The Schoolhouse
Encyclopedia
The Schoolhouse is a mid-19th century public school building that was used as a performance space from 2001-2005, it is located at 30 West Street in the farming town of Hadley, Massachusetts
in the Pioneer Valley
of Western Massachusetts
. The building was originally referred to as "Hadley District School House No. 2".
When the space was in use as a performance space it was colloquially referred to as "The Schoolhouse". While in operation, the space hosted a variety of experimental and avant-garde music events featuring local, national, and international artists. Over this period, The Schoolhouse became a major venue in the noise, freak folk
, and New Weird America
scenes of the mid-aughts.
’s Thurston Moore
, noted independent music producer and Wilco
/Sonic Youth
collaborator Jim O'Rourke
, and free jazz duo Paul Flaherty & Chris Corsano
all performing together under the name Double Dream/Action Leopards Unit. Openers that night included noise band Yellow Swans
from Portland, Oregon, Scott Foust’s Idea Fire Company, and Western Massachusetts’ avant-pop trio Yonk Yonk.
In October of 2002, Western Massachusetts
experimental art-rock band Fat Worm of Error
played their first show at the Schoolhouse.
Other performers at The Schoolhouse include: Animental, Anthro Rex, Barn Owl, Belltone Suicide, Bengeorge7, Bromp Treb, Can't, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone
, Cass McCombs
, Cherry Blossoms, Chiara Giovando, Deerhunter
, Deflator Mouse, Defneg, Dreamhouse, Dredd Foole, Dude Law, Emil Beaulieau
(aka Ron Lessard of RRRecords
), Feathers, Hands, Horse Spirit Penetrates, Jason Anderson, Jimmy Cousins, John Wiese
, Johnny Franchise and the Merchandise, Jonny Corndawg, Joshua Burkett, Kites, Lazy Magnet, M Ax Noi Mach, Mammal, Misty, Movies With Live Soundtracks, Neon Hunk
, Paul and Val, Rave Party, Red Favorite, Rustle, Schurt Kwitters, Scientifics, Sharon Cheslow
, Son Of Earth, Steamrollers, Steve Zultanski, Summer Jam Band, Tarp, Tiger Saw
, USAIsAMonster, Vampire Belt (Bill Nace & Chris Corsano
) w/ Thurston Moore
and various Paperrad musical performances and installation projects such as Extreme Animals, Dr. Doo, Doo Man Group, and schoolhouse rave.
during the period putting out releases by bengeorge7, Anthro Rex, Noise Nomads, Yonk Yonk, Diagram A, Tumblecat Poof Poofy Poof, and Grey Skull.
Other notable Breaking World Record’s releases include the first Ducktails 7" (side project of Real Estate (band)
guitar player Matt Mondanile), Paperrad musical component Dr. Doo In Fucland CD-r/DVD-r, and Fat Worm of Error
side projects’ Bromp Treb Twins 7” and Schwurt Kwitters s/t cdr.
. In addition to the Schoolhouse, underground and left-of-center shows were also regularly booked at the Flywheel Arts Collective (a non-profit performing arts space) in Easthampton, MA, The Shed (a “punkspot” literally housed in a backyard toolshed) in Palmer, MA, as well as the formation of the Autonomous Battleship Collective (a psych/folk collective) operating mainly out of the Montague Bookmill in Montague, MA. In addition to these collectives, Byron Coley
and Thurston Moore
's Ecstatic Yod
record and bookstore in Florence, MA also hosted a number performances by different national and international acts.
In an interview with Blastitude webzine in 2004, Fat Worm of Error
’s Neil “Kayleen” Young said, “Western Mass benefits from being far enough away from NYC & Boston that some of the more fashionable elements overlook us, plus we don't have either of their wretched regional accents… However, we do benefit from being in close enough proximity for touring folks to pass on through, and a nice little circuit has been from Boston - Providence - Western Mass - Brattleboro, VT - Albany/Troy, NY - New Haven, CT - NYC.”
In a 2010 interview with Pitchfork
, when asked by Pitchfork
contributor Marc Masters why so much interesting stuff goes on in Western Mass, Tim Sheldon of Fat Worm of Error
responded, “It’s confusing to us sometimes.”
Hadley, Massachusetts
Hadley is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. The population was 4,793 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The area around Hampshire Mall and Mountain Farms Mall along Route 9 is a major shopping destination for the surrounding...
in the Pioneer Valley
Pioneer Valley
The Pioneer Valley is the colloquial name for the U.S. Commonwealth of Massachusetts's portion of the Connecticut River Valley. The Pioneer Valley consists of three counties in Massachusetts which collectively feature much of New England's most fertile farmland...
of Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts is a loosely defined geographical region of the U.S. state of Massachusetts which contains the Berkshires, the Pioneer Valley, and some or all of the Swift River Valley. The region is always considered to include Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, and the...
