Meet Me in the Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011 by Lizzie Goodman

The seminal 2001 New York Times bestseller “Meet Me in the Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011” by journalist Lizzie Goodman tells the fascinating story of the indie rock music movement that redefined New York City’s music scene during this tumultuous decade. The book paints an engaging picture of the exciting, intense and often chaotic world of indie rock,” using vibrant and revealing oral testimonies from artists, musicians, record label executives, band managers and more who were involved in this creative and explosive movement.

The story begins in 2001 with a vibrant music scene pulsing in New York City, as indie rock music and its accompanying culture surged in popularity across the city. Yet a decade later, this scene was drastically changed and many of the acts had vanished or fallen out of the spotlight. Through in-depth interviews and her passion for music and culture, Goodman dives deep into the lives of these individuals, exploring the stories of the beloved bands like The Strokes, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Animal Collective, discovering how this DIY network of independent labels, bands and venues played an important role in facilitating the up-and-coming indie rock movement.

Goodman also sheds light on the intersection of music and other arts in New York City, discussing how the city’s history of creative collaboration and support from graphics, film and fine art, combined with new artistically-focused digital technologies, gave bands, venues and labels the incentive to take chances and create something new. The vibrant indie-rock scene was bolstered by the power of “word-of-mouth” marketing, showing how these new forms of media and digital culture are an integral part of the creative culture scene in New York City.

Through hidden historical gems, Goodman weaves vivid storytelling with the reflections of those who influenced the movement and helped to define the indie rock sound of this time period. Through personal interviews and richly detailed anecdotes, the book chronicles the stories of the music, the lifestyle, and the triumphs and struggles of those involved in the indie rock movement in New York City. Adopting a journalistic approach to painting a portrait of people, places and music, Goodman delivers a book full of original insights and expert storytelling.

“Meet Me in the Bathroom: Rebirth and Rock and Roll in New York City 2001-2011” by Lizzie Goodman is a captivating blend of oral testimonies, true-life accounts and memorable anecdotes that paint a vibrant and intriguing portrait of the New York City indie rock scene during this tumultuous decade of change. The book gives an in-depth look at the history of the movement, the DIY network of independent labels and the people who shaped it, exploring the intersections of art, digital culture, and creative collaboration. Through her unique insights, Goodman captures the creative spirit and the innovative spirit of this scene, making for a memorable read for fans of music and culture alike.