Move Forward Music will debut its inaugural festival, Sounds That Move, from May 15–17,transforming a stretch of Scott Avenue in Bushwick into a multi-venue cultural hub.
Spanning 53 to 70 Scott Ave., the three-day event brings together independent artists, nightlife spaces and media platforms in a decentralized format designed to move away from traditional single-site festivals.
The lineup features a mix of emerging and established acts, including Saba, Hope Tala, Mark William Lewis, Sango, Tyler ICU and DJ Habibeats, along with the official Fresh Finds live showcase presented by Spotify and a multi-day free vintage fashion market by Thrift2Death.
“For the last decade, festivals have grown bigger, but they haven’t necessarily felt more connected,” said Al Damashek, founder of Move Forward Music. “We wanted to build something that feels curated, community-driven and rooted in New York. Scott Avenue is a completely unique block where multiple major venues exist side by side and it gives us the opportunity to bring the city together in one place — artists, media, venues and fans — all moving through the same space.”
Programming will take place across five venues, 99 Scott, Brooklyn Roots Collective, Silo, Honey’s and Chocolate Factory with a schedule that includes live performances, DJ sets, panel discussions and workshops.
The official Spotify Fresh Finds Live showcase is expected to highlight emerging artists gaining traction on the platform, while the Thrift2Death market will run throughout the weekend as an open-access retail and community space.
The curation spans genres, from indie and alternative music to global club sounds shaped by diasporic influences. Organizers are positioning the event as a more fluid festival experience, allowing attendees to move between venues along a single block rather than remain in one location, effectively turning the corridor into a walkable festival ground.
Additional programming partners include Pigeons & Planes, Indie Hourzz, The Digilogue, Grey Area and That Good Sh*t, each contributing curated showcases and conversations, alongside companies such as Indify, Even and ONErpm.
Attendance is projected to reach up to 23,000 people over three days, with ticket options providing access to both daytime programming and nighttime events. The festival reflects a broader shift toward independently produced, community-centered experiences rooted in New York City’s creative scene.
