Music Cos. Find Homes in Dumbo

BROOKLYN, NY-Word of mouth and affordable rents have been the key factors in the increasing number of independent music-related companies taking space here in the Dumbo section of the borough. In the past two years, Two Tree Management Co. has seen the number of indie music companies more than double. During 2002 there were seven, today there are 17 including recording labels, music studios, music engineers and composers. And more are showing interest and signing on all the time, according to Two Tree.

“Brooklyn is now the cool borough, our high-quality space is a terrific value, and the last few years have seen a huge increase in the number of creative professionals living and working in Brooklyn,” explains Chris Havens, director of leasing at Two Trees. “The biggest draw to Dumbo’s new music scene, however, is word of mouth. Music companies already in the neighborhood spread the message that Dumbo is the new ‘it’ place for independent labels.”

Among the latest to add their names to the tenant rolls are Triple Z Inc., a company for composer and music producer Paul Guzzone, which leased 1,573 sf in 20 Jay St. for a five-year term at $12 per sf. Witchcraft Music principals Shawn L. and Colleen Moseley, who have a company that records and mixes music, leased 1,958 sf in the site for a five-year term, also paying $12 per sf. 20 Jay St. is being converted floor-by-floor into “creative spaces,” says Havens.