. The building was originally referred to as "Hadley District School House No. 2".
When the space was in use as a performance space it was colloquially referred to as "The Schoolhouse". While in operation, the space hosted a variety of experimental and avant-garde music events featuring local, national, and international artists. Over this period, The Schoolhouse became a major venue in the noise, freak folk
Freak folk
Freak folk is a genre of folk music associated with contemporary artists such as Faun Fables, Animal Collective, Davenport, Devendra Banhart,CocoRosie, Panda Bear, Kelli Ali, Joanna Newsom, Bowerbirds, Woods, Greg Weeks, Hecuba, Akron/Family, Rio en Medio, Birdengine, Sufjan Stevens, Sean Hayes,...
, and New Weird America
New Weird America
New Weird America describes a subgenre of psychedelic and indie music, often psych folk, of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.-Origin of the term:...
scenes of the mid-aughts.
Layout
The Schoolhouse was originally constructed as a one room school building in the middle of the 19th century. The main performance area at the space was in the original classroom of the building. Two-thirds of the wall space in the room were still covered with chalkboards. Performances in this space were described as having a "homey atmosphere cos it's their living room." At some point, there was a second floor addition to the building's original structured that, according to resident George Myers, was "hastilly added" and "very poorly insulated." During The Schoolhouse's run, the second floor included a recording studio/practice room housed in a closet where, again according to Myers, "everything was recorded with very, very bad equipment." The second floor also contained two bedrooms and an attic-like space that was often used for storage or as a guest bedroom. The attic-like space was once used for a performance/installation by The Doo Man Group, because of space restrictions the performance was simulcast throughout the house from hand held video cameras to televisions in the main performance space.Notable Performances
On Sunday, May 23rd, 2004, a veritable avant-garde supergroup performed at The Schoolhouse when Brooklyn drone-artists Double Leopards were joined by Sonic YouthSonic Youth
Sonic Youth is an American alternative rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. The current lineup consists of Thurston Moore , Kim Gordon , Lee Ranaldo , Steve Shelley , and Mark Ibold .In their early career, Sonic Youth was associated with the No Wave art and music scene in New York City...
’s Thurston Moore
Thurston Moore
Thurston Joseph Moore is an American musician best known as a singer, songwriter and guitarist of Sonic Youth. He has also participated in many solo and group collaborations outside of Sonic Youth, as well as running the Ecstatic Peace! record label...
, noted independent music producer and Wilco
Wilco
Wilco is an American alternative rock band based in Chicago, Illinois. The band was formed in 1994 by the remaining members of alternative country group Uncle Tupelo following singer Jay Farrar's departure. Wilco's lineup has changed frequently, with only singer Jeff Tweedy and bassist John...
/Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth is an American alternative rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. The current lineup consists of Thurston Moore , Kim Gordon , Lee Ranaldo , Steve Shelley , and Mark Ibold .In their early career, Sonic Youth was associated with the No Wave art and music scene in New York City...
collaborator Jim O'Rourke
Jim O'Rourke (musician)
Jim O'Rourke is an Irish-American musician and record producer. He was long associated with the Chicago experimental and improv scene...
, and free jazz duo Paul Flaherty & Chris Corsano
Chris Corsano
Chris Corsano is a drummer from New England, USA. He often performs in an improvisation duo with saxophonist Paul Flaherty. He has also recorded material with artists such as Evan Parker, Dredd Foole, Sunburned Hand of the Man, Six Organs of Admittance, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Matt Valentine,...
all performing together under the name Double Dream/Action Leopards Unit. Openers that night included noise band Yellow Swans
Yellow Swans
Yellow Swans were an American experimental electronic noise band from Portland, Oregon. The duo are renowned for their improvisional approach to music, creating a unique experience for each live performance. They describe their music as "a constantly evolving mass of psychedelic noise that is both...
from Portland, Oregon, Scott Foust’s Idea Fire Company, and Western Massachusetts’ avant-pop trio Yonk Yonk.
In October of 2002, Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts is a loosely defined geographical region of the U.S. state of Massachusetts which contains the Berkshires, the Pioneer Valley, and some or all of the Swift River Valley. The region is always considered to include Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, and the...
experimental art-rock band Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error is an Experimental/Noise/conceptual art avant garde rock band from Northampton, Massachusetts. They are seen as staples of the underground noise and improvisation scene and helped to start what is known as a regional form of noise music called . They have been associated with the...
played their first show at the Schoolhouse.
