When Nemo Bidstrup of Time-Lag Records announced that he would be closing his doors, a group of Portland friends saw an opportunity. Jake Millett, Adam Brokos, Andrew Chang, and Madeleine Leach joined forces to create a store they have dubbed Moody Lords. Similar to its predecessor, the quartet's venture, set to open September 1, will feature records, vintage clothing, and vintage music gear.
On Sunday at the Big Easy, friends and supporters gathered for a night of music to raise some last-minute funds for the store. The night included scratching, rapping, and beat making, all for the cause. While the doors officially opened at 9, the performers did not actually take the stage until much later, giving the four storeowners plenty of time to mingle with the small crowd.
"People know these things never get going until 10:30 or so," explained Millett, later laughing with Brokos, "That's not late! We've both got kids and that's not late!"
The night featured performances by Boondocks, Dynamo P., DJ Rew, The Lin, Slouch (Millett), Slop, Alt (Chang), and Adam B. (Brokos), mostly donating their performance time. For those knowledgeable of the local hip-hop scene, the line up was especially impressive, as DJ Rew and The Lin rarely play out anymore, and Boondocks, known best as the man formerly behind the Big Easy's hip-hop night, no longer lives in Maine.
With three of the performers also store owners, the night also showcased the talent and industry knowledge that should provide a firm backbone for Moody Lords.
The crowd size hovered around 35, with friends drifting in and out; the dance floor was always occupied, and the vibe was celebratory. When Slouch and Adam B. took the stage, joined briefly by Alt, the three co-owners looked almost giddy. Millett, making beats, was unable to wipe the grin off his face as he observed the dancing crowd.
"We're all best friends," his girlfriend, and store consignment contributor Katie Webb explained earlier in the night.
