Eskalators Explained

Eskalators
Origin:Brooklyn, New York, United States
Genre:Punk
Years Active:2007  - Present
Label:Never Break Down
Associated Acts:The Best Thing Ever

The Eskalators are an American Brooklyn-based steampunk and vegan musical collective, puppeteering ensemble, and experimental street mime troupe, formed by Eric Williams in the summer of 2007.[1] The group is known for holding elaborate, public performances, fire poi artistry, and flash mobs on New York City Subway cars without formal written consent from the subway's operator, the MTA.[2]

Founding

Eric Williams was driving cross-country with the members of The Best Thing Ever to film a documentary about them. During the middle of the trip, he decided to start his own band to open shows for The Best Thing Ever, and was soon joined by Alec Billig and Jennifer Page of The Best Thing Ever.[1] They played their first show on an escalator at the Mall of America.

The Eskalators released their first recording, Never Break Down, in April 2008. Shortly after, New York City promoter Joe Ahearn approached the band about performing on a subway car before one of his upcoming shows.[3] The Eskalators agreed, and have continued to play subway shows, each centered on a different Subway station and train line.[4]

Members

Active members include:

Discography

EPs

width=5% Yearwidth=30% Titlewidth=10% Label
2008Never Break DownNever Break Down Records
2009Cats & Dogs Living TogetherNever Break Down Records

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Featuring Leia Jospe, Jack Greenleaf, and a live set and interview from the Eskalators!: Hits From The Crypt with Keilidh. Wfmu.org. 22 September 2020.
  2. Web site: Joe Ahearn on Promoting Guerrilla Concerts -- New York Magazine. Nymag.com. 13 March 2009 . 22 September 2020.
  3. Web site: Following SleepWhenDeadNYC's Subway Show from Bowery JMZ to Goodbye Blue Monday . 2009-05-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20081023175419/http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/archives/2008/06/following_sleep.php . 2008-10-23 . dead .
  4. Web site: SleepWhenDead's Fourth Subway Show This Saturday, Starring the Eskalators and the Beats . 2009-05-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090503235848/http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/archives/2009/04/eskalators_subw.php . 2009-05-03 . dead .