weekly improvisational live jams opens up space for upcoming musicians to join in and promote their own music. Every Wednesday night, artists and bands are invited to join in with a range of diverse sounds such as Hip-hop, jazz, Latin music, Neo Soul R&B, etc. Though they are always adjusting to different venues, currently their jams can be found at the event venue About Last Night in Bushwick NYC. Horatio is the leading man of these events, though he prefers to call himself the messenger as he encourages music, messages, and stories. The concept is dedicated to provide opportunities for young emerging artists and those in underground genres or independent scenes to share their craft. The result is an authentic experience where the artists can freely express themselves in an intimate, supportive environment. Their new jam is titled About Last Jam.
Subterra Sounds Live Jam via @subterrasoundnyc
The Subterra Sounds recording studio was created in 2019 in the basement of the LES Nature with the intention of encouraging authentic music and stories, an alternative to consumerism and low vibrational music, opening opportunities for different genres. “It welcomes artists from various backgrounds, genres, and cultures, creating a melting pot of artistic expression that reflects the richness of our community,” Horatio says about Subterra Sounds' live jams. The jams began in the midst of the pandemic where people were most isolated, and became an integral part of their platform. Their previous event Living Room Sessions was curated when Horatio met Spiritual DJ Myk Tummolo, one of the owners of Xroads Cafe and creator of JunXion. Now, their jams will have a larger venue and a full sound system, just a couple of blocks down from Xroads Cafe. At the events, anyone, including the audience, is encouraged to join, and are provided equipment, sound boards and instruments.
Performing in an intimate place allows artists to connect with an audience in an authentic way. Subterra Sounds has been aiming to curate these intimate spaces for artists for over two years, dating back to 2022 when their live jams were originally called Subterra Groove Bazaar. “A few years back, the jam was being held at the Loisaida Community Center. Subterra Groove Bazaar was the first iteration of the jam when I was partnering with my friend Nader from Iran. We don’t use that name anymore, though. We started the jam around September 2021 when the need of getting back together was strong and most places were still closed,” Horatio says about the origins of the mic jams. “And now, we’re at Crossroads Cafe since 2025. The gipsy jam won't stop, can’t stop!"
Subterra Groove Bazaar via @subterrasoundnyc
The importance of having performing spaces for emerging artists is that it fosters a sense of belonging within a small, supportive environment, thus encouraging creativity. Considering the impact of the pandemic where people were divided and isolated in different parts of the world, Subterra Sounds’ live mic jams brought people together. “Now that we have a consistent place to host our jam, we want to enhance the quality and make it accessible to our entire local community. Since 2021, Subterra has moved several times but sticks to its mission of liberation and showcasing all artforms.”