Other performers at The Schoolhouse include: Animental, Anthro Rex, Barn Owl, Belltone Suicide, Bengeorge7, Bromp Treb, Can't, Casiotone for the Painfully Alone
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone was the musical solo-project of musician Owen Ashworth of Redwood City, California.-History:Ashworth started CFTPA after he dropped out of film school in 1997...
, Cass McCombs
Cass McCombs
Cass McCombs is an American songwriter and performer. Called "unobtrusively brilliant" by John Peel, he has received widespread critical acclaim for his five LPs and one EP.- History :Cass McCombs was born in Concord, California...
, Cherry Blossoms, Chiara Giovando, Deerhunter
Deerhunter
Deerhunter is an American four-piece indie rock group originating from Atlanta, Georgia. The band, consisting of Bradford Cox, Moses Archuleta, Josh Fauver, and Lockett Pundt, have described themselves as "ambient punk," though they incorporate a wide range of genres, including noise rock, art...
, Deflator Mouse, Defneg, Dreamhouse, Dredd Foole, Dude Law, Emil Beaulieau
Emil Beaulieau
Emil Beaulieau, or more fully, “Emil Beaulieau: America’s Greatest Living Noise Artist” is the stage name of Ron Lessard, a prominent noise musician who primarily records for his own label: RRRecords. He has collaborated and performed with many well-known noise artists, including Merzbow, Pain...
(aka Ron Lessard of RRRecords
RRRecords
RRRecords is a used and new record shop. RRRecords is distinguished as being the first American record label to specifically publish underground noise music in the early 1980s, and published the first American vinyl by Merzbow, Masonna, The Hanatarash, Violent Onsen Geisha, and many more artists...
), Feathers, Hands, Horse Spirit Penetrates, Jason Anderson, Jimmy Cousins, John Wiese
John Wiese
-Biography:Born April 18, 1977, John Wiese is an artist and composer residing in Los Angeles, California. In the late 1990s, Wiese moved from St. Louis, Missouri to the west coast in order to study graphic design at the California Institute of the Arts...
, Johnny Franchise and the Merchandise, Jonny Corndawg, Joshua Burkett, Kites, Lazy Magnet, M Ax Noi Mach, Mammal, Misty, Movies With Live Soundtracks, Neon Hunk
Neon Hunk
Neon Hunk was a husband/wife noise music duo, composed of Jennifurmium - vocals and analog synthesizer/ring modulator, and Pink Diamond - Drums, Vocals, and Modular Digital Synthesizer. Neon Hunk formed in the summer of 2000 under the name Abracadaver, but changed their name to Neon Hunk in 2001....
, Paul and Val, Rave Party, Red Favorite, Rustle, Schurt Kwitters, Scientifics, Sharon Cheslow
Sharon Cheslow
Sharon Cheslow is an American musician, composer, and artist. In 1981, she formed Chalk Circle, Washington, D.C.'s first all-female punk band...
, Son Of Earth, Steamrollers, Steve Zultanski, Summer Jam Band, Tarp, Tiger Saw
Tiger Saw
Tiger Saw is a Sadcore band from Newburyport, Massachusetts. Formed in 1999, the band currently consists of Dylan Metrano on guitar and vocals, Juliet Nelson on vocals, cello and bass, John Ryan Gallagher on guitar and Andrew Nelson on drums...
, USAIsAMonster, Vampire Belt (Bill Nace & Chris Corsano
Chris Corsano
Chris Corsano is a drummer from New England, USA. He often performs in an improvisation duo with saxophonist Paul Flaherty. He has also recorded material with artists such as Evan Parker, Dredd Foole, Sunburned Hand of the Man, Six Organs of Admittance, Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Matt Valentine,...
) w/ Thurston Moore
Thurston Moore
Thurston Joseph Moore is an American musician best known as a singer, songwriter and guitarist of Sonic Youth. He has also participated in many solo and group collaborations outside of Sonic Youth, as well as running the Ecstatic Peace! record label...
and various Paperrad musical performances and installation projects such as Extreme Animals, Dr. Doo, Doo Man Group, and schoolhouse rave.
Breaking World Records
In addition to hosting noise and experimental music shows, The Schoolhouse served as headquarters for the Breaking World Records label. Originally conceived as a cassette tape and cd-r label, Breaking World Records grew to eventually releasing LP and 7” vinyl records (in addition to still putting out cassettes). Breaking World Records became a significant vehicle for documenting the noise music scene in Western MassachusettsWestern Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts is a loosely defined geographical region of the U.S. state of Massachusetts which contains the Berkshires, the Pioneer Valley, and some or all of the Swift River Valley. The region is always considered to include Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, and the...
during the period putting out releases by bengeorge7, Anthro Rex, Noise Nomads, Yonk Yonk, Diagram A, Tumblecat Poof Poofy Poof, and Grey Skull.
Other notable Breaking World Record’s releases include the first Ducktails 7" (side project of Real Estate (band)
Real Estate (band)
Real Estate is an Indie rock band hailing from Ridgewood, New Jersey now rooted in Brooklyn, N.Y.-Band members:* Alex Bleeker – bass, vocals* Martin Courtney – guitar, vocals* Matthew Mondanile – guitar, vocals* Jackson Pollis – drums...
guitar player Matt Mondanile), Paperrad musical component Dr. Doo In Fucland CD-r/DVD-r, and Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error is an Experimental/Noise/conceptual art avant garde rock band from Northampton, Massachusetts. They are seen as staples of the underground noise and improvisation scene and helped to start what is known as a regional form of noise music called . They have been associated with the...
side projects’ Bromp Treb Twins 7” and Schwurt Kwitters s/t cdr.
Western Mass
The Schoolhouse existed during a particularly fruitful period in the independent, do-it-yourself music and art scene in Western MassachusettsWestern Massachusetts
Western Massachusetts is a loosely defined geographical region of the U.S. state of Massachusetts which contains the Berkshires, the Pioneer Valley, and some or all of the Swift River Valley. The region is always considered to include Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, and the...
. In addition to the Schoolhouse, underground and left-of-center shows were also regularly booked at the Flywheel Arts Collective (a non-profit performing arts space) in Easthampton, MA, The Shed (a “punkspot” literally housed in a backyard toolshed) in Palmer, MA, as well as the formation of the Autonomous Battleship Collective (a psych/folk collective) operating mainly out of the Montague Bookmill in Montague, MA. In addition to these collectives, Byron Coley
Byron Coley
Byron Coley is an American music critic who wrote prominently for Forced Exposure magazine in the 1980s, starting with their fifth issue until the magazine ceased publication in 1993. Prior to Forced Exposure, he wrote for NY Rocker, Boston Rock, and Take It! magazine. Coley is one of the first...
and Thurston Moore
Thurston Moore
Thurston Joseph Moore is an American musician best known as a singer, songwriter and guitarist of Sonic Youth. He has also participated in many solo and group collaborations outside of Sonic Youth, as well as running the Ecstatic Peace! record label...
's Ecstatic Yod
Ecstatic yod
Ecstatic Yod, otherwise known as Father Yod, is a record label run by music critic Byron Coley. In 1993 the label partnered with Thurston Moore's label Ecstatic Peace and began releasing records under the name "Ecstatic Yod." Ecstatic Yod operates a retail outlet in Florence, Massachusetts....
record and bookstore in Florence, MA also hosted a number performances by different national and international acts.
In an interview with Blastitude webzine in 2004, Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error is an Experimental/Noise/conceptual art avant garde rock band from Northampton, Massachusetts. They are seen as staples of the underground noise and improvisation scene and helped to start what is known as a regional form of noise music called . They have been associated with the...
’s Neil “Kayleen” Young said, “Western Mass benefits from being far enough away from NYC & Boston that some of the more fashionable elements overlook us, plus we don't have either of their wretched regional accents… However, we do benefit from being in close enough proximity for touring folks to pass on through, and a nice little circuit has been from Boston - Providence - Western Mass - Brattleboro, VT - Albany/Troy, NY - New Haven, CT - NYC.”
In a 2010 interview with Pitchfork
Pitchfork
A pitchfork is an agricultural tool with a long handle and long, thin, widely separated pointed tines used to lift and pitch loose material, such as hay, leaves, grapes, dung or other agricultural materials. Pitchforks typically have two or three tines...
, when asked by Pitchfork
Pitchfork
A pitchfork is an agricultural tool with a long handle and long, thin, widely separated pointed tines used to lift and pitch loose material, such as hay, leaves, grapes, dung or other agricultural materials. Pitchforks typically have two or three tines...
contributor Marc Masters why so much interesting stuff goes on in Western Mass, Tim Sheldon of Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error
Fat Worm of Error is an Experimental/Noise/conceptual art avant garde rock band from Northampton, Massachusetts. They are seen as staples of the underground noise and improvisation scene and helped to start what is known as a regional form of noise music called . They have been associated with the...
responded, “It’s confusing to us sometimes.”